DIY Crane & Jib

Moving shots using a jib or crane provide an added dimension to any video, allowing the camera to sweep from a high establishing shot as it follows the action to a worm's-eye perspective. But the price of a good jib or crane can tax even the most established and well-paid video producer.

Search the internet, and you'll find dozens of designs for DIY video equipment, from simple one-legged monopod supports to elaborate cranes and dollys. This Tutorial focuses on two do-it-yourself crane and jib designs. DIY Crane. DIY Jib.

Special Features: Creating DVD Extras

People love movies, and many people love them enough to want to watch movies about the movies they love.

Special features are any additional audio, visual or interactive media that exist beyond the original version of a film on a DVD. These features may be items such as extended versions, director's cuts of the film, audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, documentaries, production stills, cast and crew bios, alternate endings, animatics, interactive games... the list goes on and on. So, if you can dream it up as an added feature, someone somewhere is going to appreciate it. Let's take a closer look at a few common special features you can add to your own DVDs.... More

If you have questions, it helps to ask an expert in person. In addition to our published video educational resources, we offer live video production classes and workshops. By attending one of our Chico, CA video production workshops, you can learn video editing, lighting, and camcorder techniques while you network with your peers.

Tips and Tricks

How to use a Green Screen and Adobe Ultra to make virtual sets for your videos.

Videomaker's Tips and Tricks is now available in a higher resolution, with download times remaining low. You asked for it, and you got it! See more detailed video by clicking on the Hi-Res button below.

High Resolution

• Avid Media Composer 3.0 Video Editing Software
  Avid Media Composer has been the standard on which all NLEs have been based. The first Media Composer rolled off the factory line in 1989. It came with its own Mac, specialized hardware and a hefty price tag. A lot has changed since then, yet Avid Media Composer remains the standard in video and film editing for feature films and TV shows... more
  
• Focus Enhancements FS-5 100GB Direct Capture Device
  Focus Enhancements' FS-5 direct capture device marks a sea change in how we use video. Not only does the device capture video from a Mini DV or HDV camcorder, it allows editing directly on the computer it is attached to, and it also allows something very revolutionary - the ability to add metadata to clips on the fly via an Ethernet or a Wi-Fi connection... more
  
• HP xw6600 Workstation
  It seems like every new computer that comes through our doors is now the fastest. Or using the most bleeding-edge technology. HP didn't disappoint us with its latest workstation, the xw6600. It utilizes Intel's newest Xeon processor and chipset, and it delivers great performance... more
  
• Adobe Visual Communicator 3 Visual Presentation Software
  Adobe Visual Communicator 3 fits the needs of the web video producer who wants to quickly and easily create content. It's especially ideal where the producer needs to rely on a script and where the production cycle is reoccuring, such as with video podcasting and vlogging. It has a lot of bells and whistles that give the user the potential to create video above the standard quality expectations of online video (i.e., home videos on YouTube)... more
  
• RODE NTG-3 Shotgun Mic
  Sound. It's just as important, if not more important, than picture. That axiom has been true since the advent of talkies and the end of film's silent age. Many video enthusiasts tend to focus solely on the camera technology as it advances at breakneck speed. But when it's time to put my money down, I feel much more comfortable purchasing a good piece of audio gear, knowing its lifespan will likely outlast several camcorders... more
  

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