How to Film Cinematic TRAVEL B-ROLL of YOURSELF // Behind The Scenes Tutorial

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of filming cinematic travel B-roll of yourself. Based on insights from Pascal Basel’s video, you will learn essential techniques for capturing stunning footage, crafting a compelling story, and enhancing the overall quality of your travel videos. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, these steps will provide you with actionable tips to enhance your videography.

Step 1: Plan Your Shots

• Identify Locations: Choose visually appealing locations that resonate with your story or theme.
• Storyboard Your Ideas: Sketch out or write down the types of shots you want to capture. Consider angles, movements, and the overall flow of your video.
• Timing: Pay attention to the time of day for optimal lighting. Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) provides soft, warm light that enhances cinematic quality.

Step 2: Use Dynamic Movements

• Incorporate Movement: Use a gimbal or stabilizer to achieve smooth shots. Consider walking, panning, or using drone footage to add dynamism.
• Vary Your Shots: Mix wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups to create visual interest. Close-ups can capture details that tell your story more effectively.

Step 3: Focus on Composition

• Apply the Rule of Thirds: Position your subject off-center to create a more engaging frame. Use the grid feature on your camera to help.
• Foreground Interest: Include elements in the foreground to add depth to your shots. This can draw viewers into the scene.

Step 4: Capture Authentic Moments

• Be Natural: Film yourself in action, engaging with the environment. Authenticity helps to connect with your audience.
• Use B-Roll Effectively: Capture additional footage of the scenery and activities to complement your main shots. This helps in storytelling and provides context.

Step 5: Enhance the Visuals During Editing

• Color Grading: Use software like DaVinci Resolve to color grade your footage. This can dramatically improve the cinematic look of your video.
• Use LUTs: Consider applying LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to achieve a specific film look quickly. You can find presets online or create your own.

Step 6: Add Sound Design

• Choose Background Music: Select music that matches the tone of your video. Platforms like Epidemic Sound and Artlist offer great options.
• Include Ambient Sounds: Capture natural sounds from the environment to enhance immersion. This could include waves, birds, or city sounds.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can elevate your travel B-roll footage to a cinematic level. Focus on planning, dynamic movements, composition, authenticity, and post-production enhancements. With practice and creativity, you'll be able to tell compelling stories through your videos. For further learning, consider exploring Pascal Basel’s courses on videography and editing to refine your skills even more. Happy filming!