I was in a rut. While I am very fortunate to be able to call something I love a job, there are times when it can feel just like that, a job.
The spontaneity of creativity had turned into a monotonous routine. The ‘spark’ was not as bright. I needed a change.
“MOBILE FILMMAKING IS THE ‘GATEWAY’ TO FILMMAKING.”
I needed something that challenged me creatively and technically and yet allowed me to be carefree and loose. Something that didn’t carry the weight of expectations. Something where I didn’t need to take myself too seriously.
I’ve never really given Mobile Filmmaking much thought. For a while I simply thought it was a gimmick, a ‘headline grabber’ or marketing ploy to get me to buy the ‘next new thing’.
MOBILE FILMMAKING … WHAT IS IT?
For the past few months I have been tinkering around with Mobile Filmmaking; putting together a Mobile Filmmaking Kit and conducting case studies to see how Mobile Filmmaking handles various scenarios.
I feel I am only scratching the surface. However, this is what I have discovered thus far…
| MOBLE FILMMAKING:WHAT IT IS NOT | MOBILE FILMMAKING: WHAT IT IS |
|---|---|
| Cheap Production Filming on a smartphone or other mobile device does not automatically equate to poor or lesser quality. | A Legitimate form of Production A camera, whether as a dedicated device or built into a mobile device is still just a camera. Solid content, quality production techniques, and skill are still the primary determinators of quality. |
A Fad There have been other production techniques that have burst onto the scene only to fizzle out (i.e 3D). However, I don’t think that will be the case with mobile filmmaking. | Here to Stay! The simple accessibility of Mobile Filmmaking means it’s here to stay. Everyone now has the potential to be a filmmaker! |
A Replacement for Other Film Tools A mobile device will not replace your other cameras nor does it diminish the need for other things like good audio and lighting. | Simply Just Another Option A smartphone is simply another option. Like any tool it has its pro’s and con’s. There are scenarios where it is the right tool and other where it is not. |
| Only for Novices While Mobile Filmmaking is an easy way for someone to get into filmmaking, I don’t think the benefits are limited to just newbies. | A Skill Even Seasoned Filmmakers Should Learn Like a good craftsman, as filmmakers, we must be familiar and adept at with all the tools at our disposal. That does not mean we won’t have our preferences, but to truly be good service providers and collaborators we need to be open to all that’s possible. |
FILMMAKING FOR ALL
In addition the the thoughts above, I would add the Mobile Filmmaking now serves as the ‘gateway’ to filmmaking. What do I mean by that?
Mobile Filmmaking makes filmmaking accessible to all! The means to tell a story through moving images is in you hand (or pocket)!
- Are you interested in getting into filmmaking but not quite ready to invest in expensive gear?
- Are you a student needing to create a multi-media project?
- Are you a school or business looking for a budget production footprint?
- Are you a journalist who wants to tell stories through moving images?
- Are you a ‘professional’ filmmaker looking for a challenge or to add to your repertoire?
If you answered, Yes, to any of the questions above, then I recommend you take a serious look at Mobile Filmmaking.
In a following series of posts, I’ll try share some of my experiences and insight delving into the world of Mobile Filmmaking!
Post No.20
A CINEMATOGRAPHER'S JOURNAL 