{"id":65769,"date":"2015-11-03T11:33:00","date_gmt":"2015-11-03T17:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=65769"},"modified":"2020-07-14T11:51:51","modified_gmt":"2020-07-14T16:51:51","slug":"5-simple-cinematography-hacks-for-under-50","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/5-simple-cinematography-hacks-for-under-50\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Simple Cinematography Hacks for Under $50"},"content":{"rendered":"

Need a makeshift camera rig on a small budget? Check out these five cinematography hacks that can be made for under $50.<\/h2>\n

Top image from Filmora<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Being on set always requires you to be on your toes and use whatever materials you have to get the shot. Sometimes you may forget a piece of equipment, or something on set will break. Then you’ll need to figure out a quick fix to make sure that the shoot goes on.<\/p>\n

Like the\u00a05 Filmmaking Hacks<\/a>\u00a0we’ve previously covered, all of these cinematography hacks are great DIY fixes<\/strong>. Also,\u00a0make sure you have plenty of gaff tape on set<\/a>. You’re going to need it.<\/p>\n

\n

1. Camera\u00a0Bean Bag<\/h3>\n

\"5
\nImage from Chris Hansen via DIY Photo Cheapo Depot<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

If you don’t have a few hundred bucks to spend on a Cinesaddle<\/a> or Vbag<\/a>, try making your own. With a Ziploc bag and some beans, rice, or kernels of popcorn, you can instantly make your own camera cushion for some extra stabilization.<\/p>\n

If you want something a little tougher than a Ziploc bag, try a pencil case for small cameras or a softshell laptop case. For best results, put a Ziploc bag inside of another case.<\/strong> Be sure to let the air out of the Ziploc bag, so it can conform around the camera.<\/p>\n

Supplies:<\/strong> Ziploc Bag (~$0.08 each), Pencil Case (~$3), 1 lb Beans (~$7) or 1 lb Rice (~$5) or 1 lb Popcorn Kernels (~$4)<\/p>\n

Estimated Cost: $8.08<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

2. Baby Powder Viewfinder<\/h3>\n

\"5
\nImage from John Korda via Shitty Rigs<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Using an empty bottle of baby powder, this new dad built an amazing<\/em> viewfinder. He cut out the bottom of the baby powder bottle, then attached a magnifying glass. With a little gaff tape and rubber bands, he had built his own custom viewfinder.<\/p>\n

Supplies:\u00a0<\/strong>Baby Powder Bottle (~$4), 2 Rubber Bands (~$0.17 each), Magnifying Glass (~$6)<\/p>\n

Estimated Cost: $10.34<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

For the following Dolly Hacks, let’s assume you already have a tripod. Any tripod will work with these cinematography hacks.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

3. Dolly Hack: Furniture\u00a0Sliders<\/h3>\n