How to Make Amateur Films Look Professional

Purchase a quality video camera that comes recommended by a knowledgeable sales person at a camera store. There are many brands and models to consider, and picking a camera depends on how much money you wish to invest. While it's tempting to film exclusively from the video camera in your cellphone, doing so won't give you the best video quality. If you can afford it, buy a camera that shoots in 1080p high definition.

Invest in a tripod to keep your camera steady during shots. Tripods are available in many shapes and sizes, and buying both a tall one and a short one will come in handy. A trademark sign of an amateur film is a shaky picture, but you can eliminate this issue with a tripod. Additionally, you can make improvised support devices. Placing the camera firmly onto a bag of dried beans, for example, gives it a secure spot and allows you to finely adjust the angle at which it sits.

Buy or rent a lighting stand if you don't have enough natural light where you shoot. It's common for home videos to appear dark and shadowy. Many camera stores rent light stands and other lighting apparatuses that are ideal for brightening a dark room. You won't need these accessories if shooting outdoors, but they're a must for prolonged indoor filming.

Learn how to use a simple, video-editing software to help give your film a professional look. The software you choose to use may even come installed on your computer. It doesn't have to be advanced, but merely offer enough functions to allow you to cut your film, move pieces of it around, add transitions and avoid jump cuts.