Recap Q&A: Which Editor and Why?

RSS Readers: Click on the title above to reveal the hidden video.

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Frugal Filmmaker T-shirts (new logo)!
http://tinyurl.com/boh7fym

Maybe someone doesn't like GoAnimate?
http://tinyurl.com/3hvcopq

Dimmer switch for $7.25
http://tinyurl.com/yebx8kn

Why short-form video is the future of marketing
http://tinyurl.com/csx973m

Eyes vs Cameras
http://tinyurl.com/d5j8fmv

Poles aplenty for frugal mic adapter
http://tinyurl.com/cfqy4pu

$0 DIY rotating platform for product videos
http://tinyurl.com/d3jj2pw

Dollar store lighting accessory kit
http://tinyurl.com/ce5f49m

5D helmet rig
http://tinyurl.com/dynoecq

DSLR debate: The Cartoon!
http://tinyurl.com/crw95bh

No Budget Film School course - use FRUGAL code for 20% off!
http://tinyurl.com/cn5d6tp

Carry Speed LCD viewfinder review
http://tinyurl.com/cxxxmd2

Sony Vegas: Exporting videos to YouTube
http://tinyurl.com/bqosjw5

Kipon Canon EF to MFT+E-mount adapter review
http://tinyurl.com/cse3qm8

P&C Pistol grip review - easy rig with Pico friction arm
http://tinyurl.com/cfr8vaa

DIY 600 LED light for under $30
http://tinyurl.com/c257e9w

DIY LED light panel - $6
http://tinyurl.com/d9myz6c

Sony Vegas: Exporting to YouTube

People keep asking me about what export settings I use when I send content to YouTube. While I covered a more methodical approach in "Episode Workflow", I recently stumbled across a free plugin that removes all the heavy lifting, analyzes your project, and sends it away based on your quality selection. The good news is (besides being free), Video4YouTube renders faster and creates a smaller file than the old method.

DSLR Debate: The Cartoon!

And now for something completely different, I decided to take a stab at Animation for Dummies, by using YouTube's GoAnimate.  This program lets you do simple 2D animated stories and has just enough features to make it worthwhile. I won't go into everything, but after using it all day to create the above short, I can see its potential for non-animators. My favorite feature is the ability to import audio files, which are a lot better for your production than the cheesy "text-to-speech" gizmo that gives you robotic dialogue.

I don't know if these "cartoons" will become regular productions with me (we'll see what the reaction is like), but it is cool to branch out into forms of storytelling I've never tried before. It's all part of the perpetual learning experience.

Poles Aplenty for Frugal Mic Adapter

When doing research for my last Frugal Filmmaker episode (Painter's Pole Mic Adapter), I came across several poles that were very good candidates to use with said adapter. The adapter lets you easily attach a mic to your basic painter pole thread (you know, the really coarse one), giving you a quick boom pole whenever you need one. These pole types didn't really get time in the episode, so I thought I'd run them down here, giving all the basic stats and cost.

Broom / Mop Handle (free-$5).

If you have a broom or mop in your possession, then all you have to do is unscrew the head, attach your adapter, and your done. If you don't have one of these you can easily pick them up anywhere, including your local Dollar Tree. While these are very cheap to acquire, they also don't extend, giving you a shorter length in which to reach your actor's lips.

Fixed length Extension pole ($5-10)

These are basically a more robust broom handle, found in the paint section of whatever store you choose. They are sturdy wood or aluminum and don't collapse. Like the broom handle, they are only one length, but are affordable and strong. Make sure you have the space to transport it and you'll be fine.

Two-section Extension Pole ($12-20)

These stand at about 5', but can extend to another 4' to give you greater distance to stand out of frame and record dialogue. I've got the Wal-Mart pole and I really like it, especially the "twist and lock" control over the sections which is much faster and convenient than traditional screw collets that take more time and break easily.

Three-Section Extention Pole ($20-30)

These poles give you the greatest reach (12') and collapse to the smallest size (4'). The most familiar of these is the Bayco light bulb changer kit, found in most hardware stores. Just unscrew the pole from the bulb changing hardware, and you're ready to add the adapter. This yellow metal pole is very recognizable in DIY circles for the great length, small size and "twist and lock" functionality. There is a cheaper version ($16) at Wal-Mart, but it feels flimsy and has plastic collets instead of the twist locks (boo!)

One of these poles should fit your adapter needs. If you have no money and don't need much length, snake the broom handle from your kitchen pantry. If you want better reach, but don't have a lot of money, go for the two-section model at Wal-Mart. If you want the best pole that fits all needs, get the Bayco. It's a great one, and the $20 probably won't kill you.

