iJustine / Justine Ezarik - How to make a video

Nov 11

How to make a video

Posted at 5:35 pm | 78 comments

I get so many questions about how I make videos that I finally decided to make a complete behind the scenes video of everything that I did to make a video. I thought it’d be fun to use my Nikon Festival video since I actually went outside and had to do a shoot by myself.. it shows you that you don’t need to be a professional! Just have an idea and enough guts to make a fool out of yourself for the sake of a making a cool video!

Also, just to note in my behind the scenes video that starting at that first clip.. I had NO idea what video I was going to make. I really did just come up with that right on the spot while the camera was rolling and then went from there.

Not everything that I do might be the “right way” but it works for me. For some of you new people to making videos, it’s okay to make mistakes and sometimes when you’re making stuff specifically for youtube.. no one cares!

Feel free to leave your tips and video tricks in the comments. I’m always learning new things everyday that I make videos.

THE GEAR I USED IN CREATING MY VIDEO:

• Nikon D90
• Nikon Coolpix S70
• Blue Snowflake Microphone
• Random tripod I bought at Radio Shack 10 minutes before shooting
• Joby gorilla pod
• iPhone to playback audio
• SanDisk Extreme III 4g / 8g cards
• FinalCut Pro
• My new 8 core Mac Pro thanks to the Price is Right
• Lighting is just some lamp from target!

One of the BIGGEST misconceptions I think people have is that you NEED to have all kinds of expensive equipment to shoot great videos. No, you do not. A lot of videos that I shoot on youtube are all done with a little tiny camera or my iSight and edited on my Mac.

A few things to keep in mind when making videos is that lighting and audio are very important. You don’t need studio lights, but what I’ve been using are those pole lamps from Target that have 3 lights on them (about $25). You can bounce light around and evenly light yourself without it looking too harsh.

Get yourself a decent tripod that is pretty stable. I got this one I used in the video for $30 at Radio Shack. Also, if it comes with a few extra mounts.. Put one away for safe keeping because you’ll most likely need it when you lose the other

What other things do you want to know about making videos for youtube? Leave me a comment here or on my youtube video and I’ll be answering them all week when I get free time! Yay!

Thanks for watching! I look forward to checking out some of your submissions for the Nikon Festival contest. Get your vids in before December 15th!

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78 Replies to "How to make a video"

Thanks for the tips. I hope to see more videos of you dancing ridiculously in Apple Stores. Cheers!

Casey on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

DAMN … props to you for doing all that work for your vids… they rock btw!

Talk soon,

Ryan

Ryan Wade on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

this video is grait!

chris on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

I love this do some more with more detail on Final Cut & Garage Band would be very nice!!! Thanks JImmy

Jimmy Reed on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

WOW, what a great video! I think that was the best video I’ve ever seen you do! You are so talented and funny — keep it up!

Mike on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Ha ha ha I’m doing the same but with… Adobe (Premiere Pro and After Effects) !!! I LOVE my Adobe Master Collection (L)

Loic on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

tradethepop.com

what film editing software do you use.

S

steve on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Thanks for this vid! Needed this to help me w/ video making.

Sarah on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

This was great! You are fearless! I love it! And I’m so jealous of your new tower! I’ve been wanting to upgrade my tower so I can deal with larger files. Would love to see more like this. ~tc

RealityTC on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

I asked this same question on YouTube but you get so many per second it’s probably not going to get looked at

For someone that wants to get into film making in school what computer should they get to tie them over in college? And also what settings do you use to save your videos?

I love your videos (and the quality of them!) and it’s actually quite amazing that you did the Nikon video by yourself *and* did the behind-the-scenes, too. Wow!

Michael on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

i just said it on twitter but ill say it here too, you are amazing justine, i sent you a fanmail a few days ago because you just make me go wow x

mike on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Good video! I almost bought a new HD camera with an external mic because I was worried about audio quality, but after seeing this and what you’ve managed to pull off with the D90 I will save that giant wad of cash and stick with the D90!

Btw, what lens filter are you using on your D90? UV?

Mother Pucker Hockey on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Justine, this video is great! Love your how-to videos because they just show how much work you put into your video, and that of course, you do it all yourself. You’re very talented.

Daynah on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

What do you do for music if you’re writing a parody?
Also, is it hard to deal with all the rendering while using Final Cut Pro?

Just curious, because from the look of your videos, it looks like you’ve put a lot of work into them.

Liam Laine on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

I love the video, Justine! ^_^
But I was a little confused about this statement: “One of the BIGGEST misconceptions I think people have is that you NEED to have all kinds of expensive equipment to shoot great videos. No, you do not.”

