Regardless of the holiday you celebrate, this is the season of giving. Chances are, you know someone who works in video and has been very, very good this year. If you’re stumped on what to get them, we’re here to help with twenty gift ideas for filmmakers. Below, you’ll find some of the best gift ideas for under $500. Of course, we won’t judge if you get inspired for a little personal shopping while you’re at it. The Best Gift Ideas Under $500As any videographer knows, video equipment tends to be very expensive. For instance, most DSLR or mirrorless cameras and camcorders are over $500, so you won’t find any on this list. If you’re looking to buy a camera as a gift, head over to our overview of the five camera features you need to know to make a solid purchase decision. Of course, $500 is a lot to spend on that special someone. A lot of the pricier products on this list are great group gift ideas if you can find a few friends who want to help make someone’s holiday a little extra special. It’s also possible to find many of these items secondhand at a significant discount. 1. A Travel-Size Tripod SystemWhether creating a film, taking portraits, or setting up for a timelapse, a tripod will always come in handy. However, the last thing you want to do is pick out a cheap or flimsy model since tripods ultimately have a very important job supporting the camera. In light of those considerations, a tripod system from Oben makes a solid choice. They are super lightweight and strong due to their carbon fiber design. When folded up, they measure just 12-25 inches depending on the tripod you choose. This compact size is ideal if you’re on the go. Oben tripod systems range from $168 to $350. 2. A Durable Carry-On Gear CasePelican is well-known for its impressive line of high-performance protective cases. Their range of products extends to photo and video cases as well. For the filmmaker in your life that’s always flying across the world, the 1510 Protector Carry-On Case is exactly what they’ll need. Some filmmakers feel much more comfortable keeping their gear close, and avoid checking their gear bag when traveling. Measuring in at the maximum airline carry-on size, this is the perfect case for bringing their valuable film gear right on the plane with them. The case is waterproof, dust-proof and crush-proof, with a price point of $189.95. If you’re in an extra giving mood, pair this case with the Trekpak divider system which allows for more customization and organization to fit the needs of any filmmaker. This accessory comes in at $119.95 3. A Drone That Fits Into Your PocketI know what you might be thinking – aren’t most drones $1,000 or more? Generally, you would be correct. However, earlier this year DJI introduced the all-new Mavic Mini. This drone is extremely powerful for its tiny size. On DJI’s website, you can even see the device being put into a pants pocket – that’s how small it is. At an ultra-light 249 grams, this little guy can fly for thirty minutes and record in 2.7K. While this won’t replace the pro-level Mavic 2 Pro or Phantom series, this drone might be the perfect grab-and-go option, especially at a mere $399. 4. A Powerful Handheld GimbalIf you’re shooting on a DSLR or mirrorless camera, this is an excellent gift for someone looking to create cinematically smooth shots for their films. Handheld gimbals offer 3-axis stabilization, which makes shots steady and shake-free. The Zhiyun-Tech Crane v2 is an amazing option because it breaks down small enough to be brought along for most shoots, as opposed to more complex gimbal systems. The Crane v2 clocks in at $399. 5. A Camera They Can Take AnywhereGoPros have been a regular feature on wishlists for years, and for good reason. After all, it’s the action camera used around the world for anything and everything extreme. This tough little camera has been updated almost every year, and this year is no different. The Hero8 Black now has a feature called HyperSmooth 2.0, which takes bumpy footage and magically smoothes it out. The resulting improvement to footage quality makes life much easier for anyone trying to incorporate GoPro footage with footage from bigger cameras. The tiny size, and new add-on options make the Hero8 Black a serious contender as a one-stop shop. With the camera at $399, you could even throw in some accessories to complete the package and still keep the price under $500. 6. A Versatile Gear CartFor the one-person film crew, this cart will be a lifesaver. This multi-cart from RockNRoller is a must-have for traveling from location to location with a ton of gear. With a 500 lb load capacity, the recipient will be able to bring all their cameras, lights, audio equipment, and more wherever they need to. It folds flat for easy transport, and its durable wheels allow this cart to go nearly anywhere it’s needed. Bundle this gift with some hook straps, bungee cords, or a shelf add-on, and they’ll be good to go. We recommend the RocknRoller Multi-Cart R6RT “Mini” which is $119. RockNRoller does ofter several other larger carts, all of which are under $400. 7. A Portable LED Light for EverythingFor certain types of shoots, bringing a whole light system can be a struggle. The Boling Pocket LED RGB Video Light is a practical choice for filmmakers who need to travel light. This LED light offers a full range of colors along with percentage dimming for extreme precision. A built-in mounting arm makes this an extremely versatile choice. It could easily be used as a main light, with diffusers, or with one of the nine special effects. For a full review, this video from Fstoppers provides a hands-on look at this portable LED light. Similar to the Mavic Mini, these lights are extremely small and will fit into pretty much any bag. At $149, getting two of these lights will set up your favorite filmmaker for any situation. 