Master the Art of Epic Filmmaking with These 10 Gimbal Moves

Master the Art of Epic Filmmaking with These 10 Gimbal Moves

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Follow
3. The Reverse Follow
4. The Step In Reveal
5. The Mini Jib Reveal
6. The Side Track
7. The Chest Transition
8. The Soft Focus Reveal
9. The Wipe Transition
10. The Orbit
11. The Fake Drone Shot
12. Editing the Footage a. Adding Music b. Adding Sound Effects c. Color Grading
13. Conclusion

10 Easy Gimbal Moves to Make Your Footage Cinematic

Introduction: Capturing epic, cinematic shots is a goal for many filmmakers and videographers. In this article, we will explore 10 easy gimbal moves that instantly give your footage that high-end Hollywood look. Whether you're shooting short films, promotional videos, or documentaries, these moves can elevate your storytelling and make anyone look epic. We will also discuss the gear needed and provide tips for executing these moves effectively.

1. The Follow: One of the classic gimbal moves, the follow, involves tracking your subject from behind while maintaining an equal distance. This shot is ideal for showcasing the location and keeping the subject centered in the frame. Experiment with different angles, focal lengths, and distances to add variety to your shots.

2. The Reverse Follow: Similar to the follow, the reverse follow involves tracking the subject from the front while walking backward. This move is frequently used in Hollywood films and adds production value to your footage. Play around with different focal lengths to find the look that best suits your story.

3. The Step In Reveal: In this move, the camera tracks backward, and the subject steps into the frame. This shot is great for introducing the location and gradually revealing the subject. It adds a sense of choreography to your footage while still being relatively simple to execute.

4. The Mini Jib Reveal: Starting from the subject's feet, the camera slowly lifts upward, revealing the character or subject. This shot helps establish the character's appearance and provides visual cues to understand their personality. Details like shoes, ripped jeans, or tattoos give viewers a deeper understanding of the character.

5. The Side Track: The side track involves walking forward while keeping the camera facing to the right or left. Avoid the common mistake of walking sideways, as it looks awkward and affects the quality of your shot. By turning the camera to the left or right, you can achieve smoother shots and capture your subject more effectively.

6. The Chest Transition: This move requires two shots to be seamlessly merged. Firstly, push forward towards your subject and stop in the middle of their chest. The first shot ends with a black frame. Secondly, start the second shot with a black frame, then move the camera backward as the subject moves forward. By editing these two shots together, you create a transition that adds intrigue to your footage.

7. The Soft Focus Reveal: Start by framing your subject and locking the focus on their face. Hold the shot for a few seconds, then pull backward to reveal a wider shot of the subject. Reverse this shot to create a push-forward effect, gradually revealing the subject as you get closer. This technique adds more depth to character reveals and ensures accurate focus.

8. The Wipe Transition: The wipe transition involves using foreground elements to wipe past the camera while tracking your subject. Position your camera close to the foreground element, filling the frame. Match the speed of the first shot when starting the second shot, using another object to create a seamless transition. With a simple cut during editing, you can achieve a smooth in-camera transition.

9. The Orbit: As the name suggests, the orbit involves walking in circles around the subject while keeping an equal distance. This move is commonly used in Hollywood films and adds a dynamic and dramatic look to your shots. Experiment with different angles and focal lengths to highlight the environment and create visually stunning footage.

10. The Fake Drone Shot: The fake drone shot is a favorite among gimbal users. Get close to your subject, shoot wide, and slowly lift the gimbal up as high as possible. Although it doesn't provide the height of a drone, it replicates the smooth, elevated camera movement associated with aerial shots. This shot is excellent for showcasing locations and serves as a captivating ending shot for your sequence or film.

Editing the Footage: To create a sequence using these gimbal moves, it's essential to add music, sound effects, and color grading. Incorporate suitable music and sound effects to enhance the mood and atmosphere of your footage. Additionally, color grading can elevate the visual appeal and cohesiveness of the sequence. Experiment with different editing techniques to achieve the desired cinematic look.

Conclusion: Incorporating these 10 easy gimbal moves into your filmmaking or videography can instantly transform your footage into a cinematic masterpiece. By mastering these moves and adding creative touches during editing, you can elevate the production value of your videos. Remember to experiment with angles, focal lengths, and storytelling techniques to create unique and visually stunning shots that captivate your audience.

Highlights:

• Learn 10 easy gimbal moves to make your footage cinematic
• Understand the different techniques for capturing epic shots
• Experiment with angles, focal lengths, and distances to add variety
• Enhance storytelling with choreographed movements and transitions
• Add music, sound effects, and color grading for a Cohesive sequence
• Elevate the production value of your videos with these professional techniques

FAQ:

Q: What gear do I need for these gimbal moves? A: For these gimbal moves, it is recommended to use a gimbal such as the Zhu In Crane 2s, which can handle the weight of DSLR, mirrorless, and cinema cameras. Additionally, a camera with a suitable lens, like the Sony A7S Mark II with a 17-40mm lens, provides excellent image quality.

Q: Can these gimbal moves be used in different types of videos? A: Yes, these gimbal moves can be used in various types of videos, including short films, promotional videos, and documentaries. They add a cinematic look and enhance the overall production value of your footage.

Q: Are these gimbal moves suitable for beginners? A: While some of these gimbal moves may require practice, they are designed to be relatively easy to execute. With some patience and experimentation, beginners can master these moves and improve their filmmaking skills.

Q: How can I ensure smooth and consistent movement during these gimbal moves? A: It is essential to maintain smooth and consistent movement while executing these gimbal moves. Practice walking steadily and slowly to avoid unnecessary jerks in the footage. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the gimbal's settings and ensure it is properly balanced for stable shots.

Q: Can I achieve a cinematic look with a smartphone gimbal? A: Yes, smartphone gimbals offer similar stabilization capabilities and can be used to achieve a cinematic look with these gimbal moves. Follow the same principles of framing, movement, and composition to enhance the overall visual appeal of your smartphone footage.