In the age of advanced technology, the smartphone in your pocket is not just a communication device but also a powerful tool for creative expression. Filmmaking has become more accessible than ever, with the capability to shoot high-quality videos right from your mobile device. In this guide, we’ll explore a range of techniques and tools that will elevate your mobile filmmaking game, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.
- THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT STEP: Your phone is equipped with a front facing camera, and AN EXPONENTIALLY HIGHER QUALITY REAR FACING CAMERA. Naturally, when filming yourself, you will want to see the action as it plays out by using your selfie camera, but if I was placed on this earth to do anything, it’s to convince people to use their rear facing camera more. Larger sensors, extra lenses, better optics, all of these will yield significantly better results in every situation, so your first tough lesson is to turn that phone around. Have a friend or co-worker check your framing, and trust that you’re squeezing the most quality out of your phone as you possibly can!
- Harnessing Natural Light: Mobile phone cameras these days are some of the fastest-developing technologies and giving high-end cameras a run for their money….. but only when
filming in ideal conditions. Outside in the sunlight, you’ll get some stunning images with your little pocket computer, but the moment the sun goes down and lighting is limited, you might notice some grain in the footage. That’s due to the smaller sensor struggling to capture enough light to make the image as crisp as it was in the sun. So when filming for your business or brand, lighting is important! One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to enhance your mobile filmmaking is by using natural light to your advantage. Position yourself near a window if you’re filming an interview-style shot, or shoot during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for cool B-Roll and soft, flattering lighting. The natural light will not only improve the overall quality of your footage but also add a cinematic touch to your scenes. Putting a window behind you will expose the shot improperly, and you’ll either be too dark or the window will be blown-out, so try to get the window in front of your face or at your side for a more dramatic light. 
Proper Framing and Composition: Great cinematography begins with thoughtful framing and composition. Take the time to consider your shot before hitting record. Experiment with the rule of thirds, leading lines, and different angles to create visually compelling footage. By paying attention to composition, you can turn an ordinary shot into a visually stunning masterpiece. For interviews, keep the phone at chin level so it’s not looking too far up at you (making you look too tall), or too far down at you (making you look too short). It might be beneficial to use a tripod so you can adjust the height of your phone, this one is good, cheap, and universal! Get your audience at your level!- Investing in Audio Quality: While modern smartphones excel in video quality, audio often takes a backseat, and as we like to say, bad audio can ruin a good video. Invest in a lapel
microphone that plugs into your phone to capture crisp and clear audio. Any mic you place on your body will be significantly better than the phone’s mic trying to capture from 4-5 feet away. It gets rid of ambient room noise, echo, and you can speak softer/more naturally to the camera. Good audio is essential for engaging storytelling, and a small investment in a quality microphone can make a significant difference in the overall production value of your videos. Here’s one for less than $20. A VERY small price to pay for a massive bump in quality. - Stabilizing Your Shots with a Mobile Gimbal: Smooth, stable footage is a hallmark of professional filmmaking. A mobile phone gimbal is a worthwhile investment that provides stability and eliminates shaky shots, especially during B-Roll sequences. With a gimbal, you can achieve cinematic pans, tilts, and tracking shots, adding a professional touch to your mobile filmmaking repertoire. DJI has always been a leader in gimbal technology, and at $150, something like this can turn your handheld shots into buttery-smooth cinematic beauty!
- Mastering Manual Settings: Unlock the full potential of your smartphone’s camera by exploring manual settings. Learn to adjust exposure, focus, and white balance to tailor your shots to your creative vision. Many smartphones offer robust manual controls, allowing you to fine-tune your settings and capture footage that stands out from the crowd. You can also purchase apps like Filmic Pro to really hone in the control of your phone’s camera.
- Editing Apps for Polished Results: The post-production phase is where your footage comes to life. Take advantage of powerful video editing apps available for both Android and iOS devices. Apps like Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie, or Kinemaster offer a range of features to enhance your videos, from adding music and transitions to color grading and special effects.
filming in ideal conditions. Outside in the sunlight, you’ll get some stunning images with your little pocket computer, but the moment the sun goes down and lighting is limited, you might notice some grain in the footage. That’s due to the smaller sensor struggling to capture enough light to make the image as crisp as it was in the sun. So when filming for your business or brand, lighting is important! One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to enhance your mobile filmmaking is by using natural light to your advantage. Position yourself near a window if you’re filming an interview-style shot, or shoot during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for cool B-Roll and soft, flattering lighting. The natural light will not only improve the overall quality of your footage but also add a cinematic touch to your scenes. Putting a window behind you will expose the shot improperly, and you’ll either be too dark or the window will be blown-out, so try to get the window in front of your face or at your side for a more dramatic light.
Proper Framing and Composition: Great cinematography begins with thoughtful framing and composition. Take the time to consider your shot before hitting record. Experiment with the rule of thirds, leading lines, and different angles to create visually compelling footage. By paying attention to composition, you can turn an ordinary shot into a visually stunning masterpiece. For interviews, keep the phone at chin level so it’s not looking too far up at you (making you look too tall), or too far down at you (making you look too short). It might be beneficial to use a tripod so you can adjust the height of your phone, 
microphone that plugs into your phone to capture crisp and clear audio. Any mic you place on your body will be significantly better than the phone’s mic trying to capture from 4-5 feet away. It gets rid of ambient room noise, echo, and you can speak softer/more naturally to the camera. Good audio is essential for engaging storytelling, and a small investment in a quality microphone can make a significant difference in the overall production value of your videos. Filming on your mobile phone provides a unique opportunity to create and share content more frequently. The convenience and accessibility empower creators to capture spontaneous moments and share them with the world instantly. It’s a fantastic way to stay engaged with your audience, build a brand, and showcase your creativity on a regular basis. While mobile filmmaking is a fantastic tool for quick and frequent content creation, there’s no substitute for the expertise and resources that a professional video production company like SkipperFilms can offer. Our team brings higher quality cameras, advanced lighting equipment, and professional audio gear to the table, ensuring that your vision is captured with the utmost precision and excellence. But it’s not just about the equipment. When you collaborate with SkipperFilms, you tap into a wealth of creative ideas and expertise. Our team can help brainstorm and execute the most innovative and effective ways to bring your ideas to life. From concept to execution, we are dedicated to turning your vision into a captivating visual story. The graphic below, crafted during the 2020 pandemic, serves as a valuable guide for individuals seeking to create compelling films within the convenience of their own spaces.
If you’re looking for a top-notch video production team to help you create content? Check out our website at SkipperFilms! Our expertise spans a wide range of industries, including but not limited to: promotional videos, corporate and business content, travel and tourism videos, and conference highlights. So whether you’re looking to showcase your brand, capture your next big event, or simply bring your vision to life, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
Remote Interview Graphic created in 2020! This serves as a valuable guide for individuals learning how to film on their own, offering insights into remote filming techniques!
