How to film MINIATURES | Top 10 filmmaking tips

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Want to get inspired to make your own film? Watch my free webinar here: My Top 10 Tips for making your passion project on a budget 😎www.diymoviemaking.com/pl/2147593183

[@pederslothzuricho7685]

Interesting, I actually searched for a video like this to confirm a theory i had, What i find interesting, is actually that My life has been centrered around game design and development for over a decade, and this video has made me want to consider the options for a career change without deciding upon anything at the moment. Being so invested into software is fun, but after seeing this element, I am considering if I haven't always been intrigued to do special effects at least at some level, obviously the most fun part is to solve problems and see a result. But at the very least this video has inspired me to play around with it as a hobby at the very least. The funny thing is my background in Media Technology already has given me a large amount of skills and knowledge within the field, but it took this video to really buy into the idea. And that is very interesting, your video did something very unusual, I have no clue what, but it had an impact. I guess you nailed it, well done.

[@jesus4400]

Like NASA's space hoax!! 8:13

[@johnnygoodman2003]

Wait... a really big minature is called a bigot-chur?

[@MrPeaceandLiberty]

The high speed frame rate was usually calculated based on the scale of the model. The square root of the denominator was used as the frame rate multiplier. For example, for a 1/16 scale model would be shot at four times the usual 24 fps rate, or 96 fps. A 1/25 scale model would be shot at five times the usual rate, or 120 fps. It would be particularly useful when a model is in water,, or the scene involves pyrotechnics or some other motion.

[@The-python-guy]

hey Im getting ready to start shooting a little miniture space battle and I was wondering about this do I just record at a high frame rate and then slow it down to get fast movement

[@DavidRLentz-b7i]

Thanks for this. I am a word nerd and an aspiring novelist. However, I am neither a techie nor a maths whiz!

[@danpalooza]

There's a formula to get the proper frame rate for whatever scale model you're shooting. Camera frame rate is increased as the inverse square root of the scale fraction. For instance if the scale model is 1/16th scale, take the inverse of the fraction (which is 16) then square root it (which is 4) then multiply that by what frame rate you want it to be perceived as (usually 24fps) and that gives you what frame rate you should shoot at (96fps in this example). Once you establish this frame rate you can then calculate how fast your model needs to travel to have the perceived speed desired. Which lets say you want your 1/16th scale model to look like it's going 60mph. Multiply your scale fraction by your desired portrayed speed, then multiply again by your frame rate that we calculated before (96fps) then divide that by your normal frame rate (24fps). So the answer for this example would be 15mph or 22 ft/sec for the scale model to travel. (1/16 x 60mph x 96fps / 24fps = 15mph).

[@pgVeritas]

It was the Fireflash in the thumbnail that grabbed my attention. As one of the original audience of the programme, I grew up with it and all of Gerry Anderson’s “Supermarionation” programmes. It was a time when kids TV producers cared about what they were doing. There’s a great documentary out about Thunderbirds and Gerry Anderson’s Slough based 21st Century Productions. Many younger viewers or non-UK might be surprised to learn that the same guys that invented most of the methods for Gerry Anderson were involved in the UK shooting of the special effects in Star Wars. If you get a moment look out for the documentary. If you’re an aspiring film maker or just reminiscing, it’s worth a watch. Thank you for explaining some of these techniques in this video.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Glad you enjoyed it! And yes, big fan of the Thunderbirds / Gerry Anderson shows since I was young.

[@MobileFilmmaking]

As a person who makes sci-fi shorts I really need to put these into play so that I'm not solely relying on digital effects. Another awesome video.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks

[@leokimvideo]

When I blew up the helicopter on Matrix there were multiple frame rates used. The chopper was 1/4 scale and had cameras set at 120fps and a main wide camera running at 500fps. The actual action of the crash happened over just over 4 seconds, explosives sequence was around 800m/s. Most of the charges were set at 20m/s delays. And I think what many people forget is a miniature shot at a high frame rate has to have the model moving quite fast to be believable.

