What should I do when I know I want to shoot a no/low budget video?

For those of you contemplating a video production, who are also feeling the pinch of our “recovering” economy, I do have two pointers. Firstly, read up on shooting for small format screens (even if you just read a couple tips online) and, secondly, get good cheap equipment by renting, borrowing, or buying it.

Here's what I mean. With all the crazy new-fangled mobile devices and websites all over the place with their tiny screens (case in point: YouTube, iPhone, etc.) it's important to read up on some simple guidelines. My guess is that 100% of the people reading this are going to want to showcase their videos online so this is worth thinking about. Here are several tips I learned from reading around: shoot steady shots and use lots of close ups. These two tips will be great for small screen viewing. Your viewer can watch without puking from seasickness and can actually connect with the actors (because they'll be able to see their faces). Also, remember that using lights (so that your shots are well illuminated) is another thing which will set you apart from the billions of poorly lit videos out there. So, before you shoot, make sure to do some reading!

My other main bit of advice is to research good cheap equipment and then rent, borrow or buy it. The best way to find out about solid gear is to ask film and tech-savvy friends and colleagues for advice. You can also check out product reviews on Cnet, B&H, Adorama and JR. Next, cross-reference what you've found against user reviews on the sites I just mentioned and on Amazon and online message boards (just google the product name and look for discussion forums). Another thing I like to do, is go into B&H for a chat with their knowledgeable staff (I know from personal experience that they will talk to you, even if you have no money). As for seeking advice at Adorama, I could write two pages about their "automated" customer service tickets, but I would send myself into a fitful rage. Needless to say, Adorama is best dealt with online and briefly when purchasing what you know you want-- they have very low prices. But I digress. I find that these resources will really help you out in your search and you'll quickly find that you can cobble together good no/low budget gear!

Okay, next up, I'll do a write-up of equipment I'd suggest you all check out. Stay tuned!