Discover how to turn ordinary moments into captivating cinematic videos using your phone and creativity. Learn a storytelling framework, filming techniques including the three and a half shot rule, and editing tips focusing on sound layering, cutting on the beat, and color psychology to evoke emotions. This guide empowers you to create engaging content from your daily life without expensive gear.
Everyone seems to be doing something bigger, more extravagant, or more exciting. But what if your life isn’t like that? Over the last two years, I have created cinematic content from my bedroom about seemingly nothing, yet it has reached millions of people. This has allowed me to experience some really cool things I used to only see online. In this article, I will teach you how to go from an idea to filming and editing cinematic videos, even using the most mundane example: going on a walk.
Most people ask, "What should I film?" but the better question is, "What are we feeling?" Your story is what makes you unique. Every video I make starts with a question that reflects a feeling or emotion. For example, in one video, I asked, "Why do I feel like I’m running out of time?"
For our walk example, the feeling might be boredom or creative block. A stronger question could be, "Where has my creativity gone?" This reflects a personal feeling of being stuck, which is a perfect starting point for creative exploration.
To keep your story engaging and full, use this repeatable structure:
Between each part, use "but" or "therefore" to create tension and flow. This structure helps your video come full circle, showing growth or change.
Cinematography is trial and error, but here’s a simple rule I use:
Film sequences three times using these different shot types. For example, a wide shot might show you walking in nature, a medium shot shows your movement, and a close-up captures your facial expressions. Splicing these together creates a seamless, cinematic feel.
If you’re a creative with ADHD or just want to stay organized, tools like Milanote can help. Collect screenshots or screen grabs of shots you like from Pinterest or other creators and recreate them in your style. This practice improves your skills and helps develop your unique cinematic voice.
Sound is the main difference between a simple video and a cinematic experience. Use multiple layers of sound to create depth:
Cutting pace affects the mood:
Trust your gut on when to cut and when to hold a shot. Also, cut on the beat of the music to enhance flow. Use your editing software’s beat analysis feature to speed up this process.
Color grading influences the viewer’s emotional response:
Adjust temperature, shadows, and saturation to match the mood you want. For example, lowering temperature and darkening shadows creates a moody, sad feeling, while brightening and warming colors evoke hope and excitement.
You don’t need expensive gear to create cinematic videos. Your phone, creativity, and a thoughtful approach to storytelling and editing are enough. Every story starts with an emotion or a question. By exploring your feelings and using the techniques above, you can turn your everyday life into engaging cinematic content.
Remember, your life doesn’t have to be exciting to start. Starting makes your life exciting. So, keep creating and telling your story.