[@trespire]

The emergency landing sequence of the Fireflash is one of the most epic action sequences I've ever seen. The suspention, the music score and dialogue were top notch.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

It's so good!

[@GregInTokyo]

@@SteveRamsdenKZbin Everyone trying this stuff needs to watch "Trapped In the Sky" at least once and realize that it was done in the mid 60's with absolutely no CG effects. Brilliant miniature work. Meddings was a master.

[@Dragonblaster1]

Gerry Anderson said they spent hours weathering the models and adding tiny legends to them, which all added to the realism. Apparently, the part where Virgil's elevator car skidded out and crashed was an accident, but a happy one, as it looked great when slowed down.

[@handyman683]

Agreed 👍

[@lilstarfishdude]

Great stuff! 😃👍 When painting miniatures, it's 'usually' best to use matte (not glossy) paint, as the glossy highlights have a tendency to make miniatures look like toys. Happy Easter!! 🐇

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

That’s a great tip, makes total sense

[@robertulrich3964]

thx, i was going to add that but you beat me to it! that and soft lights! starwars was shot flat light super soft. sqrt(scale) * normalFPS. and slow down water waves and crests with added goopy thickeners solutions and use special gases that burns with smaller flames.

[@SamsDesigns]

Incredible stuff Steve! As a miniature film effects enthusiast this is the video I always hoped you’d make

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Glad to hear! 😀

[@alexabadi7458]

I remember watching Thunderbirds when I was a kid, I was fascinated.

[@TheCrafsMan]

Excellent tips! And straight to the point. Top-shelf video! Thank you!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks 😀

[@HologramsLab]

Use 3D and VR...

[@SyndicatedKobolds]

Hey Crafsman! Fancy seeing you here! I just finished watching one of yer vids! 😁 Love yer work dude! Keep on keepin on!

[@MalibuDollface]

Perfect timing for my short film I’m starting !

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Great to hear, best of luck!

[@peffken8834]

I would like to add one more suggestion that you can use to help yourself out and get around some problems: Mirrors. If you can not film at ground level, or want to change perspective in the same set without rebuilding it. Also you can use it to avoid blur when you don't have the right lenses available, a zoom lens can then give good and interesting results, even without a wide angle lens. You can also integrate objects into the set that have a different scale - cleverly prepared, people, or whatever, can be integrated into the miniature scene.

[@MrJeffinLodi]

Steve, this is fascinating and a very odd coincidence. I grew up watching the Thunderbirds as a kid and now stumbled across it again on a streaming channel. I've been watching it again, but now with a film makers eye on it. Just yesterday I was thinking about the actual size of the models,, and then POOF, I see this video in my KZbin selections. Amazing. Thanks for the tips.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

I grew up with Thunderbirds too - they are a lot of fun to rewatch as an adult aren't they! Glad you liked the video

[@RapidActionAnimations]

Great tips man! I recently tried my go at filming a miniature submarine in a container of water with some milk. All these tips are really important and are definitely relevant.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Glad to hear, that sounds really fun

[@RapidActionAnimations]

@@SteveRamsdenKZbinfor sure. Watch the video to see what I mean.

[@lezbriddon]

Including the happy accident of car 2 veering off the runway when its (real life) controls/cables went screwy, not scripted, but some bright person said hey leave that in, and use a third car, we just got an extra 3 minutes of free drama!

[@MarkMcCluney]

This was fascinating and very enjoyable. Can I suggest also that the way we see is sometimes affected by what we are hearing? Sound effects and music often contribute to our overall perception and so deep, growly machine sounds can make miniatures seem more convincing. This is used to great effect in Thunderbirds and other Gerry Anderson productions. Well, it's just my thought on the matter. Thanks for this and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your vids!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Great point. The sound design always adds so much to the scale!

[@CreepyDan]

Excellent tips sir! I have only used miniatures once so far, it sure was tedious but it was super rewarding when you see the final scene. These tips will help greatly, thanks again! Cheers!

