Cheap Ways to Make Your Film Look Like Steven Spielberg's
Filed under: DIY/Filmmaking
OK, show of hands: How many out there have sat through anything from some cheap jack direct-to-video pile of swill to a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster and said to themself "Good Lord! I can make a movie better than this!" I'm betting anyone who has seen Showgirls, Plan 9 From Outer Space or Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park (a made-for-TV flick I've had a love/hate relationship with for nearly 30 years) is waving their hands in the air like they just don't care. Well, these days if you think you can make a decent flick of any kind, there's very little stopping you. Camcorders and computers with non-linear video editing software are more affordable now than ever before. Cinematical's sister site DIYlife.com (we're all part of the Weblogs, Inc. family, don't you know) has begun a series of posts that aims to help you make your zero budget video look as professional as possible. The first installment "DIY Film School: Rigs and Mounts" is available for your perusal, and it takes a look at eight economical but efficient ways of mounting your video camera to get smooth and professional looking footage. Would you believe you can build a steadycam for a mere $14 or a body brace variation of the same for less than $40? How about a $60 camera jib or systems for mounting your camera on a car (backseat view or exterior) or on a bicycle. How about a PVC pipe fig rig (another method of stabilizing your camera) or an underwater housing for your camcorder for less than $70? The next installment in the series involves do-it-yourself sound and lighting projects, but the ones presented here should keep budding film makers busy for awhile.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-06-2007 @ 9:33PM
Peter said...
I've built quite a few of these stedicams over the year and can vouch for their quality and ease of build. Matter of fact, one for a project was left at a friends house, who happened to have a student film being shot in his house that day. He was making chit-chat with the girl's professor, who was responsible for the practical effects in What Dreams May Come.
Said friend mentioned the stedicam, said professor asked to take a look at it. I believe his response went something like this, "Well, shit, can I have that?"
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