Considering the fact that a Nikon D90 costs about £750, and a Mac Pro roughly £2000, I wouldn’t say that you can make that statement. Not forgetting Final Cut which is £700 and all the other bits and pieces you used…

I’m not criticising, and I love your videos! I just don’t think that, taking the expenses of the equipment you used into account, you can really say what you did.

Keep up the brilliant videos though!

Meghann on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

damn I dont know how you doing it, but I couldnt do it I am too shy for dancing on street and make from myself absolutelly moran:D

Podlipny on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

wow this is awesome justine!!

pretty cool seeing the process and how much work goes into producing a four minute video, well done and keep up the great work!

ant on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

and people are talking to you bc you are hot, if you wasnt poeple just come and say - fuck off freak

Podlipny on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

good to have mac pro, but in czech repiblic is it unvailable (we have it, but it coast 4000 dolars the low model:) )

do you shoot some videos on IPhone?

Podlipny on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Wow!
Really impressed, I always thought you had a team of nerds that followed you around and did all this for you, but you proved me wrong !

Some serious work goes into these vids - how do you manage to stay so pretty at the same time ! Keep it up, much love.

usman on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

You have more guts than me! i’d never do that in public

Why don’t you get a wireless remote for your camera?

ErikaJean on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

hmm, i just watched the price was right show.. amazing ha i never liked it until u were there.. the dancing was hilarious ha.. seriously…mwhaha
cant believe u won…

eddie on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

now I know something new! you’re left handed! lol

Nicolas on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

I didn’t know you were left handed =O

Tina on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

@Meghann I can definitely see what you’re coming from. I just know that a lot of the videos that I’ve created in the past were made using nothing more than a tripod, a camera that costs less than $300 and my Mac using iMovie!

Also, a lot of my software is still from when I was a student and there are ways you can get around paying full price for lots of it.. so, yah if you know what I’m saying!!!

ijustine on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

haha,
I hate looking like an idiot talking to myself. lol

this is awesome though, Justine!

Kyle Webs on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

I want to know how you afforded all of your equipment? I am a broke college student and the camera i use is not nearly god enough, it gives really bad quality and i would like to upgrade. I looked at the stuff you use, you probably spent 1000$+ dollars on cameras alone! How!!! What should i do?

MarkAaron on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hey Justine!
Sweet video, I love all your music videos, they’re so creative!

I see that you got a Nikon S70, you don’t usually do this, but it would be great to hear your opinion on your Canon SD960 vs. the Nikon S70. I’m in the market and I’m not sure which one to pick.

Thanks!!!

Spencer Young on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Good & informative video iJ! And I think you have a good singing voice, based on this performance & some of your earlier stuff.

Marshal on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Pretty cool!,
Still, what’s a ’shower’?

P0ck on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Lol, j/k

P0ck on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

OMG are you talking to yourself!? I can’t believe people don’t understand that you’re holding a camera trying to make a video.

Pepp on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

This is probably my favorite video that you’ve done so far! Loved getting to know the whole process..and you are one BRAVE person to be doing all that in public!

Albany on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hi Justine,

The wacky music source you have been using was completely different from what I thought you were usinga, t least I know now.
Have you noticed that your Canon SD camera shows these vertical lines when bright lights shine on the lens recording in HD mode? (Shame on you Canon) I must say you have a lot of courage to record in public like that. I wished PC users had an easier way of making cool videos with your level of quality.

Jim Hernandez on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hi ij! I would like to know: where do you get all the wacky music and weird sound effects?

michkirszanelee on Nov 11th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hey Justine!
Where do you get the music for your ask ij show!? I’d also love more instruction on Final Cut & GarageBand. Haha you could make a whole new “iJHowTo” channel! You’re so lucky you get to be a judge with Dwight from “The Office!”

Alex on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hopefully my question comes out semi-coherently, although given the hour and my severe lack of caffeine it may not. I’ll give it a shot, anyway.

When you’re walking around with your Flip (or what I assume to be your Flip, anyway) and you’re pointing it at yourself, I’m assuming you have it on some sort of monopod-thing. However, when I look for a monopod, they usually don’t have an aim-able top, like they’re expecting you to use it like a walking stick and never have to reposition the camera. What do you use to get a shot that’s properly aimed and not leaving your arm in a weird angle so that you get a massive cramp in your shoulder? ‘Cause I hate shoulder-cramping, you know?

Thanks!

eD! Thomas on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

That was great, thanks for the behind the scenes look…. very informative. A+++++++++++++

DJT on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

I have been waiting for you to post a video like this for about three years!