8. A Shotgun Mic for Your CameraIf filmmakers could have an audio expert on every shoot, we’re sure they would. However, that’s not particularly realistic. This Rode VideoMic Pro Plus is a great option for when they’re flying solo. This shotgun mic attaches right to the camera, and can produce really great audio in a pinch. A mic like this is highly directional, so it captures audio mainly from sources directly in front of it. You can pick up this mic and an accessory kit for $359.95 at B&H Photo. This kit includes the on-camera mic, a mini-boom pole for handheld use, a wind protector for shooting outside, and cable converter to use the microphone with larger setups. That’s quite a lot in a relatively small package! 9. A Bendy TripodThere are going to be some situations where a normal tripod just isn’t going to cut it. That’s where Joby GorillaPods come into play. These extremely durable and bendy tripods are meant to be used just about anywhere. GorillaPods have rubberized legs that help them grip and hold on to nearly any surface you can think of. The impossible shot becomes possible with one of these handy tripods. Options range from small tabletop models to the GorillaPod 5K, which can hold cameras up to 11lbs. When in doubt, go with the biggest GorillaPod to make sure it’ll be able to handle whatever camera your filmmaker uses. The Joby Gorilla Pod 5K is $104.95, but smaller options are under $40. Stocking StuffersThese gift ideas are excellent stocking stuffers that are bound to come in handy, or at least make them laugh. 10. Extra EverythingAsk anyone that has ever worked in film, and they will tell you how important it is to have extras. We’re talking about extra batteries, extra SD cards, extra lenses, extra straps, extra lights – the list could go on forever. If you know the type of gear your intended recipient is already using, you can easily stock up on a few extras they’re bound to appreciate. 11. Passport HolderIf your filmmaker travels internationally for their productions, a passport holder is a smart gift they might not think of for themselves. Since passports are one of the most important requirements for international travel, keeping this little book safe is non-negotiable. Of course, there are a ton of options to choose from. Take note of what your filmmaker might like and check out this amazing list from Smarter Travel. Options range from hard cases, neck-wallets, group passport holders, and more. 12. Gaffer TapeAnyone that has ever worked on a film will know that you can never have too much gaffer tape. Think of this as the go-to solution for just about any problem that could come up on set. Get a range of colors to provide more options for its use. 13. Travel MugThis stainless steel-lined mug in the shape of a popular lens is bound to make them smile at a low price of $9.99. After all, keeping your energy levels up while on set is really important! 14. Fun Filmmaker Hat or T-ShirtNothing lightens the mood on set like a humorous piece of clothing. CafePress has thousands of great options to help your favorite filmmaker express their passion through style. 15. Personalized NotebookInspiration can strike at any moment, so having a dedicated place to jot down ideas is a must. This customizable clapboard journal on Etsy is high quality and perfect for taking on-the-go. Depending on the customizations requested, the price starts at $35. Etsy, similar to CafePress, has a ton of other small gifts for filmmakers. Digital GiftsWhile these gift ideas might not come in a box, they’ll still have a big impact. You’ll have to figure out a clever way to deliver these items, but we’re sure the recipient will be thrilled. 16. Pro Viewfinder AppA very popular app is the Artemis Pro Viewfinder app. This app allows a filmmaker to use their phone to line up shots they are planning on shooting. Priced at $29.99, this app is used by Oscar winners and film students alike. 17. Sun Seeker AppTracking the sun might not seem like a major part of filmmaking, but the sun can cause real problems for videographers if not taken into account. This Sun Seeker – Tracker & Compass app uses 3D augmented reality to show the solar position of the sun. For daytime shoots, this information can be crucial for planning shots and keeping track of the light you have remaining. At a cost of $9.99, this app takes the guesswork out of tracking sunlight. 18. Celtx SoftwareFor those who are serious about scriptwriting and video production, Celtx offers collaborative tools to improve the planning process. The Celtx platform includes writing tools, storyboards, budgeting, shot lists, scheduling, and expense tracking, starting at $15/month. With all those features, any filmmaker will be prepared for their next big shoot. ClassesOne gift that keeps on giving is new knowledge. No matter how good someone is at their craft, there is always room for improvement. Classes are one of those gift ideas that never go out of style. 19. Online ClassesWebsites like LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare are very popular, but recently, a new contender has emerged called MasterClass. With a full catalog of classes taught by extremely successful producers, directors, and actors, this could be a great gift for your favorite filmmaker. Directors like Ron Howard, Judd Apatow, Spike Lee, and more have produced classes on MasterClass to help you take your own work to the next level. Class passes start at $90. 