Post-production can add more motion to your videos and enhance them! One of the most popular post-production tricks is fake camera movements. Let’s take a look at how to get it done!
When to Use Fake Camera Movements
Most filmmakers use this trick when they record using a tripod. Since the tripod keeps the camera still, fake movements can add motion to the final product and make it look more attractive.
In addition to this, they are great for drone footage. Moreover, we think they can be used when shifting from one scene to another to improve the flow.
How to Use Fake Camera Movements
Editing a Static Clip
- Open Premiere Pro and import the file. It’s best to add black bars or cinematic clips for this purpose.
- Move your clip as far as you can to the bottom without going past the bars. The system will automatically add a keyframe but if it doesn’t then press the stopwatch and it will add it for you.
- Play your clip a little and move it as far as you can to the top without going past the bars. Again, add a keyframe.
- Now drag the keyframe to the end of the clip and now you have motion from the end of the clip to the beginning.
The above tip will make your video go up and down. If you want to make it go right and left, just scale the clip – if it isn’t wide enough – and move the clip to right/left without seeing any black on either edge.
Editing a Moving Clip
Editing a moving clip can be tricky because you may end up losing important details. Here’s how to get the job done.
- Open Premiere Pro and import the file. Watch it carefully so that you know exactly where and when you want the clip to move.
- Once again, move your frame in the desired direction, add a keyframe. Repeat and you’re done reframing your video.
Editing a Drone Shot
We know drone shots are beautiful and a lot of credit goes to fake camera movements as they’re heavily used in drone videos. Here’s how:
- Open Premiere Pro and import the file.
- Make the changes explained above if necessary.
- Next, add a dolly zoom to this effect.
- If you’re zooming in, your camera needs to be opposite, i.e: zoom out.
- Increase the scale of your clip to 125 and add a keyframe at the beginning.
- Decrease the scale to 100 and add a keyframe at the end.
- You’re done!
This will add a parallax effect and make the clip look cinematic.
You can add fake camera movements to any video to prevent it from looking dull and boring! However, such tricks usually work best for small clips and shouldn’t be overused.
If you have any questions or comments please leave them in the box below!!
