You're shooting a video on your phone. How can you make it look like it was filmed by a professional?

When shooting with your phone, apps like Filmic Pro and Blackmagic Camera can elevate your video quality to a professional level. Filmic Pro allows for detailed control over frame rate, which is crucial for achieving the right motion blur and cinematic feel. You can also manually adjust settings like exposure, focus, and white balance, giving you creative control similar to a professional camera. Additionally, the cinematic mode on iPhones is a game-changer. It lets you change the f-stop after shooting, creating an effect of shallow focus, which is a hallmark of professional filmmaking. This feature helps in achieving that cinematic depth of field, making your subject stand out against a softly blurred background.

In my case, I utilize an iPhone 15ProMax, although these settings can generally apply to other recent models as well. For recording, I recommend using the Blackmagic Camera App. You can choose the lens and format within the app. I suggest recording at 30p on Apple ProRes. However, if you prefer a more cinematic look, switch to 24 fps. Achieving a professional look entails mastering the control of the aperture and ensuring the correct white balance for each scene. This attention to detail allows for capturing high-quality images that can later be refined and utilized as b-roll footage after color correction. Regarding audio, that will take work and extra equipment. Moreover, a basic understanding of framing and coverage helps.

Currently, there's an extremely interesting approach using the Blackmagic camera with the iPhone Pro to increase quality. Furthermore, the Apple ProRes 10-bit codec, possibility of application of luts. Direct recording on the iPhone as well as on the Blackmagic Cloud, which provides the ability to recover directly in the Davinci Resolve project for editing, color grading, and final exporting.

Although the regular phone camera works, I’d suggest using camera apps like Filmic pro which gives you many different features not found in your phone. Adding microphones that are compatible with phones will add a different dimension to your video as well.

1 - Choose the right gimbal to keep your video steady and free from shaking. 2 - Before you start filming, make sure you set up everything carefully to get the best conditions for shooting. 3 - Try out different angles when you're filming to make your videos look really interesting. 4 - Learn about different kinds of shots like close-ups, low-angle shots, and more. Each one helps tell the story in a special way. For example, if you want to show strong feelings like anger or sadness, use close-up shots. 5 - Choose the right app which will give you best results (Filmic Pro) 6 - And remember to adjust your settings depending on whether you're filming during the day or at night to get the best results.

Whatever you may use to film with, it all still comes back to good framing and lighting. Also, don't forget how valuable sound is and make sure that you've addressed good sound design.

Intenta que cada plano tenga un motivo; pon muchísima atención a los detalles. Qué quieres contar y cómo vas a contarlo, que punto de vista vas a elegir para cada secuencia, no muevas la cámara si no es necesario, intenta aprender de los que dominaron este medio antes que tú. Las ideas más sencillas son las más faciles de llevar a cabo; no te compliques con complejos sistemas técnicos si apenas sabes construir una historia. Conoce bien los tipos de planos e identificalos en tus escenas favoritas. Aprende de memoria que dicen los manuales acerca de uso y observa como tus realizadores predilectos los llevaron a la vida. Diviértete!

Go on YouTube or Vimeo and mimic others until you understand the rules of videography and composition. And since I need at least 125 characters to post, tell an interesting story.

Angles are an important aspect in filmmaking hence I believe having different angles that give different point of view when necessary will give ones footage a cinematic feel even when shot on phone.

Filming by yourself can be daunting and at times boring. It also becomes more challenging when attempting to make your frames look interesting. In these moments composition must be your best friend. You can have a $50k camera. It won’t save you if you don’t know how to frame it.

A gimbal will give you that fluid look. It’s a small investment in gear that will take your shots yo the next level. Its the budget version of a steady cam. Some gimbals have zoom and focus settings built in for greater ease of use.

The market is flooded right now with many inexpensive smartphone designed gimbals and multi-function tri-pod/selfie sticks. Some people even figured out how to rig their standard tri-pods to hold cell-phones (I'm not one of those people). There are a lot of quality options, and you can get a great one for around $40; although prices can vary from $15-$120. Do you research on YouTube or content creator forums to see what features you need and at what price point. If you have shaky hands like me, I would not foray into smartphone shooting without a gimbal or tri-pod.

Gimbals can be very useful for stabilizing your handheld footage and creating unique camera moves to generate interest. There are a wide variety of options from a low price tag up to thousands of dollars. Before considering the use of a gimbal, check if your smartphone has built-in stabilization - this could save your budget or allow you to invest your funds into another area.

Many gimbals also have added features like Bluetooth connectivity for remote control, various shooting modes like panorama, time-lapse, and tracking, and even built-in extension rods for more shooting versatility. They're handy for action shots, sweeping panoramas, or tracking subjects, allowing for fluid motion that was once the domain of high-end camera equipment. Compact and user-friendly, phone gimbals are a game-changer for us content creators looking to elevate our mobile video production without breaking the bank.

I’ve experienced in shots with a lot of movement camera shake is more controlled with a gimbal. But I use it for movement in some lower angle shots as well as side movement

Audio is one of the biggest differentiators in determining the quality of a video. Everyone has access to great cameras now but not everyone thinks about audio. Think about the environment you want to record in. Make sure you are thinking of audio when you scout, and if you can invest in external audio. There are a lot of low cost options for this now, and with USBC now standard in new phones it’s never been easier to get external audio recorded native with a phone.

