In this video, Chuck Peters provides a quick overview of five basic lighting principles you can use to improve the quality of your video:  ...more »

If you're creating a video blog -- a "vlog" -- your requirements for software editing are probably pretty basic.  For the most part, what you need to do is cut out bad takes and bad moments.  ...more »

You may not always have a tripod or monopod with you, and there may be shots where going handheld is simply the best way to get them. In such situations, you can use your body to steady the camera. Watch this great Videomaker tutorial to learn how.  ...more »

Devices to control camera movement, which include tripods, monopods, and stabilizers, can be used for smooth pans, tilts, and moving shots. Other uses include stabilizing and leveling your shots on uneven terrain, shooting from a very high or very low point of view, etc.

One of the first, best things a budding filmmaker can do to improve one's work is to get and learn to use a tripod or monopod.  ...more »

The Steadicam produces smooth motion video by isolating the camera from the herky-jerk of the operator, giving an impression that the camera is flying, or floating. One of its first and more famous uses was in the film Rocky, to follow Rocky up the museum steps and circle him at the top. The video below illustrates its use in a number of commercial productions.  ...more »

This is really clever!  ...more »

YouTube hosts videos of many different kinds -- most notably material captured from mainstream media, but user-created media is also central to its core. Not only has YouTube launched the next generation of stand-up comics, but also aspiring musicians, sports analysts, and video journalists. Screencasters teach us about using Photoshop. Video game gurus show off their moves. Marketers push their products, and tout a variety of schemes for making money.  ...more »