Recent Lessons

  • Making an Animated Title Sequence
    by Daniel Hayek staff 22 hours ago
    Title sequences are some of the most memorable elements of classic films and TV shows. We love North by Northwest, Star Wars, and The Brady Bunch for lots of different reasons, but all entrance us from the first frame with animated title sequences that perfectly set the mood for the stories that follow. Recently, we explored motion design and watched many examples of compelling title sequences — now let's see how to make one. Motion design is a relatively complex endeavor, but luckily our very own Nick Campbell, a.k.a. the Greyscalegorilla, has some sweet tutorials to help you get started. For those who don't know him, Nick is a motion-design virtuoso, longtime Vimeo member, and never-ending fount of visual creativity.

    In this lesson, Nick walks you through how to make a simple intro for your film using Maxon Cinema 4D and Adobe After Effects. First, he creates the Vimeo logo in 3D text using the extrude NURBS feature in Cinema 4D. Then he lights the logo with simple global illumination and ambient occlusion. Don't worry if you haven't used Cinema 4D before — it's pretty easy to set up. In the second part of the tutorial, Nick puts everything together in After Effects by tracking the scene to situate the logo in the scene. Finally, he color corrects and finishes the composite to create a realistic-looking animation. Don't sweat the technical jargon too much — Nick is a great teacher and takes you through the process step by step. When you're done, you'll end up with a cool animated title sequence like this:

    Vimeo School Composite


    from Nick Campbell

    00:00
    15
    Continue Reading…
    Category:
    Software
    Difficulty:
    Advanced
  • Our Guide to Giving Gear
    by Champ Ensminger staff 8 days ago
    Got some video buffs on your to-buy-for list this year? Here at Vimeo, we are professionally obligated to learn the ins and outs of the many cameras and accessories on the market, but for a first-time buyer all the options and technical language can be a little daunting. Well, we're here to keep your holiday spirits high with a few suggestions that will help you find the perfect gift for the cinematographer in your life.


    Point-and-Shoot Cameras
    A point-and-shoot is for the new shooter who wants a portable, easy-to-use camera that suits their spur-of-the-moment style. Compact and lightweight, a point-and-shoot comes in handy when shooting video at parties, in the car, or at home — all while capturing high-quality HD video. If your gift-recipient likes to shoot on vacation or while exploring the natural world, consider getting them a camera that can withstand water, dust, accidental drops, and whatever else they can dish out. Before you buy, make sure to check the camera's specifications to make sure it can handle the rough stuff.


    DSLRs
    For the seasoned shooter, or a camera whiz who's ready for the next step, you may want to spring for a DSLR camera. DSLRs introduce a larger array of manual controls that provide more shooting flexibility — it's the perfect camera for the amateur filmmaker, music video director, or documentarian. DSLR cameras usually come with a kit lens that works just fine in most situations. Down the road, though, your gift-getter will have the option to swap out different lenses for different shooting conditions where zoom, depth of field, and focal length are important. In short, a DSLR is the ideal starting point for a new auteur. Continue Reading…
    Category:
    Gear
    Difficulty:
    Beginner
  • Adding Depth to Your Shots
    by Riley Hooper staff 13 days ago
    When most people think about adding depth to videos, they immediately think about DSLR cameras, and for good reason: One of the most appealing aspects of shooting video on a DSLR is the shallow depth of field you can achieve.

    With DSLRs, interchangeable lenses that stop down to wide apertures allow you to get those super-cinematic shots, capture bokeh, rack focus, and separate your subject from the background, drawing your audience's eye to the details you choose. Adjusting aperture to obtain shallow depth of field is a great trick, but let's not get stuck in thinking that it's the only way to add depth to your shots.

    This great tutorial from Realm Pictures explores six ways to create depth in your videos, most of which don’t call for a DSLR:

    UWR Week 11 - Making the 2D look 3D!


    from Realm Pictures Plus

    00:00
    399
    Continue Reading…
    Category:
    Shooting
    Difficulty:
    Beginner
  • Holiday Video Tips featured
    by Andrea Allen staff 19 days ago
    We've all seen them: the holiday videographers who get in people’s faces, make everyone self-conscious, and never get to enjoy the party themselves. Does that sound familiar? Wait, are you blushing?

    Don't worry, you don’t have to be that guy. Or even that girl. We have some simple tips to help you capture amazing holiday footage while still partaking in the festivities. Watch and learn:

    Holiday Video Tips


    from Vimeo Video School

    00:00
    166

    Ok, got all that? Let’s recap:

    • Be cool. You don't want to kill the vibe at your holiday party by being an overbearing director. Let people be themselves and try to capture candid moments discreetly. Don't force people to pretend the camera isn't there — it's OK if they acknowledge that you're filming.
      • Continue Reading…
    Category:
    Shooting
    Difficulty:
    Beginner

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