smartphone movie tips Archives

The Best Contemporary Cat Tree – ‘Monkee Tree’

13/07/2019 by Marjorie Dawson 31 Comments

Coping with a bored cat can be a real issue and keeping them active and mentally engaged really matters especially for inside cats. What do you do to keep them active, happy and engaged?

Cat’s love to climb and I have discovered the purrfect solution to offer for many bored cats and their frustrated owners.

Whether your indoor and outdoor cats want to explore new places or extend their territory upwards, the MonkeeTree® Scalable Cat Ladder gives them lots of options for kitty fun. Check our unboxing video for basic assembly.

Dash Kitten uses affiliate links. These cost you nothing and in return you are supporting the blog if you use them.
Monkee Tree

Designed and made here in New Zealand the Monkee Tree is a versatile climbing frame has been designed specifically with your cat in mind.

Dash Kitten received a Monkee Tree set for review. The opinions here are 100% our own and we are responsible for the content of this post. The blog only shares news and products we feel are relevant to our readers.

Once Upon a Time, There was a Window

I had a problem many cat lovers face. How to keep my cats active and interested while they are indoors and give them new and interesting places to explore.

Our family house has a bright bedroom with a small window which is a wonderful sunny spot. Unfortunately, it is too high for a cat to jump on to. I knew my cats would enjoy this window but the problem was how could I give my active cats access to a lovely spot in ‘sun puddle central’.

The problem had been nibbling at me for a couple of years and I had no idea what to do.

I Discovered the World’s Best Cat Ladder

This unique idea was inspired, of course, by a cat.

When Smudge, the designer’s family cat could not access an elevated door on their property the family started thinking of ways to make life easier for him. After a Kickstarter to launch their idea the Tree went into production.

How did I discover the world’s best cat tree?

I was filming for Wellington’s first cat café opening and the Monkee Tree is a key part of the indoor cat engagement focus at Neko Ngeru. It also serves as an opportunity for cats to retreat from café life if things get a little busy.

Check the video below which I created for Neko Ngeru. At the 40 seconds point, you can see the Monkee Tree in use. The cat ‘branches’ seem almost to float on the pillar but they are sturdy and easily support a cat’s weight.

Can’t see the video? Play it here

The Modern & Classic Monkee Tree Models

There are two models on the market, contemporary 2019 modelwhich is superbly easy to assemble, and the classic original launched with a popular Kickstarter®.

Let me introduce the enhanced 2019 model, then review the earlier version so you can see how rapidly Monkee Tree responds to its users’ needs and improved an already amazing product.

What Makes the Monkee Tree Special?

The Monkee Tree modular cat ladder can be configured in different ways. The trunk and branch elements allow you to create a feline jungle gym in your favourite cat climbing location and at the height your cat needs.

Here’s a few examples of how you could use the Monkee Tree:

It is the perfect cat ladder for an interior or exterior window.
Can reach an elevated cat door or window, or
Let cats climb up to a second storey.
Offer lots of engagement climbing around a catio.

Security Note: If a human tries to step on the branches/steps they collapse as these have a 22lbs/20kg weight limit.

Monkee Tree recommends a maximum height of 12ft (3.7m). More height can be achieved with an intermediate landing of some kind, for which you may need specialist help.

The Monkee Tree is created from top quality materials, but the one thing pictures can’t tell you is how satisfyingly solid and durable everything feels. I handled the Monkee Tree parts during our own Tree’s construction and the finished Tree is something I know cats can use with confidence.

Cats will feel safe and have plenty of room to climb and rest as the steps are broad and perfectly cat-sized.

What Makes This Cat Tree Different?

From the very beginning, every stage has been carefully thought out for maximum cat comfort and fun.

The Tree can be assembled by anyone with a no DIY experience. The instructions and tool requirements are clear, and the only time the designers recommend professional help is if you want to assemble a multi-story Monkee Tree or attach the base to a carpet or wooden floor.

Cats can also rest halfway up the Tree. Our cat Sienna discovered she could wait for Dad to come by with treats!

What Comes in a Monkee Tree Pack?