20. Acting ClassesIf the person you’re shopping for has to direct on-screen talent, acting classes could make for a great present. While this might sound scary to someone more accustomed to being behind the camera, understanding the process from the perspective of actors and actresses can really enhance your work. Expectations will be better aligned, communication with the talent will improve, and hopefully, they’ll make some great connections to boot. If you can think of any other delightful, affordable gift ideas for filmmakers on-the-go, share your ideas in the comments below! You never know, you might just help someone out in a pinch. from SproutVideo https://sproutvideo.com/blog/gift-ideas-filmmakers.html via IFTTT from https://johnsmith0190.tumblr.com/post/189337999943 from https://alvindukes.blogspot.com/2019/11/20-gift-ideas-for-filmmakers.html
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If the trains in the above video only had something like automatic passenger counting… What is automatic passenger counting? Automatic passenger counting (APC) is a relatively new technology in the transportation industry. It is used by fleet companies that manage taxis, buses and coaches, and trains and trams, as well as VIP luxury vans. The […] The post Morning Commute Nightmare appeared first on Viral Viral Videos. via Viral Viral Videos https://viralviralvideos.com/2019/11/26/morning-commute-nightmare/ When should you grab your phone to film a quick video, and when should you invest much more heavily in production? As phones become more and more capable of recording high quality video, it can be hard to know which direction to take. In this blog, we will be discussing the differences between polished videos and off-the-cuff videos. We’ll look at how we define both styles of video, the pros and cons of each, and explain why you might choose one over the other. What’s the Difference?In this video, Ikey Ajavon, a marketing content strategist at SproutVideo, breaks down the distinctions between off-the-cuff videos and polished productions. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of each, as well as what’s required to make your own. What is a Polished Video?Most people are already familiar with polished videos. For many companies, this is the only type of video they produce. And for good reason – they have a very professional look and feel, and can be used in many different ways. For instance, polished videos are perfect for advertising and marketing videos, demo and explainer videos, in-depth interviews, branded shows, and more. You can share such videos in advertising campaigns, on your website or blog, or post them to social media. Pros and Cons of Polished VideosThere are plenty of benefits when it comes to polished videos. They are generally reusable, they can be shared almost anywhere, and they ensure you will get that professional look. Investing in your video production can also pay dividends in terms of viewer engagement and brand-building. Of course, there are some drawbacks. These videos are usually very time-consuming, expensive, and require a lot of planning to produce. If you don’t have a reasonable budget or plenty of lead time, polished videos are likely out of the question. How to Make Polished VideosFor this type of production, you’ll need a few key components to get the best results. First, you’ll need a script, actors, and probably a location for your shoot. Depending on the video, you’ll also need props, lights, and microphones. Next, you’ll want to ensure you have the right camera for the job. We recommend using a DSLR or mirrorless camera at the very least. A camcorder or cinema rig will ensure even better quality if you have one. For more on picking the right camera for your project, check out our comparison of the real world features that matter for different cameras. If you have an in-house marketing or video team, they might be able to produce this type of video. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire a video production company. The level of technical expertise involved usually requires the assistance of video professionals with hands-on experience. For post-production, if you’re handling it in-house, we recommend using industry-standard tools such as Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Audition, and other applications to ensure the final product is top-notch. If you’re working with a production company, they should be using professional video editing software. Why Make Polished Videos?So, why would you go through all this “trouble” for a polished video? As mentioned earlier, this type of video will last for a long time and can be used for multiple situations. They also reflect well on the quality of your company or product. In some regards, polished videos also feel like a safer option. They scripted and heavily produced. You’ll have plenty of chances to correct any issues before the video is shared. In certain cases, your video needs to be polished to get the look you desire, such as with multi-camera interviews. When working with more than one camera, the footage really needs to match, or the result will feel disjointed and be very distracting for viewers. Due to the complexities of operating multiple cameras at the same time, you can’t shortchange the production. In cases like this, it’s best to plan on a higher quality production from