Cinematography Tips for Filmmakers

[@D4Darious]

Nice vid. Simon. well done.

[@DSLRguide]

cheers man!

[@billyrudling9159]

Yo darious what's up

[@terr4890]

Ahh, so much inspiration again. My mind's blown away by how far you've come in only few years of doing this thing you're so passionate about. You really are a true artist and you're one of my biggest role models.

[@DSLRguide]

thanks Terr, I appreciate ya :)

[@nictheartist]

You sound like you have oodles of years of filmmaking experience, the mind boggles! British Filmmaker of the (very near) future!

[@DSLRguide]

+nictheartist thanks!

[@notinuse9535]

I am a 15-year-old amateur filmmaker and your videos inspire me to be a better cinematographer. Cheers to you!

[@teamirresistible4610]

same hear!!!except that i am a bit younger

[@highgroundproductions8590]

almost same here

[@antihinduismisbased]

Noah Mezzacappa how did you manage to do filmmaking at such a young age? I'm not being able to even create a short film and I'm 17 and in 12th grade. No one encourages to even start shooting and am told that I should focus on my studies. I mean, yeah, I know that. I'm not stupid. But can I not even at least try?!

[@Vighnesh.M.Productions]

Simon, something that I have not seen often talked about is the effect of crane shots, and the effect of camera movement in particular in storytelling. For example 1. Shot: Begins tight showing back of a car it drives away, the camera lifts up and shows the whole scene, this then becomes an 'Establishing Shot' showing where the car is driving to. 2. Reverse of that: From aerial view the camera goes down to a car, revealing the main character/object at hand. You could make a video about this. Have you come across anything that explains this? Btw, Thanks for this video, placing visible light object to simulate where the light is coming from is indeed a very nice touch!

[@DSLRguide]

I'm going to talk about some ideas to do with the meaning behind camera movement in an upcoming video in the 'Storytelling with Cinematography' series, so that's a great idea! Glad you liked the video!

[@EhItsDave]

I'm loving these cinematography tips!

[@adamroberts5488]

I love you vids and I think that mise en scene is defiantly the most important thing for a cinematographer

[@OfficialTomJ]

Such a great video. These tips from this Series has dramatically improved my filmmaking. Keep up the great work!!!

[@DSLRguide]

so glad to hear it, thanks Tom!

[@berarduccifilms5332]

Literally, my favorite KZbinr.... Thanks so much you have helped my short films very much

[@DSLRguide]

thanks BerarducciFILMS that means a lot!

[@klick2destruct]

this is so cool! im more of an audio guy but I'd love to make a movie someday and experience this whole world like I did with the recording stuff. gotta find some good writers I guess. so motivating!

[@UsamaMahmoudSultan]

This is the best channel on KZbin so far, I appreciate every single video in here and hope you continue with the cinematography videos, I learned a lot from you, so thank you

[@DSLRguide]

thank you for you're kind words, sir!

[@TheJoshlmanTech]

These are so in depth, keep it up man!

[@dejvthedrummer]

Very good job Sam. Wish you all the best in your film making career...and if not, at least a lot of joy while doing cynematography. Cheers

[@NewMoon57]

You are very easy to listen to and have such good info. Thanks for your insights.

[@jakobhovman]

Hello Simon... Thank You for yet another episode... Your work and workflow impress me... A true Entrepeneur... Very Inspirational...!

[@bryanemurphy]

Looking forward to the Storytelling through Cinematography series!

[@claudiaftprivacy6478]

I am looking forward to the cinematic tutorials from you.

[@robbyboyo]

Great selection of ideas.

[@sonnybrown4758]

3:35 you're a smart kid and you're learning and growing perfectly. Keep it up, man.

[@lespenseessauvagesdeafaf5358]

Thank you so much. I'm starting filmmaking and this is extremely useful. Your channel is great! Thx

[@DSLRguide]

Les Pensées Sauvages de Afaf you're welcome!

[@praker5139]

This chap may be destined to win an Oscar. Cheers.

[@franciscomarius1739]

Very valuable tips! Thanks a lot for sharing!

[@maximilianhoff9162]

Now I understand your instagram photos:D pretty nice!

[@noviandragunawan6155]

Great tips as always!!

[@OwenTuson02]

These videos are great and thanks for the links to those analyses

[@nelsonrojasmujica]

BRAVO !!!! thanks again.

[@LekkerLeviLoosVideos]

Maybe you could do a video about setting up a camera slider (heavy loaded), so people are able to see how that is managed on sets. Greets Levi.