The elements are made from tough UV resistant weather resistant polypropylene that can be used inside and outside, and there are basic units (modules) which can be assembled in different ways:

There is an adjustable base stump that can accommodate flat or sloping floors
Trunk elements make the Tree height adjustable.
The safe and solid branches are designed for fully mobile adult cats weighing up to 22Ibs (10kg).
The branches will collapse if overloaded with excess weight. This makes them secure for outside use.
Individual branches are replaceable if someone does stand on a branch and break it.
You will get a clear idea of the contents from my video.

Monkee Tree steps — The generous branches (steps) give a cat plenty of room to climb.

Monkee Tree Elements — The Monkee Tree elements

NEW IMPROVED 2019 MONKEE TREE

If you have the new 2019 model Monkee Tree, you will be delighted to see how easily it all fits together. The recent redesign of the interior assembly means that the Monkee Tree can now be put together easily and quickly.

A bonus? The generously sized cat-friendly steps are easy to reposition on the post at any time. Steps can be lowered to accommodate senior cats, or raised for an athletic younger cat.

The newly developed friendly green connector screws into the next unit down and the next one. It’s that easy. No knowledge of DIY or intimidating assembly is required.

If I can put this together, so can you!

The ladder is perfect as an indoor activity centre, or outside as a weatherproof structure. It is perfect on a catio or outside a house and easy to clean too.

The Monkee Tree Movie

I created a movie for our review of the classic Monkee Tree cat climber and our sponsors are so pleased that it is now featured on their web site! I am are grateful to have such fantastic sponsors to work with. The video includes the unboxing of the parts and then the assembly.

Unboxing video of the Monkee Tree

Indoor Cats

Mental and physical stimulation is vital for indoor cats. The Monkee Tree can be sited anywhere indoors to encourage the feline spirit of adventure providing access to a raised walkway or a high window for access to the best in bird TV.

Our tortoiseshell Sienna loves the sunny perch and it only took a few treats to tempt her gently up the side steps.

Outdoor Cats

For active outdoor cats, the modular system can be adjusted to reach:

An elevated cat door.
Higher level balcony access (see picture above).
An open window, or cat flap set in a glass door, and
safe escape areas above ground level.

Scratch Post Attachment

The Scratch Patch has been developed for use with both models of Monkee Tree. It is made from durable Autex carpet and fits easily around the pillar. As it zips on, the Scratch Patch it can easily be removed for cleaning or renewal after much use.

Monkee Tree Scratch Post — Image Credit © Monkee Tree

Find the Monkee Tree Here

Price range from $57.00 to $317.00 NZD [$40.00 – $318.00 USD] depending on how tall you want your Monkee Tree to be.

NOTE: You can also supplement the basic set at a later time.

Cat Toy News

The world’s best contemporary cat tree now has it’s own Cat Fish!

Made in New Zealand by a small New Zealand company. The handmade fish is packed with organic catnip and, as you can see in the video, very popular at the Catnap Cafe, Christchurch.

The price is to be confirmed but, at the moment I am told it is $22.50NZ and $21.50AUS.

Check out the full range here including the Cat Fish!

Previous Review of The Classic Monkee Tree

The helpful Monkee Tree handbook pdf tells you everything you need to know, but I know you will appreciate hearing about our experience. I was helped by my partner Paul who has some DIY experience. The different elements I describe are clearly labelled in the tall picture below.

You can see the assembly procedure clearly in my video.

The Different Tree Modules

The Stump at the bottom forms a firm base to build on. Then, to ensure stability, your Tree stump is supported and stabilised with a plastic tube called the Pillar Pipe.

The Trunk sections slide on to the Pillar Pipe and small wedges ensure these sections remain in place. These wedges can be clearly seen in the video. The trunk sections are then screwed into the pillar pipe so that they do not move. For thin pipes (like ours) this can be done by hand. For stronger plastic, you may need power equipment.

Once you reach the height you need, you add the Top Cap.

The Branches (steps) are 8 inches (200mm) wide and 11 inches (280mm) long and designed to allow water to drain away. Our cat Sienna climbs from branch to branch with confidence thanks to their generous size.

We added the branches as we assembled the tree and branches can be placed in 12 different spots around the trunk, like a clock face. We had no trouble assembling the branch and trunk sections which are 4 inches (100mm) in diameter and height.

