Hellbender Media

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #148

by scrappy Jun 26, 2023

You could always use a film camera, too.

If you want your video to look like film, one of the most effective choices you can make is to light it like film.

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #94

by scrappy Oct 6, 2021

It sure would save time if we could really do this, though…

Security camera footage usually comes from high in corners. Please don’t just re-use normal footage when simulating a security camera. Strap a Handicam or something up in the corner and do it right. It’s just another angle.

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #82

by scrappy Jul 19, 2021

“Stable” means “tripod,” by the way.

You can use an ordinary digital camera as an animation camera, as long as you can set it for the proper resolution and remote-shutter it.

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #25

by scrappy Jun 29, 2021

Pores might be a bit overboard.

Don’t be afraid to get close with the camera. A movie made all out of long shots (because the Director was afraid to get close) is a movie without any emotional context whatsoever. Get in there and get some of that!

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #22

by scrappy Jun 29, 2021

The Great Red Eye of Disturbance!

If your actors absolutely cannot act whatsoever, or freak out once the camera’s on, make a big noise about your DP turning the camera off while you run through some off-camera rehearsals. Have the DP filming this secretly (“Just pulling focus, guys — don’t mind me!”). No matter how crappy an actor might be, they can usually be themselves with some reasonably convincing skill.