Chapter 2. Turning Home Video into Pro Video

When you turn on the TV, how long does it take you to distinguish between an actual broadcast and somebody's home video? Probably about ten seconds.

The real question is: How can you tell? What are the visual differences between professionally produced shows and your own? Apple's advertising claims that a DV camcorder and iMovie let you create professional-quality video work. So why do even iMovie productions often have a homemade look to them?

WORD TO THE WISE
Maybe Homemade Is What You Want

If you want to learn how to upgrade your filming techniques to make your finished videos look more professional, then this chapter is your ticket.

That's not to say, however, that "professional" always means "better." Not every video has to be, or should be, a finished-looking production. There are plenty of circumstances in which homemade-looking video is just fine. In fact, it's exactly what an audience of family members is probably expecting. When watching your footage of a one-of-a-kind scene for which preparation was obviously impossible , such as a baby's first steps or the eruption of a local volcano, rest assured that nobody will be critiquing your camera work.

Furthermore, sometimes amateur -looking video is the look your professional project calls for. In some movies, filmmakers go to enormous lengths to simulate the effect of amateur camcorder footage. (The color segment of Raging Bull , for example, is designed to look as though it's composed footage shot by a home movie camera.)

In other words, polished-looking video isn't necessarily superior video for every situation. Nonetheless, you should know how to get professional results when you want them; even Picasso mastered traditional, representational drawing before going abstract.

As it turns out, there are a number of discernible ways that home movies differ from professional ones. This chapter is dedicated to helping you accept the camcorder deficiencies you cannot change, overcome the limitations you can, and have the wisdom to know the difference.