So you're filming with a mobile phone. You have mastered the steady hand and are framing your shots perfectly. How can you get more out?

Improving your sound

If you're struggling to pick up your actors dailogue on your mobile even when your using a microphone, why not try extending your mic to right above the action. Thats right we're talking about making your own boom microphone. All you need is a broom handle or even a fishing rod, attach the mircophone to the end, rap the wire all the way along so it doesn't hang down and your ready to go. Proper use would require someone else using the boom while you film. There is an art to getting the mic as close as possible without getting it caught on screen ala Braveheart.

Achieve a long smooth pan

In a big budget movie a smooth panning shot involves rails, carriages and the like. But if you are shooting on a smooth footage you can use the dance floor technique where no rails and complicated stuff need be involved. All you need is a trolley or even a skateboard, get a friend to push you along and hey presto, steady panning shot reminiscent of The Shining.

And remember, your using a mobil phone, which means you are mobile. Experiment film from a bike, on rollerblades, from a car. Film upside down, sideways and inside out. If you think it will work, try it and maybe you will surprise yourself.

Do you have any other tricks we should all know about?