Thank you for all the tips over the years, you have been a massive inspiration, (and you are one of the reasons I work as a video producer) and thanks to you I own an ikea green screen, and understand the importance of lighting and audio within video.

I am off to film the Christmas lights being turned on in my city tonight, which I am hoping will be going on one of the cities larges facebook pages!

Thank you for sharing your work flow with us, this has helped me out loads

I would really like to know what you do in your edit process, do you need to colour correct your video etc?

Thanks

-luke

lukeb3000 on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

My HD Camera (Panasonic DMC-ZS3 Lumix) also shows the blue lines when it see’s a bright light, I’ve seen other videos like that too, so it’s not just her camera…not sure why it does that though…

Daniel Miller on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

GREAT VIDEO!!!!!

sashaleekay on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

yeah..didn’t thot of that! thanx for the tips! u r soooo greatttt btw! sometimes i wish u are shane dawson’s girlfriend..juz coz..hahaha u guys would make a very lovely couple!! hahaha but i love ur tips tho! it help a lot!! thanx!

Sarah Nor on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Fab insight into your behind the scenes process! It’s packed full of handy tips.
I’ll definitely have to give GarageBand a deeper look, looks like it’s a good resource for melodies.

Huge respect for heading out into the street with your filming, being at the brunt of all those ‘Who’s this weirdo?!’ looks takes some guts!

Chris Spooner on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Thanks for all the insights into your process.

E. Christopher Clark on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

can you make a video of how you export/encode your videos when you’re done editing??

Alex on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Thanks for the tips. I’m a doc film major and I know how hard things can be I usually shoot on an a Sony Vx2100 and slowly moving in HD with a Sony DSR-PD 150. I never tried to shoot on a Nikon camera but I have those available to me so maybe its time to experiment. lol Oh an when I have a group of people around me asking questions I usually tell them I’m making a movie for a German Tourist website and they leave me alone… LOL

Laura on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Thanks for responding. Being a student myself, I don’t have the biggest budget and am in no financial position to buy a full set of equipment like the one you used to shoot your video.
I do know what you are saying about the software though…

You should definitely do another video like this one; it was interesting finding out about the process you go through

Meghann on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hello Justine.

I never knew making such a short, simple video takes this much effort and hardwork!

It’s good thing that you actually made this video to show us how the video making is done and how painful, but also fun it is.

Now that I have watched the video, I truly appreciate your talent and ability.

Good luck with all your future videos!

Kenneth on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

iJustine, this video is great ! Now, I know a lot of things to make perfect video.
Thanks

bidule21 on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Justine, thank you so much for this post!!!! ♥ You are an awesome person!!! I love you! =]

MissSofi on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hi Justine!
I was wondering, what software do you use to edit all your videos?

Donya on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

My best tip is get a mac to edit on, I reccomend a MacBook Pro or a Mac Pro, the iMac series will also do you well, anything with a fair amount of RAM, if you can afford Final Cut Pro get express or learn to use iMovie and then move onto Final Cut when you get the money, make your own tunes in Garage Band instead of using copyrighted stuff and buy a camera that shoots in HD (720p is good for YouTube). If you have a PC Use After Effects of Pinnacle Studio, all of the popular YouTuber’s edit on a mac (Except Michael Buckley, who uses both) and thats why their videos are so good, Sony Vegas is okay but I find mastering After Effects is a little easier, but if you can get a Mac to edit on, try to get one with at least 4gb of RAM if you are going to be using it alot for editing and a big Hard Drive is a must!

Lee on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

love it thanks for the tips

LIam on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

You were great on Law and Order.. I am Victor’s wife.. and he was so excited to see you in the show.

Courtney Johnson on Nov 12th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Can you post a link to the song you used!? Please!? Thanks!

Oh, also, can you make a blog post or video on how you encode your videos!? Thanks!

Alex on Nov 13th 2009 at 5:35 pm

THanks for sharing! There’s lots of work that goes into your videos & you do a really good job. I love watching ‘em

Deena on Nov 13th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hey J~~

Most interesting~ Enjoy your attitude! Rock on~~

steve on Nov 13th 2009 at 5:35 pm

i love you i really want you to make another video i just wached your colleg one loved it your awsome i went on bing and sreached your name and like made you my screen saver right now if you read this coment i will feel like im talking to a movie star i love you and your videos i want you to make more please read this i am you number 1 fan

Kiki on Nov 14th 2009 at 5:35 pm

LOVE YOU

Kiki on Nov 14th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Love watching your videos and wow you are a major twitter celeb. You should check out http://retweet.it to promote your music, videos and blog. Great job. Steve

Steve on Nov 15th 2009 at 5:35 pm

I was wondering, what editing system do you use for your banners and graphics on your youtube and blog page?

