Smartphone technology has greatly improved over the years, meaning that a lack of high-end cameras and lighting equipment is no longer a deterrent for aspiring filmmakers. This week the folks at Mango Street showed you how they made a short film about ghosts in a seaside town using only a Samsung S22 Ultra phone.
Although the phone they used has advanced features like 8K video, Super Night Solution Mode, and Super Steady Video, you don’t have to have the S22 Ultra to copy some of the technologies they did. The good news is that most modern smartphones have comparable features that make it easy to shoot short with a little creative thinking. (For one more take on this topic, see my story on Can You Shoot Pro-Quality Video With an iPhone.)
think outside the box
For the Mango Street short, neither Rachel nor Daniels seemed particularly confident in their on-screen potential, which is ironic because they run such an inspiring and thoughtful YouTube channel. Therefore, he opted for a character that would be non-verbal and rely heavily on the moody landscape in his coastal neighborhood. His solution was to make a short film about a lone ghost haunting a ghost town.
Don’t feel like you need to be the star of your short though. If you want to make a short film on a low budget and are more comfortable behind the camera, consider looking to your friends and family for low cost or free talent. For whatever you’re making, your best friend or joke-going uncle can make for great on-screen talent.
Consider Accessories
Although Danielle and Rachel were mostly shooting handheld for the Mango Street short, there were a few places where they relied on a tripod to hold the two in the same frame. If you’re shooting with a phone that doesn’t have stellar stabilization, a tripod can help you keep your shots steady. A small stabilization system can also help you capture smooth cinematic footage while you shoot. If you’re shooting late at night or in a low-light interior, a small LED light can help your subjects stand out. (For more tips, check out our story along with seven helpful materials you need to start shooting video today.)
use high resolution mode
The phone Mango Street used to create shorts let them shoot in 8K, meaning they could punch on wide shots without losing any quality, and shoot multiple takes of the same action. Could have added without some visual variation. If your phone lacks 8K video, consider shooting at the highest resolution available to you. And don’t be afraid to zoom in with your feet to get some good details of your subjects.
don’t forget the promo pics
Every short film needs some good promo material! The good news is that you can use the same smartphone to capture those promo shots for use on social media platforms. Daniel and Rachel used long exposures, a tripod, and those LED light panels to create the ghostly image they see in the video. Watch his last film below.
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