There are so many filmmaking enthusiast out there, trying to figure out the secret recipe in producing a great film. Many resort to buying better equipment or attending different workshops that are promoted by their loved professionals. But, becoming better only starts from within. Here is a list of things that will help in your journeys of better filmmaking.
#1 Search from within
Too many times I see creators trying to recreate things. Being a creator according to Webster Dictionary, is "To bring something into existence." I understand that some art must be recreated, because there is no better way of doing it, but you must try and be original too! Everyone tells a story differently.
#2 Equipment
Equipment is important, but the mind is more important. You can get by with cheaper equipment and still come away with a great product. For example my first tripod couldn't pan or tilt very well. It would get stuck and not have a nice smooth motion everyone loves to see. I found out from a YouTube tutorial that you can use a rubber band on the handle to help steady the shot. The elasticity of the band would have the perfect resistance to make the shots look decent enough.
The Camera: I use the Cannon 5D Mark iii. But for those of you you on a budget, the Canon 60D works great. A link of the 60D can be seen Here
The Tripod is also a crucial tool in simple filmmaking. Tripods come in many different types. There are monopods which is basically a pole and have great mobility. A standard tripod usually has three legs. These types of tripods are able to withstand heavier equipment, especially when your rig begins to hold lights and microphones.
For beginners I would recommend the Revellie APLT4 as seen here. It's a cheap tripod with basic functionality.
For professionals I would recommend the Manfrotto MVK500 with a fluid head as seen here. This tripod can hold heavier equipment and the fluid head is incredible for fluid smooth shots.
The audio: Audio can be a tricky thing to capture properly. Most beginners will use the in camera mic (if there is one), but for the most part the audio is awful. Usually in camera mics pick up too much wind or ambient noises that can take away from a scene.
To capture great audio, I would recommend recording audio from an outside source and then match up the audio and video in your editing program. The Zoom H4N does a great job with this. However, with this recorder you also need to get a mic, such as a shotgun mic or lapel.
#3 Practice
Richard Carlson said, "You are what you practice most." If you want to be a filmmaker, then you must practice filmmaking…it's the only way you're going to get better. Write a story! Be creative! Just be sure to always be doing something that you love. For me it's film. I try to write portions of a script, film nature, or watch and critique a movie every day. What is it that you are doing today, that will make you better?
