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Tips For Filming Action Sports and Fashion Videos

Creating Excitement

The sense of excitement is the biggest tool when it comes to sport video commercials. But the question is, how can we create the excitement? Well, camera movement, delicate editing, and motivating music. Camera movement is a part of the production phase so we should be prepared for it before going on set. We should use a Run and Gun setup if possible to reduce the weight and be able to work either handheld or with a gimbal which gives us the ability to move around freely.

Camera Movement and Video Speed

Steady shots are not that exciting so we use the Run and Gun setup to move around the subject to create that sense of excitement. If your camera can shoot at higher frame rates, then take advantage of that and try to move faster in your shots. Don’t forget about your actor’s talents and capabilities and try to use them in your work. What I mean is that don’t get caught up in what is going on behind the camera, you need to also focus on what is going on in front of it. For example, in this video, I tried to be focused on the ball and trying to keep it centered in the shot. Also, having a sinusoidal speed curve has always been an attractive way of shooting. I really don’t like the idea of having a pure slow-mo video without any concept behind it. Never forget about insert shots. You can use them as the background or as a “Calm Before the Storm” kind of concept. Also, keep in mind that it is not good practice to just rush into the shot. Always have an intro to smoothen the move toward the main event.

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Lenses, Timing, and Music

Lenses and the way you use them are also really important. In this project, I used a 20mm and 35mm lens. I love wide lenses for sports shots and hip-hop videos. Unless there is a good reason to shoot during the day, I always try to shoot either at sunrise or at sunset and night for this video. 

Finally, always try to make the production atmosphere happy and fun. Playing music on the set can really help to achieve that. This can really help the teamwork as their best. During the post-production and editing, never use slow music. One way of doing the project is to choose your music all the way before production. This can really help, during the production, to envision what you want based on the style and beat of the music. Otherwise, try to choose the best music that suits the mood of your video. Hip-hop, electronic and alternative rock are the best choices because of the beat.

Use fast cuts during the edit and never let a scene be dragged along for too long. Planning visuals in advance with the help of a sports design tool can also make a significant difference in how dynamic and polished your action sports videos look. Pay attention to the music as well, because it is the beat that dictates where the cuts should be and at what speed the video should role.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Run and Gun setup is ideal for action sports filming because it reduces weight and allows you to work handheld or with a gimbal. This setup gives you the freedom to move around your subject quickly and create dynamic shots. The key is maintaining mobility while capturing the excitement and energy of the action.
If your camera can shoot at higher frame rates, take advantage of that capability and try to move faster in your shots. Higher frame rates allow you to create smooth slow-motion effects during editing. However, avoid creating pure slow-mo videos without any concept behind them - always have a sinusoidal speed curve and purposeful pacing to maintain viewer engagement.
Wide lenses like 20mm and 35mm are excellent choices for sports shots and hip-hop style videos. Wide lenses help capture the environment and create a sense of immersion in the action. They allow you to get close to your subject while still showing context, which is perfect for creating that sense of excitement in action sports content.
Unless there is a good reason to shoot during the day, try to shoot either at sunrise, sunset, or at night. These times provide dramatic lighting that enhances the mood and visual appeal of your footage. The golden hour light during sunrise and sunset adds cinematic quality, while night shooting can create a unique urban atmosphere for action sports content.
Hip-hop, electronic, and alternative rock are the best music choices for action sports videos because of their strong beats. Never use slow music for this type of content. The beat dictates where your cuts should be and at what speed the video should flow, so choosing music with a clear rhythm helps create exciting, fast-paced edits that match the energy of the action.