8 Essential Video Tutorials for the DIY Filmmaker
Whether you're strapped for cash or just like to tinker with stuff, these tutorials will help you create some really cool filmmaking tools.
Filmmaker and YouTube personality knoptop has a motto that all of us can appreciate: "Go make something," and his latest video is probably going to inspire you to do just that. From a "crappy" homemade boom pole to a shoulder rig turned audio gear holder,knoptop lists eight of his favorite DIY builds and gear hacks that will not only help you get the job done on set, but help you save some money as well. Check out his video below:
There's a good variety of DIY builds and gear hacks on knoptop's list. Some are new, some are old, some are super labor intensive, while others only require you to pull out a lens cloth and use it as a slider, but the thing they all have in common is that they're all pretty damn good at fixing common problems filmmakers tend to have. Here are a few of my favorites from his list:
"Crappie Boom"
If you want to make your own boom pole, complete with a shock mount, The DIY Camera Guy Michael Lohrum shows you how to do it in the tutorial below. Here are all the materials you're going to need:
- One 13' or longer Crappie Fishing Pole
- One pack of 32" GearTie Reusable Rubber Twist Ties by Nite Ize Inc.
- One Foam Pipe insulation (for padded handle)
- One roll of cloth sports tape (for padded handle)
"Battery Bands"
Why have I never thought of doing this before? knoptop's idea to put silicone bands on all of your charged batteries is so simple and so...I mean, hindsight tells me that it's obvious, but whatever. Anyway, it's a great idea! Slap some bands on your charged batteries—green means "Go ahead and use this one, jack!"
A Shoulder-Mounted Audio Gear Holder
Even though HeyJustJ hasn't uploaded any videos in over two years, the last one he shared with us was an absolutely awesome tip on repurposing a camera stabilizer to use with your audio gear. Using a super cheap camera shoulder rig, you can actually mount important stuff to it like a field recorder or handheld recorder (H4n, etc.) and have it right there at eye-level so you can make adjustments easily. You could probably even put a sandwich on there. I don't know. It's cool with or without access to light snacks.
What are some of your favorite DIY builds and gear hacks? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: knoptop