There are various step options. You can create a mini spiral staircase or simple cat stairs. You can also set the steps at various heights. The picture below shows there are plenty of placement options.

Plastic Pillar Information – Classic Model

Technical Note: Plastic and metal pillar pipes with outside diameters of between 1.59” – 1.69”(40.5mm – 43.0mm) and inside diameters of at least 1.4” (36mm) can be used. The base stump can be mounted on:

concrete;
wooden floors;
decks;
and paving stones.

The pillar is the one item not included in the classic kits. It is not necessary in the newer 2019 model.

The pipe is necessary is because the length varies for each Monkee Tree family, and it also depends on where your tree will be sited. Each setup and height is unique and the designers realised that you can select the best plastic pillar after assessing your own needs.

Helpful advice on the best kind of pipe for you can be found here.

The rigidity of the pipe you use and the distance between the attachments to the wall influences how much flex the trunk will have. The pipe you need can be easily purchased from a local hardware store.

How Was Our Assembly Experience?

Using the instructions Paul and I assembled the Tree without difficulty and are delighted with the result. We believe that some basic DIY knowledge is helpful for the classic cat tree assembly. We recommend reading the handbook before you start.

The assembled Tree is stable, solid and will take a lot of wear from cat paws. If you place your Tree outside, the material is tough, durable and easy to clean. The custom designed steps also let rainwater drain away.

TIP: I advise you to check the installation instructions to make sure you have the correct tools for the classic model. You may need different bolts for the floor, or a drill if you have a concrete surface.

Thank you to a New Zealand based sponsor who had created an amazing climbing unit that literally takes cat engagement to another level!

Do My Cat Crew Like The Monkee Tree?

To encourage my first visitors I used treats to tempt the cats to climb. It worked! You can see our first adventurers in the video showing the classic model. After a few tries they gained confidence and now ascend to the top at lightening speed.

This is the perfect addition to any fur family’s home don’t you agree?

Smartphone Video for You and Your Cat

21/09/2018 by Marjorie Dawson 16 Comments

Many smartphone users would love to make a short film but freeze after taking a few clips. They tell me that they have some cool clips, captured on their smartphone. What do they do?

It’s not hard to start movie making but you need to learn a few new things! This post will go through the steps you need to take to get starting making a small cat movie for social media.

Check out your editing software
Learn the things that your software should do for you.
Why you might want to use your computer rather than a smartphone
What the programs look like if you have never opened one
What you should have as part of your movie

I created this sample movie to show you that an idea does not need to be elaborate or long to tell a fun story.

Your smartphone can record clips and you can edit a basic story with a phone editing app, or (recommended for beginners) by downloading clips to your computer or tablet.

Introducing Your Editing Program

Users with Android or Windows mobile devices may think ‘I don’t have this software or device’. Windows/Mac programs may look different, but they all do the same things.

Every program should have:

A window option to edit your clips,
a Timeline to work in. This is where you trim clips, add text and transitions.
options like Text and Filters.

Every device from the basic smartphone app to high-end editing suites have these same elements. If you can’t find them, use the internet to search for your program.

TIP: Lots of popular movie programs have YouTube video tutorials or a downloadable pdf that can guide new users

Why Use a Computer not a Smartphone to Edit?

A fair question and there are some cool apps to help you create movies. If you have one, learn it and get those movies online.

I recommend using a computer for beginners because it’s much easier to see everything on a computer. Computer screens are bigger and the selection of software features is wider. Downloading is not complicated so you can get editing fast and have fun. Don’t believe me. Try it and see.

This screenshot shows you what a Mac user sees when they open iMovie. All apps and programs will have a similar set up so don’t get panic. Look for the options in your own program/app.

What an Editing Program Looks Like

Let’s see what an editing program like iMovie looks like from the inside. This is the kind of set up you will look for. It’s not complicated, just unfamiliar when you start.

1 ) Your media options. This includes your video clips (My Media), Audio, Titles (for text on the screen). Backgrounds, and Transitions.

2 ) Your editing screen. This is where you adjust and edit individual clips.