[@LuchtLeiderNederland]

These tips really help me! Sometimes, I am making short documentaries in a videogame called Roblox Plane Crazy with self-built miniatures of locations such as nuclear power plants and cities. I am currently working on a documentary about the Windscale fire, and I am definitely going to implement some of these tips. Thanks!

[@tomstamford6837]

Only yesterday I was recommended your channel by the algorithm and instantly became a fan and hooked. A big thanks for your efforts to spread the knowledge of film making and digital processing with necessary detail while still maintaining clarity. The mark of a good teacher. This seems so accessible to me now, with the tools even people like me can easily (sort of) afford (though the thought of learning PS and AE is giving me chest pains). I am really wanting to get into some small projects now. I particularly appreciated the 'Add Yourself to Movies' video - I didn't finish until 8 am watching your tutorials - and it finally gave me the answer to how does one manipulate the background when you're not the film maker with 2 shots of the same scene.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Welcome - there's lots to see! Glad you're enjoying

[@carstenkoloc5226]

Very good Tips.Thank you.

[@semuthbalap]

Thanks for tutorials. Its so usefull for me.

[@PCcardboard1354]

Its is so good to see someone keeping this alive,

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks 😊

[@LilyUnsub]

This is so brilliant, come back to this regularly as a checklist for stopmo so thank you!! 💗

[@ahmadomedvisuals8205]

Great work steve, could you please talk about "missiles coming down from the sky and hits the ground"

[@AllanGildea]

Top class, Steve. Thanks for this excellent tutorial.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

You’re welcome 👍

[@shankard8007]

Thanks for those tips steve

[@SampoPaalanen]

I know this is an older vid but something I'd like to add about Depth of Field is to remember that your eyes have it as well and a shot that's 100% in focus might end up still looking like a toy due to this. This is especially true for larger objects, I remember seeing pictures where they had replaced 2009 Star Trek movie Enterprise design with the classic 1960s series design, while otherwise very good they had problem where replacement Enterprise was too much in focus for something so big (even the classic design was a size of an aircraft carrier) and looked like a model rather then an actual spaceship. This actually one the reasons bigger is better when it comes to miniatures, you can more easily get a realistic depth of field on bigger models. Even so very good tips and some of those I've found apply to digital models as well.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Great point to mention!

[@trainlover16]

This video’s an absolute godsend Steve. Thanks so much, I’m really going to need this knowledge in all my planned film and tv productions.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Glad to hear it’s useful!

[@trainlover16]

@@SteveRamsdenKZbin You bet it will be!

[@turboemerald9228]

filming with miniatures is one of my favorite ways of filmmaking, its simple yet effective

[@markcrummett7831]

Finally, someone who gets POV/camera position! Excellent!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

It's so important, right?! 😅

[@AnimationGoneWrong]

Some excellent tips, Steve! I've seen some of these, but never as complete a compilation as what you put together here. Thank you!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks! 😀

[@dannyr2976]

Impressive results on a shoestring budget! I do recall James Cameron utilising compositing actors against model settings for 'Aliens', impressing 20th Century Fox, who thought this was an expensive set. Great results if you know what your doing.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Absolutely! I believe the exploding tanker truck in The Terminator was also a miniature, albeit quite a large one

[@micahheemstra9049]

Love this! I've been wanting to experiment with filming miniatures for a while. These are the perfect tips for getting started!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Give it a go! 😀

[@SserunnyaEarnest]

Incredible stuff Steve. Making film with miniature film effects this gives realistic in the movie.

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

THAT FAAAAAANTASTIC FUTURISTIC JET!!!! FROM "The Thunderbirds"......absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

It's great isn't it!

[@Theorex]

This is the exact type of video I have been hoping someone would make for years, this is fantastic, thank you!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

You're very welcome!

[@Mr-S.C.]

Fantastic video!! You obviously know exactly what you are talking about and have the experience to prove it. Something I've always wanted to try is miniature film making and now I'm just a bit more confident after watching this.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Give it a go!

[@troybarnes3293]

Big support for the channel and keep on making awesome content and guides and giveaways in the future as well. Worked for me

[@1966tvbatman]

Bravo! Just finished a sci fi movie with miniatures. Love them. Thanks for the tips.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Have fun!

