TOP 5 FAQs

1. What is the best camera to use to make videos at home?

There are many camera’s that will work just fine for the filming of movies at home.  The most important thing to have is a digital camera, one that allows you to input into a computer for manipulating your movie and adding effects and titles.  Your camera doesn’t have to be the most expensive or have the most functions.  The outcome of your movies depends more on you and how you create your movie than on the camera or equipment that you use.

2. How can I change the backgrounds in my movies to make it look as if the subject was in another location, like in Paris?

The best way, other than going on location to Paris, is to use a Green Screen effect to mask out the existing background and replace it with whatever background you want.  If you have a green screen you shoot your subject in front of it then on a computer with software for this purpose you remove all of the color green and tell the computer to replace it with a picture of your choice. Voila! You are in Paris.  See our Tips section to learn more.

3. Can I use clips of movies I purchase or music from my ipod to use in my movies?

There are things called Copyright Laws that protect the creators of every movie or piece of music that is created.  It says that the movie or music is owned by a person and cannot be used by anyone for any purpose except for the purpose that it was sold to that purpose- that is watching it or listening to it.  There are some services that sell photos, movie clips , and music that you could use anyway you want.  See out Links for them.

4. My movie doesn’t sound as good as those on TV. Why?

Sound comes from the microphone built in to your camera or from an external microphone that you may attach to your camera.  Built in mics require you to be close to your subject and to have no ambient sound or background to hear clearly.  If you can obtain an external microphone you can more easily control the sound.  See our Tools of the Trade section for more info on microphones.

5. How can I duplicate my film so I can send copies to my friends and family?

Many of todays computers allow you to make DVD’s directly from your computer.  There are also a number of outside services that charge you for making any number of copies of your DVD.  See our Links page for names.