3 ) A Timeline. This is where you drag clips then add transitions, music, and text.

4 ) The Audio soundtrack. You can adjust the music and sound effects volume by dragging the middle horizontal line up and down. See the sound wave in a lighter green? The music title is on the left, and on the right a triangle that indicates an early fade out of the music.

5 ) A Titles (words) option. The text that appears on the screen is small blue blocks in this picture. These can be edited by clicking on the individual markers and typing on the editing screen (2).

Anatomy of a Short Film

If you watch the movie you see the story unfolding in motion as a finished sequence.

The photograph shows the movie as a moment of frozen time. All the shots used are lined up as Sparkle’s story occurs. The picture shows the movie as a work in progress.

There is a story. It is lightweight but keeps the movie focused and moving forward.

Sparkle the tortie had not used the recently installed cat cafe walkway. She was leaving the cafe to go to her forever in a short while and her dad wanted her to enjoy the walkway.

The movie documents her hesitation, and then her success is crossing the walkway.

The final movie contains:

A brief introduction
Setting the scene
Sydney showing off
Sparkle achieves success

Four shots of varying length tell a funny cat story. I have added some relaxed music for those who do have the sound turned on and also credited the composer at the end.

There are only four shots here. Can you make a short movie like this? Do it and link to us in the comments! We will show you off in another post!

Happy Smartphone Movie Making
Marjorie and the Crew

Union Station, Kansas City (Smartphone Movie)

27/06/2018 by Marjorie Dawson 31 Comments

A Smartphone Movie of Union Station? Why?

Dash Kitten blog is all about taking pictures and making movies, and as part of my goal of showing readers how you can create and edit your own movies on a computer or on a smartphone, I gave myself a challenge.

The Smartphone Movie Challenge

I shot and edited my Union Station movie entirely on my iPhone 6 using the Videoshop app. I have had some experience using Videoshop before, and this helped speed up the editing process.

If you want to set your own movie challenge I suggest playing around with your video editor first. Your smartphone will have a basic movie editor which works fine. If you want to add some cute touches Videoshop, Adobe Rush and iMovie are all good apps to try.

If you know how to trim clips, add a transition and a title then when you are out and about filming it’s one less thing to stress about.

I uploaded my finished movie using wi-fi when I was back at the hotel. When you upload your video, remember it will be larger than most of your images so be conscious of the data you might use and utilise free wi-fi when you can.

Smartphone Movie Camera — If you have an Android Phone Here’s Your Camera Button!

Union Station

As I was on the move I wanted to keep my movie storyline simple.

The aim is to give viewers a glimpse at the atmosphere of Kansas City’s historic Union Station and show a glimpse of its extravagant past.

As I filmed, workers were finishing the current refurbishment project that is transforming the Station into a tourist attraction and a reflection on an amazing past. It is also a tribute to the co-operative venture that crossed several organisations and government departments.

A Narrow Escape in Kansas City

I am glad I shot the footage when I did because the following day massively tall cream coloured curtains were placed across the platform hall area for a private event. These obscured the magnificent ceiling view and a security guard was keeping everyone out of the area. I would have missed a wonderful opportunity.

Lesson? Carpe Diem – Live for today, seize the moment. Grab your smartphone, take that footage NOW. Keep a focus, try to get some quality clips and get filming. Whatever you can film is better than the frustrating feeling of a missed opportunity.

The Union Station renovation is an unprecedented collaboration across state borders, city jurisdictions and funding channels. The result is a tremendous city feature that hosts exhibitions, cafe’s and the Famous Harvey’s Restaurant.

Yes, trains run through here too! I also recommend the Parisi Cafe too, their coffee is amongst the best in Kansas City!

Smartphone Movie Challenges

Here are a few points to ensure your smartphone movie will be a success.