[@yv3652]

Awesome.whats it called.

[@robertlongii6614]

@@yv3652 Monster planet. Just uploaded to You tube.

[@belpop16]

Very good tips. They helped me a lot in making my own short sci-fi film

[@teacherofteachers1239]

This is the perfect presentation on this subject. Funny you should mention both Thunderbirds and Star Wars, as I think the work on Thunderbirds miniatures influenced decisions for Star Wars.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Definitely, and Derek Meddings from Thunderbirds even ended up working on some of the Bonds... where (in Moonraker) he basically got to emulate Star Wars!

[@pauljakeman]

Really awesome video, back before CGI took over (too much) miniatures were the only thing that could be used. And imo they usually stand the test of time and look better for it! Thanks for the tips.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Couldn't agree more!

[@allissondiego1989]

I feel like I should be paying to see this. High quality content straight to the point.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

That's a huge compliment - many thanks

[@DevotedSentry]

Thank you so much! As a stopmotion animator, this was extremely helpful!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

You're welcome

[@TheUniverseEZvideo]

Tips and tricks. My respects!

[@Frankyshanks7718]

hey thanks for this video it realy did help because i am makeing a diy sci fi ship out of a soap container and was using that for my film and this video helped alot. thanks.

[@katestransky2031]

This is brilliant. I'm sharing this with my model making students. Thank you!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

That's great, hope it helps them!

[@BaziaStudio]

Amazing! Best of the Best! ❤

[@jasonbecker4974]

This looks so fun!

[@ashequeawal]

Awesome! Very Helpful video. I recommend it to every curious person about filmmaking.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks!

[@veronicathecow]

Fireflash is what got me to click, good video, thank you.

[@marvelfoxmorty5057]

I really like this channel, its help me understand new things for beginners filmmaker like me... Thanks Steve

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Great to hear!

[@metafuel]

This was excellent and full of really good information. Thanks for your time.

[@gwynnewilliams3408]

A very informative, concise and interesting film. Thanks Steve!

[@Empress_Theresa]

Thunderbirds was great! 😊 I'm glad nobody ever tried to do a reboot or a sequel.

[@AntonyCannon]

Sweet! Love the tips.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Thanks, glad to hear!

[@andrewglazebrook1585]

Always good stuff ! Cheers !!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

You’re welcome!

[@CoconutPete]

this is one course I have on my list to get someday...

[@DaJoPaHo]

Thunderbirds Are Go! Love the content. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Thanks for watching!

[@AbandonedMiniatures]

Great tips communicated clearly. Thanks for what you do!

[@imagehouse6949]

So much knowledge, thanks for the tips & tricks.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EnglishLaw]

Outstanding and so exciting!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks!

[@dadtype2339]

Very cool, wish i had you around in 2004 when I did an indi film, we had books then lol, abyway, very cool stuff here TY

[@BlenderB-123]

Loving the 60's thunderbirds

[@skyhigh776]

Wow, what a clever fella you are. Brilliant video.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks, very kind

[@Miscast]

Thank you! Great tips

[@AsterixTheScot]

Thank you! Great tips. Thank you for sharing.

[@colescanlan]

man your channel inspires me to make my own films

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

I found a model with the number 1/1. I just couldn't carry it.

[@robertcrozier28]

Thanks again Steve for another great video, I’ve always loved the Fireflash, did you also build the model? I’m now thinking about building one myself, the video with you green screened next to it looked brilliant.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks, I have always loved it too. yes I did build the model as I couldn't find one that was pre-built. Seems quite rare! This was very fiddly to paint and build though as it's such a small scale.

[@PWN_Nation]

Absolutely incredible video, and definitely earned my sub. Can't wait for what's next!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Thanks, there's lots to watch!

[@SeriousJoe]

Recognised the fireflash immediately! ☺️

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

It's such a great design, I've always liked it

[@SeriousJoe]

@@SteveRamsdenKZbin It is! I always loved Gerry Anderson!

