How to make a video look like a film

We have to take into consideration when creating our product, some several things so that the finished result will look like a film.

This is the website I did my research into

• Depth of field: This is the distance between the nearest and closest thing. I can be increased with distance. The depth of the field can be altered manually so that somethings are out of focus and other times when everything in the shot is in focus. Focus pulls are used to switch the focus, so that the audience's attention are drawn to certain areas of the frame. Many film makers believe that a 'shallow' depth of focus' is the main thing that will achieve the film look. In our film, we will make sure that the focus is correct, by using the manual setting and finding the correct focus/depth. 

• Frame rate: To make sure the speed of the film is normal and doesn't appear to be weird, it should be shot 24 frames per second. It is shot a this rate as the audiences are used to it and it would look and appear weird if it was shot differently. When filming, we must make sure that our camera is set to this correct mode and must not be altered otherwise it will make the rest of our film look strange. If we want to specifically speed something up or slow it down the frames can be altered. For example in 'The matrix' the iconic scene where the protagonist is dodging bullets, the frame rate has been decreased to create this effect. 

• Framing: The framing of shots in film is essential when coming to films. The cinematography helps create a good look and makes the product appear like a movie. With careful consideration into shots, they can create a cinematic appearance, and many shots can represents things. For instance, in 'The kings speech,' this particular framing represents how the protagonist is feeling sad and lonely. 

• Camera movement: This aspect could be one of the most essential things in a film. it is basically the movement the camera undergoes. This can range from being on a tripod and being very steady, like in many Wes Anderson films, to jerky hand held camera's like in 'Saving Private Ryan,' or 'As above so below.' Considering the genre and mood of the film, the camera movement is very essential. Hand held camera's are often used in actions or horrors, were as steadier camera's are used from drama's or romances.

• Lighting: If the lighting of the film does not represent the genre or movie well then it will appear strange and not look like a film. If a film is a horror like ours then the lighting will be generally darker but it must still be light enough for the audience to be able to see what is happening in screen. Other genres such as children's films will be much lighter. It is important to consider the lighting in films so that the correct mood is given to the audience.

• Colour correction: The post-production side of film making is also as important as the production side when it comes to videos looking like films. In some independent or amateur films, it could appear over coloured to look stylised, but it doesn't always look good. The trick is to make it look as natural as possible, which will add to the verisimilitude effect. The exposure and white balance is important, which can be adjusted on the camera when filming. Different colours and filters are applied to different genres. Horrors aren't covered in a wash making them look over exposed. To create a certain mood on the screen, warm and cool effects are used.

• Film emulation: This step isn't essential, but it is basically a technique that allows the makers to apply specific film stock to the footage, again to create a certain mood. This can be by adjusting the colours and grain to match the mood you want to create.

This video explains some simple steps to use on 'Final Cut Pro' that will make a video look like a film.