Top Smartphone Tips:

Keep your shots steady. You can use a wall to brace against or walk forward carefully while recording.
Make sure you can import, edit and then upload with your smartphone movie software. Don’t try to learn while you are in the middle of a movie project.
Remember there may be extraneous noise when you are outside. Don’t panic, this can be lowered/removed during editing.
Have a few royalty free or purchased music tracks for your film. I used AudioJungle.com part of the Envato stable.
For my movie I used VideoShop. This app is not hard to learn and is available for iPhone and Android.
Buy our Movie Making eBook (50% goes to Place for Cats Foster Network)

The iPhone VideoShop Screen

If you are unfamiliar with what a video editor can look like, here is a screenshot of Videoshop on an iPhone. You can see the beginning of our Union Station movie. You will see various elements that will become more familiar as you practice.

At the top is the timeline of available footage, a timer to show wherein the movie you are, and a text box can be repositioned. Below the movie viewer, you will see tools such as Text, Voice, and Trim. Other options are revealed by scrolling left and right.

The box highlighted in white at the bottom is the clip currently being edited. A block can easily be clicked and dragged to a new location, and if you want to add a transition, it will appear to the right of the highlighted clip. Further options include changing speed, rotating and resizing, playing a clip in reverse and adding a backing track of royalty-free or purchased music.

What are you waiting for?

Grab your smartphone, or your DSLR if you have one, and just get out there and make a short movie with a simple story.

Our movie is about 1 min. 15 seconds and tells you about Union Station. What will your one-minute movie be about?

Find my starter page for smartphone movies here if you need more help.

UNION STATION SMARTPHONE MOVIE

Create The Best Pet Adoption Video for Your Rescue

19/05/2018 by Marjorie Dawson 22 Comments

I want to help you make the best pet adoption video you can. Even if you are a nervous “never made a movie before” newbie. Why? Because shooting great video is a skill you can learn and it can be a big help to your local rescue.

You don’t need to be a Hollywood director to make an adoption video to get your cute kittens or wonderful special needs rescue pet adopted. Making how to videos about kitten or neonatal can could even save lives.

If you want to do the best for your rescue, invest a little bit of time in sharpening skills you already have from using a smartphone. If you can make a ‘phone call, you can make a movie.

Need Some Video Rescue Ideas?

Give five rescue top planning tips,
introduce a local volunteer,
show how to cope with finding an ‘abandoned’ kitten.
Create a small pet adoption commercial for social media and who knows, you might end up featured on the Dodo funny animal videos.

Remember, be confident and get filming. With a few video camera skills, you can tell an inspiring story.

Create an Inspirational Pet Video

With your skills improving every day, why not start a video project for a rescue. This can spotlight a pet, the cattery block or rabbit family. You can record an event that inspired you as BlogPaws® inspired me. Watch this.

Whether you are shooting video indoors or outdoors, at home or a rescue. Just remember, have confidence. With a few video camera skills, you can focus on telling an inspiring story.

I make this sound easy, don’t I? Let’s say it’s easier when you have a few intentions in place to guide your progress. Try these ideas:

Focus on your subject.
What is it?
Who is it?
What is the story?

Plan a simple narrative. If you need a structure or list of shots you can use our printable sheets for the UK or the USA. Having your plan in visual terms gives you an anchor to guide your story forward.

European A4 StoryBoard pdf

US Letter Size StoryBoard pdf

Planning a Movie

My tip is to develop a movie idea or story so that when you start work you do not feel as if you are stepping off a cliff,

with no support

and no idea what will happen.

Let me give you an example of how a bit of forward planning can help you be more prepared to create a movie that makes sense.

My Video Story Plan

Our cat Miranda is a lively tree climber and I knew I wanted to capture her on her fearless climb upwards during the lovely Spring weather.

I scribbled down a movie idea to capture how much fun Miranda has in our garden. I also knew that if I was out doing some gardening she would be in a tree climbing mood. I filmed some ground shots and camera at the ready I waited for her to climb her favourite tree.

I added some licensed music to give it a cheerful vibe. If you want music AudioJungle has a range of prices, each with an official licence.

For you, the story might be a kitten’s first climb up a cat tree, or a senior venturing onto the catio.

Miranda from The Dash Kitten Movie Crew on Vimeo.

Now Make Your Rescue Movie

If you wait until you stop feeling nervous you will never start. Do it while you are scared and you will slowly realise that you can create a mini-movie.

Remember to shoot a little more than you need so you have lots of clips for your narrative.