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks! That's incredibly helpful! 🤗

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Glad to hear!

[@Matthewsaaan]

Brilliant video! I need to make the time to do more miniature filming!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Same here haha

[@davemardon6756]

"Weathering" is what turns a shiney model from a model into...."Realistic". Slightly off topic: For the life of me actual model making for films/tv is a art form, Star Wars is the spark that grabed me and never let go. Looking back at Models, it always amazed me at the "scale" (pun intended) of some of the "minatures" used throughout history...Look at the filming models that were created for movies such as OUTLAND and CE3K, not to mention Star Wars but even Space 1999..Hell, look at the size of the filming miniature from TITANIC.."Holy Crap" that thing is ginormous.

[@davidtremont6663]

Great video, really loved seeing a couple of projects I’ve worked on in there.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks, and how amazing - which ones were you on?

[@davidtremont6663]

@@SteveRamsdenKZbin I worked on Middle Earth stuff and the Thunderbirds anniversary episodes.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hey there, great tips. I've been trying to perfect my movies for years and this will help. Would you consider doing a Model Railway Special some day? I'd be interested to see your approach. Lighting question, outside light is always best but not practical for most model rail situations. Would having the lights high up shining down produce the most natural effect or like you said here are multiple lights going to introduce more problems? Thanks Mike

[@heckensteiner4713]

Miniatures kick ass. Great tips!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Thanks! 😀

[@mcemtpockets1775]

5:56 i learned.... a lot. But this is important to me! Thank yu!

[@billg3356]

This was excellent! Thank you for the tutorial

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

You're welcome!

[@jmalmsten]

Oh. And for waterfalls in the distance. Switching the water to salt works a treat. Old ILM/Weta trick. :)

[@SashiPritam]

Very informative.

[@SolidBlueBlocks]

woah, amazing! Instanty subbed!

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

That's what we like to hear!

[@EasyWay-M.I.S.]

very useful tips.. thank you for sharing

[@DeickFranfan]

Magnific my friend Steve you models Scala miniature 🤩👍💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎

[@Mr_Guy_Fella]

love your content dude

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Thanks!

[@GatchamanG4]

Thunderbirds are go!!

[@gerardomolinarodriguez3633]

Hola Steve buenas tardes te veo desde la Ciudad de MÈXICO me gustan mucho tus trucos ya me suscribí a tu canal, yo trabajé en la Televisión Mexicana por muchos años, saludos.

[@allstargraphics1552]

Absolutely Amazing tricks. Great video.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks!

[@GDMdesign]

Nice - takes me back to filming super 8 as a kid!

[@warriorclassmedia]

This was freaking excellent

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks!

[@josecolon2185]

With high definition 3d printing available to consumers, it boggles my mind as to why its not being utilized as often as I should in the movie industry. Its as if they've forgotten that option exists, or just the massive insistence of not breaking from the norm

[@tansacs]

すごいです！参考になりました。日本から It's amazing! It was helpful. From Japan

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks

[@SoyGidz]

Thanks for the tips dude 👍👏

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

You’re welcome 👍

[@schoeferfilm]

Very good tips Steve 👏

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Many thanks

[@lindybeige]

Thunderbirds still has the best explosions on telly.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Agreed 😀

[@jelly11666]

Interesting stuff, I like filming 1:10 scale RC cars but just can’t quite hit the spot. Subbed. 👍

[@xjet]

A lot of my own videos involve making models look real. I recently fooled over a million people with a video of an RC helicopter which even appeared on a news bulletin as footage from the war in Ukraine (LOL). I use all the points you mention to try and make the small look big and realistic.

[@tolyambarc6759]

It was such a pleasure, to see Scandinava's shot. I am currently working there on a new movie about planes and aviation. Hope you will like it, most of the shots will be only composited, but no cg, including dogfights.

[@SteveRamsdenYoutube]

Sounds fun, their tank footage is incredible

[@HappyDude1]

Amazing tips i want to make some movies in the future with my rc vehicles. Because they can move i can do some cool action scenes. I allready made some models wich is on my channel