If you are filming with a phone and need GOOD AUDIO, then: The Rode SmartLav+ is a popular choice; it's a compact Lavalier mic that delivers clear, broadcast-quality sound and easily connects to your phone via the headphone jack or a lightning adapter. If you need to capture directional audio, the Shure MV88 is an excellent option. It's a condenser microphone that plugs directly into your phone's lightning port and offers multiple recording patterns, including stereo and cardioid. For all-around use, the Sennheiser MKE 200 is a standout choice. It's a small, directional shotgun mic that mounts on top of your phone and significantly improves audio quality for a range of video types. The Boya BY-M1 is a budget-friendly lapel mic.

OMG remember that viewers will forgive a crappy image but never dodgy audio. So if I was to invest in anything it would be a lapel mic, wireless lapel mic or something similar. Audio is essential, add a deadcat or wind muff and you'll be ready for good audio in any situation. Also if you have dodgy audio, using software like Descript with their Studio Sound AI toggle, will save audio in most bad situations, so not all is lost (as it was in the past).

Although you are using a phone, investing in external microphones is the only way to ensure you are getting the best audio quality to match your visuals. You don't have to break the bank to do it either. Decent lavalier mics can go for $30 or under, and can plug directly into your phone; even little shotgun mics are not that expensive. Don't skimp out on audio quality just because it's smartphone video.

Video is great but if you can’t hear it that’s an issue. If you are using a phone to record both video and audio framing the shot where you are closer to the device. Also make sure you are in a space that is quieter and away from loud noise. For external mics I have been using the Rode wireless pros and they are amazing they can sync directly with the video and they can record a 32float backup. Which is helpful if you can’t directly monitor the levels.

When I ran a video production company I used to have a saying that the magic was in the edit. Yes you need good footage, you can't polish a, erm, well you know, but with good footage you can take that to the stratosphere with good editing. Tools like Capcut, Descript, Camtasia, Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut make this process a dream. It's also worth pointing out that editing is the most time consuming part of video production so if I wanted to save some time, i'd be outsourcing it.

After 40 years behind the camera as a director, lighting cameraperson and editor, before worrying about any of the technical stuff ask this question..."what do you want to say and who do you want to say it too?" No amount of settings and toys can replace the value of speaking your audiences language in a style that works for them. Content should always be your focus and hero, a well crafted interview or narrative shouldn't need a bunch of fancy transitions to tell the story or make it more engaging, less is often more. Understanding your audience will help define the style, running time and format that will work for them, modern phones are just tool to capture your assets, just remember you will need a light touch when it comes to grading.

Start off with a basic video editing app like Filmora or Capcut. Filmora can be found on PC, does all of the basic editing and getting one familiar with basics. Capcut is available on phone, with ready made templates and all of the basic editing tools as well. The templates could be sourced from Tiktok as well which makes this app a very beginner-friendly app.

Editing is still a under appreciated aspect of video production. Cut aways, transitions, graphics and sequencing play a huge role in converting the raw video into a story. Whether you are using a Professional Video editing software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere, or a basic editor like Capcut, video editing is crucial to presenting a professional look to a video.

There are no right way/wrong way to actually make a 'good' video. Experimenting and finding out one's particular style is actually more important than having to produce a video that fits the standard norms. Videos are a form of visual artistic experience and it could be done in many ways. Experimenting can even come up with fresh ideas and this might lead to a trend starter as well!

My whole content creating experience has been based on this one aspect. Some of the coolest shots that I’ve ever got were from me experimenting with other types of videography. For instance, using stop motion, animation in the middle of a video where I’m explaining how to build a sprinkler head. Makes the video a little bit more interesting to watch.

Shoot your video with the phone in a horizontal position for a professional look. Vertical video is not professional, in my opinion.

As a cinematographer, having invested more than two decades in the film industry and continue doing what I love, I will never encourage the idea of shooting professional projects on a mobile phone. I have few reasons that I think are good to protect and continue forward the proper way of filmmaking ( the way old school filmmakers inspired us) to create your professional projects with professional cameras no matter how much a mobile phone gets advanced for filming. I will urge all the film fraternity people to encourage production houses, directors, fellow DPs, producers and many more to film with proper camera equipment. Already camera size has reduced and has more powerful features. A sony fx3 body can sit on your palm yet deliver results.

1. Social media prefers a horizontal shot but many go vertical if audiences are using phones. 2. Decide on story format, preferrably short since decreasing attention span and how being viewed can greatly determine your viewing matrix: time viewed vs. clicks. 3. Do you intend to measure success for monetize purposess or airing personal views? 4. Video needs to capture their full attention, have them unable to pull away? If not then how? 5. Do you "push" the audience, via paid placement or providing feedback? 6. Can you have it be evergreen (undated or not focusing on a recent event). These are pre production questions which are important and can often provide evidence that the effort is not worth the time.

Always remember, the principles of great video apply regardless of what tool you are using. Great lighting, visual composition, and audio will make your smartphone footage nearly indistinguishable from that shot on an expensive camera. Truthfully, your smartphone is an expensive camera, so if you treat it with the same diligence and precision, the result should be something to be proud of.

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a professional look. If you're filming outdoors, take advantage of natural light during the morning or evening when it's softer. Avoid harsh midday light that casts strong shadows. When filming indoors, be intentional about your lighting setup. Avoid overhead lighting, as it can create unflattering shadows on your subjects' faces. Consider using windows as a natural light source or using lamps strategically to achieve the desired effect (soft or hard light).