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Getting Started in Video: Pushing the Red Button
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You've got a video camera...what next?

The basic idea is to put something in front of the camera and push the red button, but there's a lot more.  This video is just a few tips and tricks to get you on your way. The main thing is to just start making videos and then each one will get better and better. 



If you're going to go handheld, you can improve your stability by holding your elbows in. A tripod will keep the camera steady.  If possible have the camera at eyeline or above because people just look more beautiful from above.  You don't need to see up my nose.

Jump cuts are when you see lots of cuts without a change in camera position.  I use these a lot.  It also helps to plan some things out.  I make a bullet list of things that I want to make sure I say.  When working with other people, I find it's easier to ask them to talk about a list of topics rather than memorize things.

Don't be afraid to shoot it again and again and again.  A few people called in today and I'm going to respond to their questions in future videos.  If you've got tips for shooting video, leave a note in the comments or leave me a voicemail at 917-720-4197 and I might post your message in a future post!

I also made a video about videos with the Bill and Justin over at Blip.tv headquarters.  They have a great video show about the people and shows on blip.tv called "Blip on Blip." Check it out! 



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tags Tags bre pettis, Getting Started in Video, howto, movies, promoting, recording, red button, Seller Handbook, selling, tips and tricks, video, video camera
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5 comments     Login to add your own!

May 6, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. fernfiddlehead

Nice red button collection. I'm working on my third how-to video (putting in a zipper) and it's still pretty rough. I'm going to post it anyway. I think you have to do a lot of videos to get better. But it's a lot of fun. This series is great. Keep 'em coming.

May 7, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. iheartnorwegianwood

Any recommendations on what type of video camera to start with? I just read about this really affordable one called the "Flip" video recorder (Flip 2GB video ultra). It's about $180, and is described as something that makes "atmospheric home movies with a slightly jerky 70's feel". Is that a nice way to say it's cheap and junky?

May 7, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. brepettis

Thanks fernfiddlehead!

iheartnorwegianwood, here's a video i did that goes over camera choices. http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/h....
Flip cameras are cheap and junky, but they work. If you've got a digital camera with a movie mode you already have a camera, try that first!

May 7, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. iheartnorwegianwood

Cool thanks! I do have a digital camera with movie mode,so I think I'll experiment with that first then save up for something better.

May 7, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. weirdwolf

Empowering people to make their own videos and tell their stories, I love it!

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