Recap Q&A: How do YOU Storyboard?

RSS Readers: Click on the title above to reveal the hidden video.

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Frugal Filmmaker T-shirts (new logo)!
http://tinyurl.com/boh7fym

Casting your micro-budget film
Part 1: http://tinyurl.com/2wbvc4n
Part 2: http://tinyurl.com/27682ec
Part 3: http://tinyurl.com/32anya2

Storyboard templates
http://tinyurl.com/chf5oox

Cheap graphics tablet I'm interested in
http://tinyurl.com/c2cg2qr

Celtx - free screenwriting software w/storyboarding feature
https://www.celtx.com/

Pegasus 7" SD monitor - $60
http://tinyurl.com/d5lj7u2

Fix your broken XLR cable
http://tinyurl.com/bqc6frw

Cage Rig / Monopod Hybrid
http://tinyurl.com/bvx5ay7

Virtual motion tracking in Sony Vegas
http://tinyurl.com/d5vywpm

Fotga variable ND fader filter sample
http://tinyurl.com/c66mu4h

$1 Budget: Dollar Tree Lights!
http://tinyurl.com/bmh7mb7

YouTube face blurring tool
http://tinyurl.com/cfdj2s8

Build a DIY ring light
http://tinyurl.com/cys9onw

Sony Vegas: Screen Layout
http://tinyurl.com/d4mvcgv

PROAIM 6-CF carbon fiber shoulder rig kit review
http://tinyurl.com/d4hexhx

DIY $35 all-in-one shoulder rig, steadicam, and FigRig
http://tinyurl.com/bok4xas

DIY Electroluminescent Armor ($30)
http://tinyurl.com/d68352s

Dual Art Pre with wireless mic test
http://tinyurl.com/cvhglu2

Sony Vegas: Screen Layout

I know this seems pretty basic, but how you layout your screen can impact how efficiently you edit projects. Sony Vegas is so configurable, you could have any number of setups. This is what works for me.

$1 Budget: Dollar Tree Lights!

Lights can come from all kinds of stores, but I've been really impressed what I've found at the local Dollar Tree. Sure, it's all cheaply made, but I can afford it and there are some really interesting applications this time around. Some of these ideas aren't fully formed yet, but I like sharing anyway in case something strikes a chord. Look for slightly more money being spent (as you have been encouraging me to do so) in the near future.

Cage Rig / Monpod Hybrid

Deejay adds some more content to his DSLR Film Noob channel with this excellent tip. Here he combines his fancy cage rig (think square FigRig) with a basic monopod for a great combo for fast, stable shooting. The thing I like most about this setup is how quickly it tears down for running away. And the time will come when you need to run away.

Recap Q&A: Where do you Audition?

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

The Frugal Filmmaker T-shirts!
http://www.mischiefsapp.com/product/more-creativity-than-cents

Location release
http://tinyurl.com/83lo5u6

Talent release
http://tinyurl.com/crtc99v

Muslin green screen (9'x 15')
http://tinyurl.com/7rsaoje

Auto focus on yourself
http://tinyurl.com/c2b36he

Cheap Par-38 can lighting
http://tinyurl.com/c6oebty

Hand Held DSLR shooting tip
http://tinyurl.com/cf5gtz2

Modified Frugal Floater
http://tinyurl.com/c2rzl5c

Get a new royalty free music track every day for the month of July
http://tinyurl.com/6msfbtz

How to update to Magic Lantern 2.3 on a Mac
http://tinyurl.com/6ok57q9

John Alton's Test Light
http://tinyurl.com/7vfcpbs

The perfect DIY firelight
http://tinyurl.com/d38lajn

Cheap vs not-so-cheap shotgun mic test
http://tinyurl.com/cylnnf2

How to crash a car
http://tinyurl.com/d5narc7

4TB RAID for $299
http://tinyurl.com/cswc5y7

Sony Vegas: Timeline Tricks
http://tinyurl.com/7swstt8

Big "gorillapod" costs $25 and works as shoulder rig
http://tinyurl.com/7jnqnyu

Cheap light stand with reflector
http://tinyurl.com/7k62xo6

Sony Vegas: Timeline Tricks

Managing all the material on your Sony Vegas timeline can be somewhat of a challenge. If you're not careful, your project can quickly become a tangled mess. Here a few tips that may you help take better advantage of whatever screen real estate you have been given.

