Whether you are lighting an interview or a scene for a movie, the background light must always be considered. How much light should you use? How many shadows need to be created? Should you apply a simple splash of color or something with more texture? When making these decisions it’s handy to have a variety of cookies to choose from.

A cookie, short for “cucoloris,” is a large board with a pattern or shape cut out of it. It’s placed in front of a spot light in order to throw a textured shadow or a silhouette onto the background. These shadows and silhouettes can include tree branches, blinds, or something a little more abstract. Cookies can bring additional ambiance to your scene and are not only easy to use, but also fairly easy to make.

To make your own cookie all you need is a large board, at least 24″ square and preferably 1/2-inch foam core board, though thin plywood, sheet metal or cardboard would work also. To help control the bounce from the light source, choose a board that is black on both sides. Next, use a sharp edge, such as an Xacto knife or box cutter, to cut out the pattern of your choice. Drawing your pattern on the board prior to cutting may help as a guide. Remember, if your desired effect is a silhouette, cut out the area around the shape, not the shape itself.

Cookies are a basic lighting accessory that will allow you to vary your lighting design. By learning how to make your own cookies you can create endless design possibilities while being able to be more adventurous with your choices.

Panasonic may have crushed your dreams of ever purchasing a 3D camcorder (the list price for their AG-3DA1 camcorder: $21,000), but that shouldn’t stop you from fulfilling your quest to make a 3D movie of your own. All you need is a little inspiration, perspiration, and about $250.

Recently, Ron Proctor and Amy Jo Proctor, from the Scientific Analysis and Visualization Initiative (SAVI) at Weber State University, revealed their Do-It-Yourself 3D camcorder. Mounting two HD pocket cams side-by-side, they were able to create a stereoscopic video, which was then converted to an anaglyph video.

Others have offered their own DIY 3D camcorder creations, like Daniel Phelps who uses a different approach to mount two HD pocket cams side-by-side. An added bonus to his contraption is a remote control for synced recording. His video, The Alley, was shot using his dual camera mount.

As independent videographers, it’s easy to get discouraged when you lack the funds to buy the equipment you need (or want). However, with some creativity, and a tip or two from your peers, you too can DIY for a fraction of the cost.

If you’re looking for DIY projects or would like to share some ideas of your own, check out our newest Videomaker Forum category for DIY projects, personal tutorials, and much more.

Being an independent videographer usually means all expenses are coming out of your own pocket. Whether you’re just starting out as a videographer or have been making videos for some time, there probably are occasions when your greatest obstacle is working around a tight budget. The secret to making your budget stretch as far as it can is getting a handle on Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects.

DIY projects can save you handfuls of money while allowing you to achieve the look you want. One example of a fairly easy project is making your own green screen. The folks at Indy Mogul explain how you can build a portable green screen with PVC pipe, material and a budget of only $40.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwZQq156MDM

Once you have your green screen constructed, you’ll be able to recreate the same effects as the big-budget Hollywood movies. But don’t stop at the green screen. There are many more DIY projects that can increase your production value while keeping your costs down and your wallet happy.

Don’t know what to do with your green screen once you’ve got it built? Check out our green screen articles, tutorials, and Tips and Tricks videos which will help you get the most out of your newly constructed green screen.

Want to get those hard to reach shots that only a jib can provide? Is there not enough money in your pocket to afford to purchase one at a store? Well, here’s a solution that might be just what you’ve been looking for. These step by step instructions will provide you with the knowledge to build your own jib at home and give you a reliable yet affordable jib that can be used on your next video shoot. Thanks to Bob Plate, a long time Videomaker reader, you can make your very own jib for under $60. To find the instructions and to view a video of the jib in action go here: www.videomaker.com/article/14079