[@singingjonathan1518]

Great video. It would be amazing if you did a video on some of the best Film Festivals to enter and how to better your chance to win.

[@DSLRguide]

At the moment I don't have any experience with that, although D4Darious is your man to talk to, his vlog channel should help you out: kzbin.info/door/jtkNz1QbU1PfsESVLuN3Ngvideos

[@AzeemMustafa]

Fantastic tips for budding cinematographers out there!

[@BadMouseProductions]

One thing I have seen you do a lot that I would advise you limit yourself on in future is using 2:35 bars. The problem with them is that they are used by so many young film makers as a way to 'Cheat' the cinematic look, but a lot of the time it just comes across as irritating because theres no need for it. Old films for example used 2:35 because it was a reaction to the rise of 4:3 television at the time, but today since we have unlimited abilities with our films, a good film maker would use 2:35 as a part of the story, E.g. 12 years a slave used it to show the scope of the film, Yojimbo used it but also shaped the composition of shots with a sort of horizontal look. So unless you have a theme or a need for it (Anamorphic) its probably best to try 16:9, and to contrast it with your to-the-camera shots, perhaps use less contrast :)

[@DSLRguide]

There are lots of ways to look at it, but when I look at the real world with my eyes it looks more like 2:35 than a square format. This is because our eyes are horizontally oriented. So I like to think that 4:3 and 16:9 were technological limitations because of the physical size of the film, and now we can shoot in a more natural aspect ratio. Plus we do associate 2:35 with movies, so it really helps things to look cinematic. There's no such thing as 'cheating' a look, aspect ratio is another tool that we can use as filmmakers. For this show it helps to show the difference between 'behind the scenes' shots and the actual example footage.

[@JulianSmartVideo]

I think it is important to realize that this channel is by a user learning cinematography and trying to teach what he learns. One thing I really like about it, is that he has taken the time to research and show the things that he has learned in a very nice manner. The downside of his channel is that its based off of his own strategy at the moment. A purchase or method that is shown in his videos as essential may not in fact be good advice and just strongly based on opinions. Anyway, claiming that there is no need for using 2:35 bars is just as wrong as saying its because our eyes are horizontally oriented... Bars are just another tool to help achieve a look, same with literally every other rule with cinematography.

[@BadMouseProductions]

Julian Smart I agree, and he's definitely guaranteed a job when he's an adult because of the amount of work he's doing on here :) What I don't agree with is this idea that because our eyes are 2.35 that we should replicate that in films. If thats what you want to go for and thats your intention behind the film, go for it. But when I see constantly these bars at the tops and bottoms of screens for every video that appears to be being made from young film makers I get a bit like... really? Wedding videos? Short Documentaries? Music Videos? I got no problem if you can justify it well, but if its constantly used it loses its uniqueness, since the standard for screens is 16:9 currently. Now I agree that for these videos the bars might serve to contrast the To-The-Camera shots and the BTS shots, but if he's making films I'd advise to use the aspect ratio in a way that suits the film. E.g. 4:3 to represent the confined space of the characters or as a historical meaning (Fish Tank & Grand Budapest Hotel) and 2.35 as a way to expand the scope of the film (Westerns, Epics, Action films etc) or for technical reasons (Anamorphic) Just because we can now use 2.35 with great ease that doesn't mean you should. We can create explosions out of CGI, it doesn't mean we should. I see a lot of student films that put on a letterbox I'm just there thinking... it doesn't look right... a tiny little film putting on this traditionally studio budget sized ratio. But again, I'm just a snobbish asshole so who cares? :L

[@BadMouseProductions]

Julian Smart Like this film some peeps I know made. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHXFgKZooNKefc0 The aspect ratio doesn't make it look anymore cinematic because the production value of the film/framing/lighting etc is off. I think I might have been a bit too harsh on Simon because his stuff is better than most, but many other film makers I see just seem to add this is a way to make their films looks nice and cinematic, and I'm just not buying into it :P

[@josephesabat1473]

Great work..thanks to help us by doing this excellent video. to create training videos ( in the class room, around 5m longer) I bought till today the canon 70d and these lenses: 1- canon 40mm f/2.8 STM, 2- 50mm f/1.4 USM, 3- Tamron 24-70mm 2.8 SP DI VC USD 4- Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM I have two questions: - according to your experience, are these lenses enough to do great sharp videos? - do you see that the Tamron 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD will perform my videos? remark: sometimes it is necessary to film or take photos from a small distance ( 15 to 30cm from the object). thank you in advance and thank you for video again

[@physcovideos]

I didn't think I'd have a favourite cinematographer but I have to say, Wally Pfister and Robert Richardson really step up their game

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

Great tips! :)

[@jaimeparra4402]

Thankyou sooo much brother! You are going to be a good Cinematographer. I want to be a cinematographer too and I wish to met you one day in the Oscars;) Make more videos and have a good one :)

[@NaoiseKettle]

great video thanks!

