How to make a movie?

Question

how would i make a movie like the ones in theaters using a normal home camcorder? what software or equipment do i need? also, how would i block out background noises such as wind? all other suggestions are appreciated

Answer 1

First of all, your not going to make a video that high of quality with a home camera.

Second, if you want some cheap software that works GREAT then you should get Sony Vegas. (The other week I saw it for $60 with a $60 Mail in rebate, so I guess it was free)

Answer 2

The mic that clips to your shirt is called a "Lapel" mic, and typicality this is used during interviews or in places with very little movement. But lapel mics can be very expensive.

I would actually invest in a shotgun boom mic w/the a good windscreen, and ether attach it to your camera, or have someone hold the mic.

And again, your home camera is probably not enough to get the type of quality you need. You would need a camera that  has complete manual control over color,focus,aperture, witch means you would need to invest in a professional 3CCD camcorder. 3CCD means that it separates and records light into 3 separate chips, providing more color and light compared to a 1 chip camera in most consumer camcorders.

But the most important way of improving your videos is just how you shoot.

1.USE A TRIPOD!!!! unless your tying to go for a documentary style video, always use a tripod, even during scenes of movement, witch you would need a cheap steady cam system, or a cheap dolly (wheels attached to the tripod)

2. Make sure you have good lighting. Make sure you camera is good in low lighting, and make sure you shoot in areas with lots of light. For outdoors try not to shoot in the mid-afternoon (harsh light) and shoot away from the sun. If your shooting a night scene, shoot with full light and add a blue gel to simulate night time.

And of course you can do best with a decent video editor, something in a inexpensive price range like iMovie 06 (not 08) Final Cut Express, or something equivalent on Windows.

And finally my recommendation is to avoid buying any need camcorder now. HD camera are dropping in price, while there is still the matter of competing formats like HDV and AVCHD. So just try using the camcorder you have, use alot of lighting, and get a good tripod and boom mic.