Reel Rebel

The Importance of Eyeline Matching for Smooth Video Storytelling: Shooting for the Edit [Reel Rebel #23]

Before planning any video shoot, it's important to have a good understanding of how the footage is going to be edited as this can make a big difference in how you approach the shoot.  There's a big difference between shooting and then editing versus shooting for the ...

Best Budget DSLR for Video? Canon EOS Rebel T4i (650D) DSLR Product Review [Reel Rebel #22]

For this episode of Reel Rebel, Stephen Schweickart provides a brief video product review of the new Canon Rebel T4i digital SLR (DSLR) camera, also known internationally as the Canon EOS 650D.  With the improvements Canon has made from previous models like the Rebel T3i, ...

How to Shoot Video with a Pure White Screen Background [Reel Rebel #21]

If you've been watching our weekly video tips series, you've probably noticed that we often choose to shoot against a solid white screen background.  Shooting against a solid black or white background is a popular choice for web videos as it helps create an intimate ...

Why Pre-Production Planning is a Must for a Successful Video Shoot [Reel Rebel #20]

Just like any project you take on, having a good plan of action prior to actually starting is a good idea.  This week on the Reel Rebel, Stephen Schweickart briefly covers just a few reasons why pre-production planning and creating checklists is so important to ensure ...

Frame Your Shots the Easy Way with SL Director's Digital Viewfinder App [Reel Rebel #19]

For this week's Reel Rebel video production tip, in an effort to dispel the myth that holding your hands in an L-shape for a shot makes you look like a professional filmmaker, we discuss and review the merits of the SL Director's Viewfinder app.  This ...

How to Improve Video Storytelling with L-Cut Transitions [Reel Rebel #18]

In this edition of the Reel Rebel Stephen helps to add another dimension to your video by explaining what a basic L-cut (also known as a split edit transition) is and how to apply it.  In some cases, like interview footage, simple cuts or jump cuts can ...

How to Manage Color Temperature Effectively to Produce Better Looking Video [Reel Rebel #17]

On this week's Reel Rebel video production tutorial, Stephen Schweickart provides an overview of color temperature.  Understanding how to adjust and balance color that is captured from different lighting sources can ensure that you get the appropriate look for your shot and help minimize the ...

How to Create Time-Lapse Videos: Fast Motion Video Editing Tutorial [Reel Rebel #16]

This week on the Reel Rebel, Stephen Schweickart introduces a slightly more advanced video editing technique used to create time-lapse videos.  Essentially, time-lapse video editing is a technique that's often used to speed up a video clip and give the illusion of compressed time.  Stephen walks us ...

How to Plan for Optimal Outdoor Lighting: The Golden Hour Calculator Review [Reel Rebel #15]

This week on Reel Rebel, Stephen Schweickart talks about and gives a brief review of the Golden Hour Calculator.  The Golden Hour Calculator is a cool and simple tool for videographers and photographers to use for planning video shoots at the optimal time in order to take advantage ...

When and How to Use a Wireless Lavalier Mic – Types of Microphones for Video: Part 2 [Reel Rebel #14]

When you are out shooting and recording someone's speech is critical to your final video quality, using your camera's on-board microphone, or even a shotgun mic may not be your best option. In cases where your purpose is to capture a subject's voice, (e.g. public speaking engagements, talking head interviews, ...

How to Choose Between Green Screen & Blue Screen for Chroma Keying Video [Reel Rebel #13]

Green screen or blue screens chroma key backdrops are sometimes used during filming in order to remove the colors when chroma keying in post production and superimpose the subject onto a different background or scene.  On this week’s Reel Rebel Stephen Schweickart discusses the basics ...

How-To Use Simple Cut Transitions When Editing Video and Why You Should [Reel Rebel #12]

On today's Reel Rebel Stephen Schweickart of VScreen.com gives some simple video editing advice on one way (using a 'cut') to ensure your transitions don't make your video look like you are at amateur status or more closely resemble a Power Point Presentation then a ...

The Three Point Lighting Technique - Add Dimension to Your Videos [Reel Rebel #11]

On today’s Reel Rebel video production tip, Stephen Schweickart discusses the importance of good lighting for video and gives a brief overview of one tried and true lighting technique called "three point lighting".  Using a good lighting set-up will help you make your online videos graduate from looking ...

Fixed Focal Length (Prime) Lenses & How to Choose the Right Lens for DSLR Video [Reel Rebel #10]

Today on Reel Rebel, Stephen Schweickart talks about finding the right lens with a fixed focal length and the folly of trying to use a built-in lens with a so-called 700x zoom.  So if you're finally ready to get yourself a DSLR, it's time to ...

Using a Shotgun Mic - Types of Microphones for Video: Part 1 [Reel Rebel #9]

Most often when you’re making your video, you’re going to be gathering audio to go along with it.  Audio is an important part of your final product, and it’s very easy to mess it up.  Today on Reel Rebel, Stephen Schweickart begins his 2-part review ...