[@craigmutumbi9083]

visual storytelling, got it.

[@rexel666]

An excellent video.

[@SrikantLive]

Great videos, impressed. Wonderful source of learning. Your voice is very warm :) Can you do a video review about what could be made better for a Movie Like Bahubali or Bahubali 2?

[@liannecho]

Grade A! Looking forward to this series :D I should be paying you for what I've been learning!

[@DSLRguide]

Haha thanks David! Education is a right, not a privilege :)

[@liannecho]

Indeed!

[@AlienRockPictures]

That kid at 4:47 looks like Cameron from Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

[@mad-eb8gv]

holy shit.

[@endlessitaly21]

Gold

[@powerofsoundinstitute3109]

Yeah wow this was VERY helpful! Thank you!!

[@Xaviercb10]

bravo!

[@JacobCrowMains]

great work man

[@dreamWITH0UTfear]

Alright, two years later ... but better late than never right!? haha Anyway, you are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and passion :)

[@JacobCrowMains]

can't wait for the series, sounds good

[@BarefootMediaTV]

good tips as always! you act like your suppose to be a school teacher!

[@nachobru]

muy claro y conciso, gracias!

[@WesRezende]

Awesome tips!!! Could you show the books on the left side?

[@DSLRguide]

thanks Wes! they are actually movies, you can see them 4mins in to this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGKqk4NnlsuXea8

[@followgodforeverFGF]

Awesome stuff. Did you work on the short Imagine? I thought I recognized the script in the last part of the video. If so (and even if not), great work!

[@DSLRguide]

+Blake Hudson dang you are paying attention! I was the clapper loader on that film, just calling ' take 3, mark'

[@followgodforeverFGF]

Haha, I figure observation is one of the most useful skills in the film world! I just uploaded my first short film, shot on a LUMIX GH3. We placed top 4 out of about 100 teams at the University of Alabama Campus Moviefest so we're pretty stoked for it. Would love if you checked it out on my page. It's called "SPOT" thanks man, love all of your work!

[@JemsenTan]

Hey, first of all, I would like to say amazing videos you have, Simon! (: We need more of these kind of videos online. Btw, I would like to ask how did you do the title "Cade Visuals" appear during the skateboarding video intro. Motion tracking/Masking in FCPX? How? I would love a short tutorial. Thanks! (:

[@DSLRguide]

Thanks Jemsen, I used motion 5, and it was just a case of making the logo semi transparent so it looks like a shadow, and then carefully masking it so that it is behind the person, and also didn't go into his shadow.

[@gokalpcicek3486]

very informative, thanks and greeting from istanbul

[@mochramadhan]

you're a genius man, thank you so much for sharing

[@curtiscarter484]

Hey bud I like ur video, the newly released novel : "the wish and the waterfall" by K.B.Bachelder is a awesome read. I can definitely see it some day making it to the big screen. Chk out Amazon reviews many reviewers seem to think so too. Keep up the good work. Thx

[@TechieWAVEs]

Hello DSLRguide if you had to make a highlight video for an art school or lets say like a Summer Art boot camp . What will you do in your pre-production ? And how will you make it or record it ? And is there any side or any tips or somewhere that can teach me how it needs to be done.

[@lamhuynh3107]

Simon, great video as always! When you study a film (techniques, storytelling) how many times do you typically watch it? Because I always think that watching a certain film only one time doesn't help me fully comprehend all the used techniques thus I'm not be able to apply it myself when I'm filming. I've also tried with note-taking but you know, some visuals should be learned visually.

[@spammer2136]

I know this sounds creepy af (and is offtopic), but your brother is just soooo adorable!

[@phillipdorset]

As always a great video! How do you draw these example sketches?

[@DSLRguide]

thanks Philip! I use a pen tablet with the free software GIMP, and then just take my time drawing and adding colours!

[@Divineshot]

I just watched a movie with the romantic comedy scene, so true.

[@MyCCM13]

Your videos are amazing!

[@DSLRguide]

Céline Müller thank you Céline!

