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Category: Tech tips Tech tips
Published: 19 January 2022 19 January 2022

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If your professional video content looks more lackluster than blockbuster, you can try these tips for beautifully achieving more cinematic footage.

Many budding filmmakers run into the issue of their footage not looking cinematic. It can be very frustrating for beginners to capture this essence. Why does the footage look cheap when you're using such an expensive camera? How do you achieve stunning lens flares and closeups?

If you're sick and tired of your footage looking like cheap home movies, you're in the right place. We're here to provide you with tried-and-true tips for achieving more cinematic footage. When you're ready, use the details below to learn how you can revolutionize the way you shoot movies.

Change Your Frame Rate to 24 FPS
This tip is enormous, as it solves most of the issues regarding footage not looking cinematic. First, take a quick peek at your frame rate. Is it at 30 FPS or higher? If so, that's the main reason why your footage looks more like a soap opera or home movie.

Every TV show and major motion picture shoots at 24 FPS, and it's always been that way. 24 FPS achieves a middle ground between smooth and choppy. It's also what your eyes have grown accustomed to after years of going to the movies.

Use Color Grading Software
Ever wonder how your favorite crime drama achieves a constant bluish tone? Have you racked your brain attempting a goldish tint for your western to no avail?

If the answer's yes, you need to invest in color grading software. Color correction is how major movies achieve tints and such vibrant, deliberate colors. Professional color correction can transform dull footage into cinematic glory.

Adjust Your Depth of Field
A shallow depth of field achieves a highly cinematic look. Shallow depth of field is where the subject is in clear focus, but the background is blurry. Adjusting your focus is a great way to make your footage appear more cinematic.

It's also imperative that your camera is in clear focus at all times. You may need to identify and resolve autofocus issues to get the crystal clear picture you're looking for.

Shoot With an HDR Camera
If you're using an expensive digital camera, you may not like the results. The footage will be sharp, but it will lack that cinematic edge. That's where high dynamic range cameras come into the picture. For example, an HDR will provide rich blacks and detailed whites. In addition, the processing power grants a highly cinematic image.

Concluding Thoughts
Finally, you have the essential tips for achieving more cinematic footage in your toolbelt. By using an HDR camera, manual focus, and color grading, your shots will appear highly cinematic. Thus, you will make your footage look far more professional to your audience.