Behind the Scenes: How I Film My Timelapse Jigsaw Puzzle Videos
In this blog post, I will take you through the entire process of how I film my jigsaw puzzle videos, from setting up the lighting to syncing audio and capturing the final product. This comprehensive guide will give you insights into my filming techniques and the equipment I use.
Setting Up the Lighting
When I first enter my filming space, the lighting is often not ideal. I typically rely on four studio lights to illuminate the area where I film my puzzles. Here’s how I set it up:
- Turn on the studio lights: I have four lights that I use to ensure the puzzle area is well-lit. I turn off the overhead lights to avoid any interference from their lighting.
- Adjust the lights: I position the lights to ensure they adequately light both myself and the puzzle area.
Checking the Cameras
Once the lighting is set, I check all my cameras and their batteries:
- Front-facing camera: This is my main camera, and I ensure it has a full battery.
- Side view camera: I check this camera as well to confirm it’s ready to go.
- Canon M50: I use this camera for close-up shots of the puzzle pieces. I set it up to focus on a specific point on my blackboard, which serves as my focal point.
Camera Setup
I use multiple cameras to capture different angles:
- Main camera: The Canon 70D is used for the time-lapse footage.
- Close-up shots: The M50 is positioned to capture detailed shots of the puzzle pieces.
- Top-down view: A Sony action camera is used for overhead shots.
Positioning the Cameras
I carefully position each camera:
- I use a lens cap as a focal point for the close-up shots.
- The cameras are adjusted to avoid glare and ensure they capture the best angles of the puzzle.
Preparing the Puzzle Area
Before I start filming, I prepare the puzzle area:
- Clean the table: I use a cloth to wipe down the table to remove any dust.
- Organize puzzle pieces: I set up trays to separate the puzzle pieces, making it easier to assemble them during filming.
- Adjust props: I sometimes swap out puzzle pillows for variety in the visuals.
Mic Setup
I wear a microphone to capture audio:
- I typically wear one mic for the behind-the-scenes video and another for the puzzle video.
- I ensure the cords are hidden to maintain a clean look on camera.
Syncing Audio
Before I start recording, I sync the audio across all devices:
- I begin recording with the main camera.
- I then activate the other cameras, ensuring they are all recording simultaneously.
- I perform an audio sync to make editing easier later on.
Filming the Puzzle Assembly
Once everything is set up, I start filming:
- I begin with an introduction, often saying "yo" to engage viewers.
- I showcase the puzzle box and discuss its features, including the materials used and the artists behind the designs.
- I aim to keep the filming in a single take to maintain a natural flow.
Finalizing the Video
As I approach the end of the puzzle assembly, I prepare for the outro:
- I ensure all cameras are recording and adjust angles as needed.
- I summarize the puzzle experience, mentioning any challenges and the final product.
- I provide shout-outs to the companies involved and any discount codes available for viewers.
Conclusion
Filming jigsaw puzzle videos involves careful planning and execution. From lighting and camera setup to audio syncing and final touches, each step is crucial for creating engaging content. I hope this behind-the-scenes look gives you a better understanding of my process and inspires you to create your own videos. If you're interested in learning how I edit these videos, stay tuned for my follow-up post!