[@noamkogan1]

Hey Simon , can you please make a video about "How to Get into a Film Festival?" thank you.

[@DSLRguide]

If I ever get experience doing that then I will make a video about it! For now my guess is that you just have to focus on making a film that's as good as possible!

[@noamkogan1]

OK , thank you Simon.

[@LarsPallesen]

Very good advice.

[@DSLRguide]

+Lars Pallesen thanks Lars!

[@jrippa1]

Nice work! :)

[@yesteryearvintageclub6734]

thanks bro !!

[@mylifepart2]

nice....thank y

[@abbeybevan8225]

Great episode :) so what the difference between a director and a cinematograph, I thought directors did the lighting and stuff, or do only some directors do cinematography as well or do they talk to the cinematographer I detail about what they want? I know its a bit of a stupid question soz :)

[@DSLRguide]

traditionally, the director is in charge of the creative side of the film. All of the other departments (actors, set designers, etc) will be working to execute the directors vision - it's the directors job to give each department a thumbs up, or ask them to do something else that would work better for their vision. The cinematographer (also called DP, director of photography) is a bit like a director, but they only focus on the visual side of things - camera + lighting mostly. They will collaborate with the director on the visual side, and if any of the camera assistants or grips have a question, they'd go to the cinematographer before the director. But the cinematographer still has to listen to the big boss director!

[@abbeybevan8225]

:) thanks that really helpful, so is it possible to be both or not :)?

[@DSLRguide]

Abbey bevan absolutely! usually in big budget films they have a specialist for everything, so they can focus on that one thing and do it really well, but on a small budget film it's totally likely for the director to also be the cinematographer. no rules in filmmaking!

[@abbeybevan8225]

Yay, thanks a lot, this is great! Thanks again can't wait for the next episode! :)

[@DiegoStuartFilms]

great tutorial! one more follower here

[@rafaelmalvar]

Awesome Again! :)

[@angievillaluz4456]

god i love ur videosss

[@medioformatoconceito6143]

your so nice man. I think the content is much more clear you being so, so nice. haha

[@FStopProductions]

*cool! very helpful* hello from germany :)

[@BGHMTech]

awesome video man, I really like learning from your tips! So I'm buying a new camera now, the nikon d3300, at least I think I'll buy it, do you think it's a good idea or something like that? My father is a photo/videographer and he thought it looked like a good camera, but I want to know about what you think as well lol

[@DSLRguide]

Thanks Birk! For video I would definitely recommend the Canon T3i over a Nikon, but to be honest it doesn't matter that much!

[@BGHMTech]

Ok, thanks, I'm probably going for the d3300 cause my eos m has the same sensor as the t3i, and I want to upgrade lol :-) but I really appreciate your answer!

[@BGHMTech]

+DSLRGuide and also (unfortunately) the t3i cost as much as the d3300 in Norway…

[@mediamarketing5945]

What camera did you use for filming yourself on this video? thanks.

[@gibariinkognito4849]

+Media Marketing Usually he uses the Canon T3i

[@ConnorLandrum]

At 5:01 what filters/grading did you use? I really love the look of that shot.

[@DSLRguide]

+Connor Landrum nothing fancy, just adding contrast really, kept the colours pretty neutral - I did use film convert though: dslrguide.tv/filmconvert

[@ConnorLandrum]

DSLRguide Ok, Thank you. :)

[@mnrvaprjct]

Do you believe that copying or trying to master someone else's style is bad? I mean until you feel comfortable trying my own style of film making.

[@mnrvaprjct]

Sorry i meant a style the film maker chooses to use

[@DSLRguide]

That's a great question. I think it's totally worth 'taking inspiration from' (copying) people as a way to learn, but it's definitely worth copying lots of people at the same time, so it's not really recognisable. And that's only a place to start, when it comes to doing paid gigs or a youtube channel you don't want to be using the 'trademarks' of a certain director. A bit like following a tutorial to learn about a concept, but then using it your own way. Should always be looking out for your own ways to do things!

[@SteveGarrix]

How do you add those "Black Lines" that are on top and bottom of every video? (Including Movies) Do you put them when you're editing? Or does it come like that with a cannon or any recording camera?? Please respond, and once again excellent video.

[@LiamKenneyDillon]

It's called a letterbox on the film. Usually added for cinematic effect, and you add them by changing your aspect ratio in your editing software. Or adding the effect called "letterbox"

[@SteveGarrix]

Thanks! Sorry for my ignorance, I'm new to Film Making.