the get-go to ensure the final result turns out the way you want. What is an Off-the-Cuff Video?Off-the-cuff videos are essentially the opposite of polished videos. They generally require much less planning, far fewer resources, and are much faster to produce than polished videos. Anyone can produce this type of video, and it’s everywhere online. While many brands are still wary of testing this format, it’s becoming more and more commonplace to see major companies producing and sharing off-the-cuff videos. Examples of off-the-cuff videos include short interviews, timely updates, or social media-specific videos like Instagram stories. You mainly see this style of video on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Pros and Cons of Off-the-Cuff VideosOff-the-cuff videos are quick to plan, simple to produce, inexpensive, and easy to share. They’re an important part of most companies’ marketing strategy since they feel authentic and help forge connections with viewers. However, just like polished videos, off-the-cuff videos have their weaknesses. With limited control over production, and lower quality overall, off-the-cuff videos aren’t always appropriate for every type of video. As a result, they have a shorter shelf-life. They aren’t as evergreen as polished videos, and are unlikely to have much value over the long run. How to Make Off-the-Cuff VideosCreating an off-the-cuff video is very straightforward. You won’t need actors or outside companies to produce it. Your marketing team (or anyone in your office who is willing to be on camera) should be able to handle the entire process. The overall look you’re going for is much more casual than with a polished video. Natural light sources and everyday hair and makeup are perfectly appropriate for these types of shoots. Of course, it never hurts to wear a clean shirt. For recording off-the-cuff videos, any relatively new smartphone will be just fine. If you have a point-and-shoot, DSLR, or mirrorless camera, any of those options would work even better than a smartphone, and elevate the quality. The last step is post-production. Depending on the video, you might not need to edit anything at all. If you need light editing, there are lots of apps in the App Store or Google Play store that allow you to edit efficiently right on your phone. Apps like iMovie, InShot, Splice and more are an excellent place to start. If you would like to edit on a computer, we’d suggest using Adobe Rush, which is a scaled-down version of Premiere Pro with an accompanying mobile app. Why Bother With Off-The-Cuff Video?You might be thinking, why would I sacrifice the quality of a polished video for an off-the-cuff video? Well, these videos can foster a strong feeling of authenticity for the viewer specifically because they look and feel less produced than a polished video. They read as much more personal than a typical marketing video. As a result, they are particularly well-suited for timely or live updates from an event or product launch, or for creating interesting behind-the-scenes content. Any time you need to quickly get the word out to your audience, an off-the-cuff video is likely the way to go. They also allow for a much more casual approach to your content. They don’t have to be perfect or replicable – in fact, that’s the entire point. It really is the more the merrier when it comes to off-the-cuff video. Since each individual video has a short shelf-life, producing them on a frequent basis is key to success with this style of video. That way, you can build an engaged audience over time. Best of Both Worlds?We think there is one type of video that works well in both categories: internal communications. For company updates that happen on a recurring basis, we’d suggest keeping it off-the-cuff, low-cost and quick. Examples include quarterly sales results or a welcome video from the CEO for new hires. Basically, you want those videos to feel as personal and real as possible, and they inherently require a quick turnaround time. Those factors make off-the-cuff videos the right choice. On the other hand, if your company is expanding rapidly and the training material won’t be changing in the near future, it might be worth the time and effort to produce a polished video to give new hires the best first impression. Similarly, a year-end company performance review might be worth spending more time and effort on. When deciding which direction to take for your internal communications videos, consider the intended shelf-life of the video, the audience, and the time and resources available to you. Whether you’re producing more polished content, sticking with off-the-cuff videos, or a combination of both, we’d love to hear how you’re implementing video to improve your business. Let us know in the comments below. from SproutVideo https://sproutvideo.com/blog/off-the-cuff-video.html via IFTTT from https://johnsmith0190.tumblr.com/post/188872321253 from https://alvindukes.blogspot.com/2019/11/when-is-off-cuff-video-okay.html These days, anybody and everybody can have their five minutes of fame. Yet Twitch has proven to the world that it is more than just a five minute wonder, or a fad. The streaming platform has been at the very heart of eSports’ meteoric rise from an obscure geek hobby to a global phenomenon with […] The post Twitch Game Streams That Went Horribly Wrong appeared first on Viral Viral Videos. via Viral Viral Videos https://viralviralvideos.com/2019/11/01/twitch-game-streams-that-went-horribly-wrong/ |
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