Harness Your Inner Spielberg

Just about every electronic gadget now comes equipped with a video camera. At this point, you've probably "directed" a handful of videos, from the one of your friend eating a gross sandwich, to the one of Lady Gaga from 2500 feet away at a concert. But face it: your movies are a little less than Academy Award worthy. We here at Sparknotes offer up some tips on how to turn your minute-long clip of a dog getting stuck in a paper bag into Oscar gold.

1. Steady…steady…
The problem with most amateur videos is the shaky-cam. You don't have a tripod, and because your video may be happening on the spur of the moment, you don't have time to make a tripod out of hair and gum. Plus, you're probably not even thinking about holding the camera steady, as you're too busy trying not to laugh. But take a deep breath, and hold your hand firm as you record. Imagine your camera is a volatile stick of dynamite. Move it too much, and you die. If it helps, tie a real stick of volatile dynamite to your camera for practice.

2. Learn the rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is an easy concept that is used in all manner of genres, including painting, photography, and movie making. The idea is that you divide your screen into thirds both vertically and horizontally (click here for examples). Instead of placing the subject of your video directly in the center of the screen, have the person (or worried dog) occupy a portion of the screen where two of the imaginary lines intersect. It sounds more complicated than it is. But shifting your movie star slightly to the left or right will make for a much more dramatic, dynamic shot.

3. Get in. Get out. Move on.
It's tempting to let the camera capture every single moment of an event. But come on. Do you really need a a 90-minute video of your friend playing Guitar Hero? No one, including yourself, will ever want to watch that. Shorter is always better. When making a video, choose what you want to show, record it, and then yell "Cut." Stop using up all the internet with hours and hours of boring, meandering videos. And tell your friend to wear a shirt.

4. Chose actors wisely
If you're making a movie that requires actors, look for people who are not your close personal friends. Your best buddies might be terrific actors, but the stress of making a three-minute horror video can ruin friendships. For instance, if you're making the movie, and you think the line, "Now that's what I call an onion," is funny, but your friend thinks it's lame, it can be tough to act stern and remind him that you're the boss. It's much easier to scold and manipulate strangers.

5. Keep it simple
You don't have the budget, time, or 3-D technology needed to make Avatar 2: Humans Are Mean. Stick with making movies that require minimal production values. This is how filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino started their careers. Year later, when you're a famous director, you will have the funds needed to make your dream project, Space Unicorn vs. Pirate Unicorn.

6. Add a cat or an old person
After you make a video, you may notice it a lacks a certain…something. And that special ingredient is either a cat, or an old person. Cram one of these items into your movie and thank us later.

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