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Smartphone Filmmaking – Tips, Guidance and Advice

Here at VideoWorks Belfast, we are filmmakers, we love film, we love video and we are thrilled to share some valuable tips to help your smartphone filmmaking endeavours. Let’s dive right in and give you a few tips!

  1. Clean Your Lens:

Before each shot, give your phone’s lens a quick wipe. Clear vision is key, and keeping it clean will ensure your footage can look super professional. Remember, cleanliness is next to cinematic-ness…..

  1. Do Not Disturb:

Activate the “Do Not Disturb” settings on your phone to avoid interruptions during filming. Distractions can ruin a perfect take, so silence those incoming calls and notifications.

  1. Landscape Mode Is Your Friend:

Hold your phone horizontally (landscape mode) for a consistent and cinematic look. Maintain this orientation throughout each shot to create a seamless viewing experience and also allow for more diverse screen usages.

  1. Lighting Matters:

Always keep a bright light behind you when shooting. Consistent lighting enhances the overall quality of your footage. A well-lit scene is a well-captured scene so work on that!

  1. Sound Quality Is Crucial:

Invest in a good microphone for clear audio (a lavalier perhaps). If you’re using your phone’s built-in mic, get close to your subject. Frame up your shots carefully, whether they’re close-ups, mid-shots, or wide shots.

  1. Zoom with Your Feet:

Avoid using the camera’s zoom feature as it is usually a digital zoom (pixelated). Instead, physically move closer to your subject for a more dynamic and authentic feel.

  1. Lock Autofocus and Auto Exposure:

Ensure your shots are sharp and well-exposed by locking autofocus and auto exposure. Take a moment to let the camera adjust before hitting record. Learn how to do this!

  1. Stability Is Key:

Hold your phone steady during filming. Avoid unnecessary movements, and let the autofocus and auto exposure do their magic.

  1. Take Your Time:

Give yourself about 10 seconds for each shot. Patience pays off in the world of filmmaking, and a well-paced sequence adds professionalism to your work. Count to ten in your head!

  1. End on a Good Note:

When you’re done filming, turn off the “Do Not Disturb” settings. Your phone is now back in action for calls and notifications.

Best of luck with filmmaking and if you’re looking for professional videographers, do get in touch!

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