Tip: John Alton's Test Light

Awhile back, I remember flipping through a great cinematography book called Painting with Light. Written by cinematographer John Alton, it covered a wide range of topics from lights to modifiers to techniques. Some of the equipment may be dated, but there is a wealth of knowledge in that book and I'm glad it is still available.

One item that stuck with me (and is the inspiration for this video) is Alton's "test light", a DIY device that lets the cinematographer check how light will fall on a subject's face before actual lights are brought in. It's a great time saver, and allows for simple experimentation. Watch the video to see how to make one, or rather re-purpose something you already have.

Hand Held DSLR Shooting Tip

Deejay has started a second channel, DSLR Film Noob, where he plans to place random gear reviews and short tips like this one. Here he explains a great technique on how to use the camera strap around your neck as a stabilizing device. I love tips like this where you might think you need some specialized piece of gear, when you already have something that performs a similar function.

Recap Q&A: DVD or Digital Download?

RSS Readers: Click on the title to reveal the hidden video.

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

The Frugal Filmmaker T-shirts!
http://www.mischiefsapp.com/product/more-creativity-than-cents

Benefits and limitations of DSLRs vs. Camcorders
http://tinyurl.com/cye3s7w

P&C Pico Dolly Review (+ DIY shoulder rig mod)
http://tinyurl.com/7vtfmpw

Painter's pole mic adapter
http://tinyurl.com/6oxwast

Fujian 35mm 1.7 & Azden EX503 review
http://tinyurl.com/79zb7xd

YouTube defaults - auto description, title and tags
http://tinyurl.com/86bpkvs

Sony Vegas: Freeze Frame
http://tinyurl.com/824deyn

5 tips for holding the slate properly
http://tinyurl.com/7xlf3sn

Great cinematography with only one light
http://tinyurl.com/7bnddff

Patriot 32GB SD card, class 10 - $18
http://tinyurl.com/6wyknql

NGFN Review: Frugal Stabilizer Rig
http://tinyurl.com/6tttl2d

DIY Matte Box MkII
http://tinyurl.com/d4ta4hk

Four-way microphone comparison - part 1
http://tinyurl.com/8yxcp3g

Camera table dolly
http://tinyurl.com/ckpzv8f

Sony Vegas: Freeze Frame

In the first part of a new summer series, I profile how to achieve one of my favorite effects, the freeze frame. I use this all the time, and because it is so easy in Sony Vegas Pro, I think you will too.

Painter's Pole Mic Adapter

Having homemade rigs around for awhile means I get to revisit them and hopefully come up with improvements. This time out I was examining my DIY Boom Pole episode (as well as others out there) and came up with a unique variation. Instead of modifying an existing pole, how about a portable attachment that fits onto any painter's pole (and broom handle) threads that can also double as a pistol grip?

PARTS LIST
Paint roller (dollar store)
Microphone Clip: http://tinyurl.com/crwvevb
5/8" to 3/8" adapter: http://tinyurl.com/ccokpmb
3/8" threaded rod (hardware store), 3-6" long

Optional Frugal Shockmount adapter
3/4" PVC coupler: http://tinyurl.com/7auvjhc
3/4" to 1/2" PVC bushing: http://tinyurl.com/6ue3geb

TOOLS
Drill with 1/4" & 5/16" drill bits
Two pairs of pliers
PVC cutters: http://tinyurl.com/8yme674
2x 3/8" nuts

Recap Q&A: Three Shows a Week?

RSS readers: click on the title above to reveal the hidden video.

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

The Frugal Filmmaker T-shirts!
http://tinyurl.com/8433lov

XLR-PRO
http://tinyurl.com/d876ux6

Zoom H1 Field Recorder Setup
http://tinyurl.com/3oehgd7

Don't hire someone to run your Kickstarter campaign
http://tinyurl.com/7rm3pes

Lighting Tip - foam board trick quick tip
http://tinyurl.com/7h9q8z9

"I'm sorry, Dave."
http://tinyurl.com/8xkg2xg

Dummy security camera prop - $4.56
http://tinyurl.com/6v3uwdb

Nuclear explosion effect!
http://tinyurl.com/7z9rq6y

Build your own spider dolly
http://tinyurl.com/7r6zdpu

Frugal Clamp 1.5
http://tinyurl.com/84mraz5

DIY DVD shelf holds 1,000 DVDs for under $20
http://tinyurl.com/88px3zx

Source Filmmaker could change everything
http://tinyurl.com/7ulz4yd

4DSLR's Zoom H4n Cradle
http://tinyurl.com/7jsavt2