Filmmaking Tips for everyone - Abel Productions

Welcome to My Filmmaking Tips Blog!

Every month, I’ll be sharing practical tips and tricks to make videography simpler for everyone; whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills. With years of experience behind the camera, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t, and now I’m breaking it all down so anyone can create better videos without the need for professional training.

My goal is to demystify the filmmaking process, offering insights on everything from shooting techniques to editing hacks. This blog is all about sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your gear, no matter what you’re working with.

Get ready to shoot like a pro; no fancy equipment or technical jargon required!

Derek, #Storyteller

Overlay Shots

Why Overlay Shots Matter and How to Use Them Effectively

Overlay shots, those simple yet powerful visual elements layered over your main footage, can significantly elevate the impact of your videos. Whether you’re crafting a corporate story, capturing the essence of an event, or building a compelling narrative, overlay shots add depth and meaning without the need for extensive shooting or costly setups.

Why You Should Use Overlay Shots

Enhance Emotional Impact: A subtle wash of warm tones can convey nostalgia, while cooler hues can set a more serious or corporate tone.
Add Visual Interest: Keep your audience engaged with dynamic visuals that complement your main footage, preventing your video from feeling flat or repetitive.
Reinforce the Message: Use specific colors or abstract visuals to emphasize key points or brand elements.

How to Create Effective Overlay Shots

Plan with Purpose: Think about the mood you want to convey – is it calm and reflective or bold and energetic?
Keep It Simple: You don’t need elaborate setups. A close-up of hands, flowing fabric, or a landscape can work wonders when tinted with the right colours.
Layer Strategically: Apply overlays during impactful moments, such as when a founder shares a pivotal story or when a product feature is highlighted.

How We Can Help

At Abel Productions, we specialise in crafting compelling overlay shots that align with your brand’s message. Whether it’s a founder story, an event recap, or a product showcase, we can seamlessly integrate overlay footage that adds emotional depth and visual appeal to your narrative.

Ready to elevate your next project with impactful overlays? Let’s talk.

Don't look at the camera!

Tip of the month: Don’t look at the camera.

Yes! Really!

If you want to come across as an expert in your videos, one of the simplest tricks is:
Look slightly off-camera.

This gives the illusion that someone is interviewing you, like you’re being asked a question and your answer matters.
It immediately makes you look more credible. More like a pro.
More like someone people want to listen to.

We use this technique all the time when filming founder stories and testimonials. It feels natural. Relaxed.
And it takes the pressure off having to perform to the lens.

Even Charlie Pickering (yep, that Charlie Pickering) used this approach when we recently filmed with him.
It created space for him to be more himself. And it looked brilliant on camera.

Try next time:

Set up your camera.
Place a friend or interviewer just off to the side.
Look at them, not the lens.

Suddenly, you’re not “filming a video.”
You’re having a conversation.
And that makes all the difference.

Got questions? Want to learn more filmmaking tricks?

Backlight! Backlight! Backlight!

Why You Should Always Think About Backlighting in Your Shots
Simple tip, big difference.

Backlighting is one of those little things that can completely change how your video feels.

And here’s why:

What Is Backlighting?

It’s when your main light source is behind your subject.
Think sun, window light, or even a soft light off to the back.
It separates your subject from the background.
Gives depth.
Adds mood.

Why Use Backlighting?

Makes your subject pop
Helps stop that flat, lifeless look.
A subtle rim of light can work wonders.
Adds atmosphere
Want your shot to feel cinematic?
Try a gentle backlight or glow from behind.
Hides messy backgrounds
With a strong backlight and the right exposure, you can focus the viewer’s eye right where you want it.
Works wonders with hair and edges
Especially with darker clothing or backgrounds—backlighting helps avoid that “blending in” problem.

Quick Tips

Use natural light where you can. The sun low in the sky? Perfect backlight
Get a very affordable RBG light from Amazon and place it behind you, shinning on the wall.

Real-World Example

Ever notice how interviews in high-end documentaries have that subtle glow around the shoulders or hair?
That’s backlight.
It gives a professional finish—without screaming for attention.

Try This Next Time

Next time you’re filming, place your subject between your camera and a light source.
Watch how it adds shape and feeling—instantly.
Then adjust your main light or bounce to make the face look great too.

Backlighting is simple, subtle, and super effective.

Use it right—and your shots go from good to great.

Got questions? Want to learn more filmmaking tricks?

Cinematic Mode on your phone

Make your microphone dissapear

Want your lapel mic to blend seamlessly with your outfit? Instead of the standard black, many brands sell white lapel mics, perfect for lighter shirts! This simple switch helps avoid that noticeable black spot on camera, keeping the focus on you, not the mic.

Want to hide it completely? Tuck the mic under your shirt! Just make sure to use a foam cover (aka a foamy) to prevent rustling sounds. You can get one on Amazon:

http://tiny.cc/t79a001

And always, always test your audio before hitting record. Nothing ruins a great take like bad sound! 🎬✨