How to Film Yourself

Connect with Ted Sim

Today, Griffin and Ted break down their lighting and audio setups for their talking head segments.

We cover the major points of filming yourself for online video content including lighting, performance, and sound. We also show you all of the products that we use, as well as all of the techniques we've learned over the years of doing YouTube. Griffin also reveals some filmmaking secrets from Indy Mogul's past...

Gear that we use:

We shoot with: 

PODCAST:

#Lighting #Sound #Camera

[SanathKumarNaibhi]

Griffin's voice is too good, I'm in love with his voice. And similarly Ted's energy is excellent. You both are really doing a great job!

[BLISTEX]

It's pretty crazy that I've been watching this channel since I was 13 and I'm turning 21 in a few days. Still one of my favorite channels!!

[scriptosaurusrex]

Griffin is the uncontested champion of cheap as chips setups. It's great!

[kustoo]

My process is similar to Griffin’s. However, instead of a string, I usually use my monopod. Set it on my mark. Go to the camera. Pull focus. Set camera to manual focus and go shoot.

[ShoeBoxMoses]

You are the happiest Asian ever. I love it. You brighten the educational world thanks TED!

[Riffman]

First off, I love the show! And welcome back! 3:06 It's not a large light source that lessens wrinkles. A large light source softens the transitions between highlight and shadows, or in other words, the larger the light, the less contrast. To lessen wrinkles, or any texture, it''s about the direction of light. Texture (wrinkles) is caused by shadows, and to create shadows you need off-center lighting. If you don't want texture, use flat lighting (straight on to the subject). Even a small light source, straight on, will eliminate texture and wrinkles. Think ring light.

[justincosplay]

Ted is the best !!! Great job guys ! Aputure should make a pedco ultra clamp griffin edition !

[NateandNoahTryLife]

As a small YouTuber who films himself a lot this was extremely helpful! Thank you both so much!

[Askjerry]

1:03 - I would kill for a studio like that. (As I sit in my 10 x 11 foot room.)

[laura-fidelity]

That bit on a string is the solution I've been looking for!

[tammysypniewski]

Great job gents. You guys have a great on camera presence together.

[ReisFamilyWebsite]

That string is actually a useful tip. I will use it. I have a method I use, but I feel like this will be easier for me. Thanks!

[TheRealStu]

This particular video was really meaningful to me. Specifically, seeing that “neanderthal” (lol) string set up that Girffin used to set the focus was important. I’ve rigged my cameras with stuff like that for the past year and every time I do it I feel like I’m the most amateurish person on the face of the earth…that no one could be as ridiculous as me, trying to set focus by using a music stand, or string, or whatever. I don’t have anyone to collaborate with, so I just thought that I was…well…the only way to say it is “lame.”

But seeing you guys do something like that made me realize that it’s not lame- it’s just part of being inventive on a budget and getting things done. I know this sounds super-corny but realizing that guys like you use that one small hack was a real confidence booster. Thanks for posting this!

That having been said, I’m now going to run in the other room to see if the Wifi app on my Cannon T6i will let me set the focus. HA!

Thanks again.

[TheToneWork]

I was surprised camera angles and staging didn't make it into this video. I guess you can't say it all, but those are just as important.

Love both of you guys! Learned so much from you.

[DSD]

Oh and Aputure should send griffin some more lights!!!

[BCPaulVideoProd]

My Neanderthal setup is clamping a chip chart to a light stand, setting focus then moving it out of the shot. I love the adaptation that budget film making inspires. By the way, you guys are making great content. You're really dialed into what people like me, (small crew) want to watch.

[konstantinlapshin]

First time watching this, you guys are amazing. Great chemistry and the vibe!

[Storyblocks]

A camera with a flip out rotating screen is super helpful!

[JoshBowman]

YES! I SUCK at reading from a script, but if i do a general outline, I just remind myself of the dot points and away i go, it sounds so much more natural :)

[knucklesbyname]

Ted and Griffin together make a very entertaining video.