This is an example of what you can do with a script, a camcorder, green screen and a video editing program. Read below for more details.
By clicking on underlined items you can see what they look like and their prices.
First let me start out saying it is much easier using semi-professional or professional equipment as I found out the hard way. But you can wing it and come out with fair results as I showed in my previous blogs.
I started off by writing a script with a few characters. Your script does not have to be long. My total run time is around 2 minutes. As you see, I played all of the characters by myself, but you can get other people to play the characters in your own script. I divided the script into scenes and backgrounds that I would use in place of the green screen.
I used two softbox lights that gave even light to the green screen, but you can use cheaper lights as I show in my previous blog (How to Do Green Screen). Believe me, it pays to invest in the softbox lights . It’s easier to edit the green out. They cost me about $150 for the pair at B&H Photo . What a difference! Put one on one side and one on the other side of your space, crossing each other’s beams. It will kill the shadows and give even light to the green screen.
I am still using a simple camcorder which I still find OK, but I advise you to set the “white light” on the camcorder. This will give your video more consistency from scene to scene.
Organization is a “must” in shooting your scenes. Yes, it’s scene 1, take 1 and so on, just like in a real movie, because when you capture the video to your editing program and log in the scenes, it will be already organized to help you make your video.
I used Final Cut Express for my editing, but there are other programs that are good, as well. The main goal is to get proficient with whatever software you choose and get to know it well. Read up on the features and find out what they can really do to improve your editing. It takes time and a lot of patience, but the results will be worth it.
I wish you success in shooting your videos. Have fun with them. I certainly did enjoy making this one!