Bailey on Nov 15th 2009 at 5:35 pm

And also, I’m looking for a good HD video camera. I currently have a Nikon d40 and have been looking at the d90 to maybe save and sell my d40 for it? But also, I have a Flip which is not HD. Should I make the expensive transfer either way?

Bailey on Nov 15th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Great video! Is that Gorilla pod pink?!?!

Alison (a girl in her element) on Nov 15th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Thank you for the tips! I would like to know what settings you use for the final video clip you upload to YouTube? How do you get such great quality? Please share the export/rendering/uploading process. Gracias!

JustRob on Nov 16th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Noice! Thanks for the tips! One other thing I’d like to know is: How did you get the auto-tune effect on your vocal audio for the song?

Thanks

mbranes on Nov 17th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Very good tips and advice. It makes you want to make their own videos, but I’m not photogenic

Thomacintosh on Nov 17th 2009 at 5:35 pm

I always feel weird videotaping myself in front of people too. They always look at me too. But I just have to get over the feeling of being weird.

However, I’m always worried someone is going to steal my camera.
Do you ever worry about that?

Nick Schmidt on Nov 17th 2009 at 5:35 pm

This is such an awesome vid Justine! It helps a lot of your viewers! Question: Which camera do you like better? Canon or Nikon?
Would be great to hear back. Keep rockin. =)

Nicholezion on Nov 17th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Hey Justine, what camera are you using to make this video, because in a couple of shots I can see your D90 and S70 in the same frame lol. So I figured you’re using a 3rd cam. Is it your canon one? Also can you make a video of comparing the HD quality of all of your cameras including the flip. I’m looking to buy one but not sure which one is the best overall. Thanks <3

Vee on Nov 19th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Great info — thanks . . . funny thing is I was in Sanata Monica at the time. I wish I’d managed to time my walks on the promenade to have seen you filming

Rob on Nov 19th 2009 at 5:35 pm

Because I have partial hearing loss–and I find it hard to understand lyrics when the music gets in the way of the words–I was wondering if you can post the lyrics, so that I can understand it?

I was also wondering if you ever thought about anyone stealing your camera, while you’re filming yourself at a distance?

Thanks!

Michael on Nov 20th 2009 at 5:35 pm

My school has a pretty rockin’ Mac Lab with FCP. Thanks for the tips…

Mary on Nov 20th 2009 at 5:35 pm

So.. Justine.. i have been quietly stalking you online for some time. I watch your stuff and hardly ever comment, but this post is just great!!! My husband and I are in the photography (and graphic design) business - so we totally understand the use of lighting and royalty free EVERYTHING.. Not to mention my husband used to be a professional video editor for some BMX video companies.

ANYWAYS.. my question to you is about streaming video.. I am pretty sure, if my memory serves me, you have streamed video before.. What is the best way to stream the absolute MOST high quality video possible?

Right now I have a canon mini DV camcorder, a macbook pro AND an imac (and a mini) and final cut pro. I tried ustream, but the quality is HORRID. Any suggestions? Decent equipment? Software?

LIndsay on Nov 20th 2009 at 5:35 pm

really interesting to see behind the scenes

brian on Nov 21st 2009 at 5:35 pm

Heyy!!! After watching this video- and more- i think making videos like you do would be soooo much fun! It’s like your famous too, and your known all over the internet. I think one day when I have more money I’ll buy a good camera and a tripod and all the things you have and I’ll start making videos!!! (right now i’m 15 so I don’t really have money for that lol). I’ll have to find out my strong points and then work with them, but as of right now, its like my goal in life to make videos for the internet!!!! thanks for inspiring me!!! <3

SARAH! on Nov 21st 2009 at 5:35 pm

Great article… here are a few tips I can add:

- I like to use three gooseneck desk lamps to light things indoors. Basic three-point lighting technique.
- One primary light. A second to fill in the shadows caused by the first. And a third — to illuminate the background.
- Make sure you use the same type of lightbulb in each lamp.
- In either the camera or editing program, be sure to White Balance.
- Need a green screen? Use a green sheet or those neon green posterboards.
- Use an external microphone if you can. The sound will be more crisp if the mic is closer to you.

David on Nov 29th 2009 at 5:35 pm

tasty blog snack

How to make a video

Posted at 5:35 pm | 78 comments

78 Replies to "How to make a video"

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