Your clip of a rat schlepping a quesadilla has the power to out-hype a summer blockbuster. Do it right.
Go Horizontal
YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo display videos in widescreen format, so get with the program. A simple rotation of your phone to horizontal allows you to fill 100 percent of a web player. It's also the same shape as a TV screen, so when your viral video makes the news, it won't look like amateur hour.
Kill the Shakes
Invest in a mini tripod or, even better, a camera-stabilizing gimbal. If you're panning a handheld shot, place your hips in the direction of the point where your shot finishes. And here's a dirty little secret: If you're on your own but want a smooth third-person point-of-view shot of yourself, buy a selfie stick. You can edit out the snickers of onlookers later.
Watch the Light
Record video with the sun at your back to keep your subject fully lit. Most video-capture apps let you toggle the exposure when the actor is backlit, but you'll always risk blowing out the rest of your scene. When indoors, arrange standing lamps to create a simple three-point light setup—move them around until you eliminate harsh shadows.
Stay Focused
Director Sean Baker produced an entire feature film, Tangerine, using the iPhone 5s. He opted for an anamorphic lens adapter made by Moondog Labs. “You aren't going to get the shallow depth of field usually associated with a cinematic film,” Baker says, “but once you accept that your entire scene will be in focus, it becomes a big part of the film. I wanted people to see parts of LA that they don't usually see.” Pro tip from Baker: If you're using a gimbal, make sure it can counterbalance the weight of your lens adapter.
Listen Up
So you've invested in a lens and maybe a tripod, now don't skimp on sound. There are several directional mic adapters designed specifically for smartphones. If you need to use multiple mics, record sound separately and drop it in during the edit.
Fix It in Post
Many filmmakers who work with iPhones use Filmic Pro ($10) to record their video and then dump the footage onto a computer for editing. If you're itching to get your clips online now, skip the desktop and edit in iMovie for iOS. On Android, try PowerDirector. Laying text over the image is currently all the rage in web video. For graphics wordplay on iOS, Gravie ($2) is all you need; for Android, use the app VideoShow.
Embrace the Phone
It must be asked: Why not just buy a DSLR? The phone is an attractive tool for reasons beyond its pocketability. For Baker, the inconspicuous presence helps: “I work with a lot of nonprofessional actors, and because they are used to having phones around all the time, they feel relaxed and act natural while we're filming.”
Paula Chowles (@paulachowles) is a video producer at WIRED.
