If you can’t go far how can you remain creative? Even if you just loving taking pictures of your pet, what can you do to stay engaged and active rather than just stare at the walls, the TV or your ‘phone screen all day?

You could try our Lockdown challenge and have some fun. Make your own smartphone movie on Pet Parade 349!

Can I Make a Smartphone Movie?

Yes you can. It doesn’t have to be long, or complicated, or hard work.

Most movies you see online that appeal to friends and family are short. Around a minute or less. You are not making a Christopher Nolan epic, you are doing what people need right now – sharing life and times, pets and family fun.

Either you can check out our links below for a post packed with helpful tips and inspiration to guide your first steps while you have fun…

• I created a cool post packed with beginner’s tips.
• There are plenty of helpful editing tips to boost your skills here

Or, you can grab your smartphone and go for it.

I want to Make a Smartphone Movie NOW!

You want to throw yourself right into the mix? Right, let’s do this.

Grab your phone and look for these apps:

• Your Camera function (or app). This is usually where you shoot your video clips. Often just called Camera. Then look for your video option and.
• Your editing app – This may be something like iMovie (free), AdobeRush ($9.99 p.m. or very limited free uploads) or Videoshop (good starter app free iOS and Android + paid option). There are other apps you may prefer.

Turn on your smartphone, point it and GO!

Yes, it’s that easy.

But, you will want to remember a few things as you rush around chasing pets around the house or garden.

1. Because you didn’t do any reading up or study first, you may make more mistakes. On the up side, this can be a great way to learn!
2. Try to keep your smartphone steady. Motion sickness is real when you jiggle your camera too much. You can’t see what’s happening.
3. Try to use the best light you can get. Check your ‘phone for low light or evening mode.
4. Remember your microphone will pick up everything. (Yes including that swear word when you trip or the windy day!)
5. Tell a story.
6. Keep your clips mostly short.
7. Remember when all else fails, you can remove sounds, and edit your video clips using your editing app!

So go out. Make a movie. Relax and enjoy yourself. Don’t go out with ‘expert’ expectations of a masterwork, have the most fun you can.

Oh, and tell us how you get on as well! I will post my own mini movie next week and will add yours too if you make one and upload it to YouTube or Vimeo!

A Happy Birthday

Finally, we nearly missed wishing our friend and colleague Pierre of Barking from the Bayou, birthday wishes for the 17th of April. Happy Birthday Pierre and your post really made mum smile.