Reel Rebel

Can A Mobile Phone Shoot Business Videos? [ReelRebel #42]

Using the camera in your phone to shoot a business video can be an attractive thing for people looking to create video on the cheap. Unfortunately, with these types of cameras, the limitations are such that there are very few instances when it makes sense to use them.

How to Create YouTube Export Settings in Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere [ReelRebel 41]

One of the most overlooked aspects of uploading videos to YouTube and Vimeo is the proper export settings from your editing software, such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere. Selecting the correct export settings means having the highest quality video possible when it uploads to a popular video site.

Achieve Bokeh With Shallow Depth-of-Field [ReelRebel #40]

Creating that creamy, out-of-focus background with a sharp, in-focus subject in front of it is all a matter of shallow depth-of-field. And if you really want to impress your friends, call it "bokeh." It's achieving a film-like look and making you look more pro.

Three Professional Ways to Light Faces [ReelRebel #39]

You've probably heard of three-point lighting and you use it to perfection. However, if you want to really look pro, you can change the way your key light shines on your subjects' faces to create a desired dramatic or more flattering look. Introducing short, split, and butterfly lighting.

How to Use Light Diffusion Gels for Soft Lighting [ReelRebel #39]

Giving your video production value means using professional lighting. However, that professional lighting brings with it an additional problem: harsh lighting that is uncomfortable to your subject, sharp shadows, and makes your subject look unnatural. Diffusion solves that problem.

Slow Motion Tutorial: Heighten Drama and Make Things Look Awesome [Reel Rebel #38]

Slow motion isn't a difficult thing to do. But there is a time and place for it. We take a look at what slow motion does for the clips in your timeline and how to achieve those effects in iMovie and Adobe Premiere. And we even have a bonus tip for you if the basics aren't enough.

A Look Into the Scriptwriting Process [Reel Rebel #37]

It may seem like writing a script is simply going to your computer (or if you're old school, getting a pen and paper), sitting down and just writing. But it might surprise you to learn that's only part of the scriptwriting process. You need to build a structure for your story, and you need to test it out, before you shoot.

Microphones for Video: Omni Directional vs. Cardioid [Reel Rebel #36]

Reel Rebel #36 breaks down the difference between omni-directional and cardioid mics. If you don't know the difference, then you should, because finding the right kind of mic for the right situation is a must for any video production. Sometimes you want sound coming from all directions, sometimes you don't. Which situations are those? Read on.

How to Use the Rule of Thirds for Awesome Shot Composition [Reel Rebel]

One of the most basic "rules" when it comes to shot composition is the "rule of thirds," in which you divide your shot into 9 equal parts with intersecting horizontal and vertical lines and then frame the subject at the intersection of those lines. Here's a video tutorial on it.

Tutorial: How to Create the Old Film Look Effect for Video [ReelRebel #31]

When you are editing, you’re usually told to use effects sparingly since a little usually goes along way and you don’t want to overdo it.  Sometimes, however, you want a look that is not quite as subtle.  If this is the case, one option might ...

Rhino Slider Review - Affordable DSLR Camera Slider for Cinematic Video [Reel Rebel #32]

On this week's Reel Rebel episode we share another common filmmaking technique that's often used by professionals to capture smooth, cinematic looking shots - through the use of a camera slider.  Professional camera slider systems can be quite pricey and until recently, affordable systems were ...

Learn How to Conquer Depth of Field, One F/Stop at a Time [Reel Rebel #21]

On this week's Reel Rebel video production tip, Stephen follows up on our first depth-of-field (DOF) overview to dive a bit deeper into how to control depth of field using your DSLR camera's f-stop. Remember, a shallow depth of field is often desirable as it can produce a more ...

The Benefits of Using Neutral Density (ND) Filters & Gels in Video Production [ReelRebel #29]

In a previous ReelRebel episode on video lighting tips we taught you how you can utilize gels on your lights in order to keep your color temperature correct to get the best look for your shot.  In this episode Stephen gives an overview of neutral density ...

Why Pre-Production Creative Meetings Are Key to Video Project Planning [Reel Rebel #28]

Most people, especially creative types, cringe at the thought of having a meeting. However, when you are putting together a video project it is essential to sit down with the necessary parties, do your brainstorming, define your production aims, style, key messages and target audience, and ensure ...

How to Create the Split Screen Effect in Video Editing [Reel Rebel #27]

The split screen effect, also known as picture in picture or video overlaying, is the concept of showing two video streams simultaneously (traditionally side-by-side) in a given sequence.  There are several instances in which you may want to use a split screen effect editing technique ...