How to Use Your Smartphone to Create a Video Resume

If you want to stand out from the pack and make a video resume, there is a lot to think about. It’s not as simple as picking up a camera and starting to film. You need to plan, film and edit your product to make sure it makes the best impression possible. So, if you still want to make this unique resume, here are a couple tips to consider:

Start With a Script

The first place you are going to want to start is with a script. Plan what you’re going to do and say, any movements you plan to make and notes that you want to remember. You don’t need to choreograph every detail, but just make sure to have a general outline before you start filming.

Frame your Scene

Next you will want to think about where you want to place your camera. There are several easy things you can do to help make the overall viewing experience more enjoyable. For instance, instead of placing yourself dead center in front of the camera, imagine dividing the frame into thirds and placing yourself along one of these thirds, looking toward the empty space. Also, having multiple camera angles is important so that when you edit the project together, there is a sense of movement, even if you are just sitting in one place.

Unless you are shooting with multiple cameras, you might want to reposition your camera and repeat what you’ve said, which is another important reason to have a script as a reminder. Using a tripod that is designed for smartphones will allow you to frame your shot in interesting ways that a normal tripod won’t allow.

Optimize Your Camera

Now that you have some of the preproduction out of the way, think about how you are going to shoot the video. Most smartphones can shoot in 720p or 1080p, but some phones can shoot 4K, which is four times the resolution of 1080p HD video. Shooting at a larger resolution like this allows you to reframe shots in your editing process after the fact.

Also, always remember to shoot your video while in a landscape orientation. Vertical videos are one of the easiest ways to tell that a video is of low production value or that not much thought went into making it.

Set Up Your Lights and Audio

In most cases, the video applications on smartphones work best under consistent lighting. A basic three-point lighting setup gives a more professional look as well as definition and interest than flat lighting does. This setup involves three lights facing toward you: one light at 2 o’clock, one at 4 or 5 o’clock and one at 10 o’clock. Pick either the light at 2 or 10 to be the brightest, and then put the other at a reduced brightness. The light at 4 or 5 also should be dimmer than your brightest light and is used to separate yourself from the background.

The next thing to remember is the quality of your audio because having poor audio quality will result in a poorly done video. Even using an inexpensive USB dedicated microphone and a program will give you clear sound that is miles above anything a phone can give.

Edit Your Project

While there are programs on your phone that will let you do basic editing, such as Google’s Movie Studio, having a standalone program on your computer will give you more flexibility. Programs are relatively inexpensive and will give you a wide range of tools such as adding dialogue, other audio tracks, visual information and transitions.

With these easily accessible tools, you can easily make a video that will put you far ahead of the competition. It will show your creativity, hard work and technical skills.

Source: SocialMonsters