Beginner Solo Filmmaking Tips [Plus Gimbal Mistakes and Fixes]

Brandon Li Guide 6 months ago

Description

Let’s get back to basics! I’ll give my filmmaking tips for background blur, autofocus issues, creative white balance, using extra headroom, and dealing with backlighting. Plus a section on beginner gimbal mistakes and fixes. Finally we’ll shoot a full scene 2 different ways - beginner version vs my version. Links below:

Thanks to @FreeToUseSounds for learning with me!

Short film actors:
Dean Alexandrou (@deanalexandrou)
Samantha Wong (@samanthawong1)
Olya Petryk (@olyapetryk)
Derek Chan (@derekchannel)

Gimbal:
https://bdn.li/DJI-RS4

@GODOXGlobal ML100R Lights https://geni.us/godoxml100rlight
Godox parallel beam adapter https://geni.us/godoxmlcfl5parallel

🎥 Learn how I make films at https://myfilm.school/2026-invite
🔴 Checkout my Gimbal Course: https://gimbalmasterclass.com/

My Portfolio Page: https://vimeo.com/rungunshoot

Music from Uppbeat.io
Get started for free: https://share.uppbeat.io/brandon

✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonLiUnscripted

👉 Filmmaking FAQ: https://unscripted.com/faq

👉 All Gear: https://unscripted.com/gear

👉 My Portfolio: http://www.vimeo.com/rungunshoot

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_l_li/

✅ For Business Inquiries only: business@unscripted.com

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✅ Recommended Playlists:

👉 Brandon's Film School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v72ZCEmO_bM&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnezWYDj5isoZ_iJU1nhjKv

👉 Short Films
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_xBHxRpQDY&list=PL4HCvXRptWNk-esVFXU8NPfedqNvb6P3d

👉 Cinematic Vlog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1VGIA2mdhg&list=PL4HCvXRptWNnMonL-zrqyuebC7SLzyMBf

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0:00 Intro
0:33 Background Blur
1:55 Autofocus
3:28 White Balance
4:08 Headroom
5:07 Backlighting
6:42 Gimbal Tips
6:54 Choosing a Follow Mode
7:35 Following vs Directing
8:06 Walking Too Fast
8:33 Orbit Shots
9:25 Shooting a Scene

#filmmaking #cinematography #solofilmmaker