5 Essential Tips to Make Your Videos More Cinematic

5 Must-Do Pro Techniques to Get a Hollywood Cinematic Look

We all want our footage to have that big-budget cinematic look. But achieving that Hollywood feel doesn't happen by accident. You need to be intentional and in control of your images. Here are five essential tips to make your footage look more professional and cinematic.

1. Shallow Depth of Field

Nothing screams "amateur" like a wide depth of field where everything is in focus. A shallow depth of field, where only a specific part of the image is sharp, is visually appealing and directs the viewer’s attention. You can use this technique to focus on a person's reaction or, in a crime scene, sharply focus on a weapon while keeping the rest of the scene soft, guiding the viewer’s eyes exactly where you want them.

To achieve a shallow depth of field, set your aperture wide open. The wider the aperture, the shallower the depth of field. Faster lenses, such as f/1.4 or f/1.8, are ideal for this. Slower lens? Here’s a tip. You can still create a shallow depth of field by getting close to your subject or zooming in as much as possible with a telephoto lens. Don’t forget to adjust your other camera settings to maintain proper exposure.  Learn more about camera settings. 

2. Stable, Controlled Shots

Few things are as distracting to viewers as shaky, uncontrolled shots. Even when shooting handheld, camera movement should be smooth and subtle. Any movement should serve a purpose and remain unnoticed. Even in chaotic scenes like a fight or a chase, where handheld might add a sense of realism, the movement shouldn't pull the viewer out of the story.

Think of camera movement as guiding your audience on a journey. You're saying, "Follow me; I have something to show you." Use tools like gimbals, sliders, jibs, and easy rigs to help you keep your shots stable. If you can’t achieve smooth movement, it’s better to leave the camera stationary than to risk shaky footage.

3. Composition

Want to transform your footage from ordinary to cinematic? One way to engage your audience is good composition: show them a familiar subject from an unexpected angle. 

Learn and apply composition techniques like:

• The rule of thirds
• Symmetry
• Leading lines
• Vanishing points 

These techniques help create a balanced, visually compelling image. Always take time to carefully frame your shots, and avoid the temptation to rush through compositions. 

Skip the default of eye-level framing and challenge yourself to find interesting perspectives — whether it's from a low angle, high angle, or a viewpoint that includes foreground elements to create depth. Thoughtful framing will elevate your footage to a more professional level.

4. Control Your Contrast Ratio

A flat image lacks depth and often looks low-quality. One of the most effective ways to add depth and character to your shots is by controlling your contrast ratio—the balance between highlights, midtones, and shadows. This involves more than just achieving proper exposure; it’s about intentionally shaping the light to create the contrast you envision.

As a filmmaker or even a one-man band, learning to manipulate light and contrast ratios will take your footage to the next level.  Personally, I favor high contrast ratios like 5:1 or 6:1, which give a more dramatic, cinematic feel. You can use tools like the EL Zone System to measure the contrast ratios in your shot. Remember, contrast isn't just about having light and shadow—it’s about shaping them.  It is important for you to learn how to use different measuring tools.

5. Color Correction

Lastly, color grading is a powerful tool to give your footage a unique and cinematic look. But remember, you can’t make poorly shot footage look incredible in post-production. Grading is about enhancing what you’ve already captured, not fixing mistakes. The goal is to amplify your footage, adjusting contrast, saturation, and tone to fit the mood and story.

For example, if you’re shooting in a location with strong sunlight, like Arizona, you might want to push your colors towards a warm, bright tone to emphasize the heat and brightness. Always make sure your grading choices complement the overall feel of your project.

By incorporating these five elements into your production, you’ll elevate your work to a more professional level and create footage that feels truly cinematic.

For your toolkit, here’s a free camera settings cheat sheet.

Happy filming!