[@LiamKenneyDillon]

UglyTreeHouse UTH Don't be sorry!

[@bradymcatee4785]

The origin of the black lines where because when new films started coming out that were made for widescreen TV's or theaters with wide screens. But when played on a box TV or any other SD TV in order to fit the whole movie onto the screen, it had to be shrunk down so instead of seeing the whole screen being filled, you see empty black spaces on top or bottom where there is no available picture data. Now a days it's added to a lot of films because it adds a cinematic look and really improves the quality and tone of your film quite a lot. So it used to be because the knew "Hip" HD aspect ratio (16:9) didn't fit on old TV's with there SD (standard definition) Screens (3:4), so the movies had to be shrunken down. Now it's just for effect :)

[@CathyDirector]

Great Video. Even i learned more about Cinematography. Would be great if you can have a look at my Videos/Films and let me know what im doing wrong or what i can do better?!

[@DSLRguide]

Thanks Cathy! My advice would be to just keep on practicing, and make the kind of videos you would find helpful / interesting. I know that's not very specific but it's the most important thing!

[@kcgamer1698]

Which software do you use to create your video i mean like AF, Premia pro or anything else?

[@TOASTguy2]

When you run, do you just take pictures with your phone, or do you actually bring a DSLR with you?

[@DSLRguide]

all on the phone, which helps to challenge me!

[@NaoiseKettle]

what would you recommend as a better camera, the canon 600d or the canon 650d?

[@DSLRguide]

600D! not worth spending too much on a camera, especially when they are so similar!

[@NaoiseKettle]

Ok thanks:)

[@faveelovescoffee]

real talk, you're handsome! :)

[@mitchelltravis7036]

I am new to film, so what are those black bars for on the top and bottom?

[@DSLRguide]

Mitchell Travis called widescreen bars or 2:39 aspect overlays

[@Filmmakingness]

Will you be entering the rode competition?

[@DSLRguide]

Nope, I've got a lot of school / other projects on at the moment, but it's a great opportunity I'd recommend to anyone!

[@Filmmakingness]

I would love to win, but not much chance :)

[@blaze7345]

is that reuben gray?

[@Urbies]

SIMON can you please think about shooting your videos in a different location. just in my opinion as a viewer think this same setting in your bedroom is getting old and boring. Please consider this, thanks

[@DSLRguide]

Considering it, but I have to say there are a lot of practical reasons that would make it difficult anywhere else.

[@Vighnesh.M.Productions]

DSLRguide I think your location looks great. There are many shows like Oprah, Filmriot that keep the same setting for a long time. It keeps things familiar. You could always make little changes like putting different things on the shelf.

[@messianicrogue]

DSLRguide I like watching the tree blow in the wind, its a lot more interesting than a static background would be and I personally really like it. Don't change for the sake of change, especially don't change because of a few comments - its your style and taste that matter over every critic - they come and go but your style develops and matures with you.

[@nintendokings]

Good stuff! How old is he though? Looks 16

[@DSLRguide]

nintendokings thanks! I'm 17

[@dr.paperandthejunkyardhatb6105]

idk if it's just me but I heard a wierd whistling when he's talking

[@playbehnder]

spanish subs pleaaaaaaaaaaaseee in all your vids!! haha :D

[@staar7]

I love you, ok?

[@DSLRguide]

Sahandra Rivera haha

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Is Simon still making videos? In 2024?

[@DSLRguide]

sure am! just posted a fun one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpmmo3l5qLdnrq8

[@stevocanuck]

0:03 ..... ugghhhhhh :)

[@stevocanuck]

btw simon. I'll comment on something else besides the intro for once.. Sometimes i watch your videos and there completely awesome. but i get confused with some of the things you mention. But that's only because i'm a serious beginner in filming equipments. I have a slightly different interests than yours but I still enjoy them and love the work you put into these videos.

[@DSLRguide]

Stevo Canuck if there's anything you don't understand just leave a comment and i'm sure me or someone else will be able to explain!

[@AustinThomasFilms]

Stevo Canuck Haha I don't know why you complain about the intro, it's like 3 seconds long

[@stevocanuck]

AustinTheWeird123 not complaining. I love his intro

[@expiai]

omg my vids look terrible compared to yours :(

[@DSLRguide]

keep practicing my friend, it just takes learning! try and stay positive :)

[@expiai]

DSLRguide thanks hope fully it happens soon :)

[@mihihihahaha7894]

something wrong with his lips

[@mihihihahaha7894]

+mihihi hahaha and jawbone.