How to tell your story.
You are free to tell your story your way, from the heart, but if you’re not sure we are offering tips from award-winning professionals. Have a look at our “How To” guides, or download our free: “23 Storytelling Tips”.
Upload your story.
Filming
Action is always good. Film your character while they’re doing things, talking, not talking, wide shots and close ups: there are many options for contrast. Establish which bits of your story can be made visible and which will have energy and excitement.
Download your guide on how to tell your story.
Technical Tips
Shooting on a phone is fine but you could use a professional app such as FiLMiC Pro, or a free app such as Magisto or Apple Clips to help create the best film possible
Watch where the light source is coming from: on many smartphones even if a subject is poorly lit you can usually expose for a face by setting up the framing you want it, then touching the face on the screen with a finger and adjusting the exposure manually on screen
Try to use external microphones on smartphones for proper sound recording
Shoot in 4K if possible and if this is not possible, select 1080HD
When filming on a smartphone never “zoom in” manually as it reduces resolution. Use the optical zoom: press the 1x or 2x button and then crop later
Use a tripod or find another way of stabilising the camera
Framing: shoot or film in landscape and leave enough room at the top, bottom and sides to crop in
Do not submit films with commercial music; avoid logos on branded clothing or products
The story is everything. Make a shot list before you go out and shoot so you’re clear on what you need to film