You will need to edit your movie. Just keep it simple, join your clips together. Add a little bit of text with crucial rescue contact details and then SHARE for your rescue cat or dog.

If you are like me, you will start off thinking that your movie is not very good but don’t be too hard on yourself.

Your videography techniques improve with every movie you make. Keep working at this and keep sharing your videos.

Add Static Images with the Ken Burns Effect

Here’s how.

Smartphone pictures can be video between the clips. You can also add printed pictures once they are scanned into a computer. After you add them, use the ‘Ken Burns‘ effect.

Let me tell you a bit about this simple but clever visual tool that allows you to use photographs and still keep your movie flowing.

The Ken Burns effect is a panning (moving across) and zooming (moving closer) effect used in video production. It will help you create the best pet adoption video for your rescue candidates by letting you include static images that appear to be moving even if they aren’t.

People expect a movie to do just that – move. The Ken Burns effect is another small but effective tool in your armoury as a smartphone video maker.

NOTE: The name derives from extensive use of the technique by American document maker Ken Burns.

People expect a movie to do just that – move. The Ken Burns effect is another small but effective tool in your armoury as a smartphone video maker.

NOTE: The name derives from extensive use of the technique by American document maker Ken Burns.

A Video to Address a Rescue Event or Challenging Issue

If you find an issue arises repeatedly for your rescue, work with other volunteers to create a video for your Facebook page and other social media.

Have an ‘Adoptapalooza’ coming up? Showcase the cats available, spotlight the seniors and disabled cats.

You could create a movie on keeping community cats warm; raw feeding tips, or handling a lost kitten.
Do a short promo for your rescue’s longest resident who needs a home. Keep it brief because that way it will work on a wider range of social media channels.
If you aim for Instagram coverage – shoot SQUARE.

How Do I Edit My Pet Video?

Editing takes a bit of practice but if you can do it on your computer if the phone screen seems too small. Look at your clips. You will see what ones you like, drag those to your timeline and start fooling around.

If you need editing help YouTube has lots of videos so there will be one for your smartphone app. Just take it slowly. No-one was born knowing how to make movies so don’t be hard on yourself.

When You Need It Now

When you need a short video very quickly, our favourite instant movie secret weapon iMovie’s ‘Trailer Template’ function or the free version of Adobe Spark app.

A post on feline probiotics used up the time I had so I used a short iMovie trailer template for extra sparkle. The template consists of a pre-assembled sequence of placeholders for video and still shots. There is space for text inserts and an uplifting track perfectly timed for the template.

For a rescue volunteer, a movie is something you can plan, and incorporate into your schedule when time allows, or when you have an event to spotlight.

OK, I’m Ready What do I do?

Step One: Check our video shooting basics for the skills to get you up and running. This is a really helpful post packed with nitty-gritty advice given in a non-scary way.

We have smartphone app advice for beginners here if you need them too.

Our best advice ever? Just get out there and film stuff. Learn to hold your smartphone as a camera, and how to keep your rescue pet centred in the frame. See if you can do a close-up. Have fun and laugh when you get it wrong, then try again and do it better,

TIP Your video is not Gone with the Wind (3hrs 58mins) it is a message to your potential adopters and fosters. A short and meaningful message you can share on your social media channels can make a big impression.

Final Video Shoot Tips

Shoot in the best light you can
Be an engaging and friendly presenter
Use a lapel mic if you have one
Add captions for hearing impaired people
Hold your camera steady or use a tripod.

Making inspiring animal shelter adoption videos gets pets into homes!

Now tell me, what kind of rescue video are you going to create today?

Smartphone Video Skills for Cat Lovers

14/03/2018 by Marjorie Dawson 6 Comments

I have gathered a series of video editing posts for cat lovers and bloggers. I cover the video shooting basics to give you confidence. [Revised October 2018]

This advice works for every movie making pet lover. As I run a cat blog, cat videos are our ‘thing’ right but I want you to be the unstoppable movie maker whatever your pet.

Because of this my focus is on building skills and learning for everyone. You may even have a chance to be a youtube star and carve your own pet video niche online if you practice.

Smartphone Movie Tips

I suggest you check out this collection put together to show you the basic filmmaking skills you can easily grab for yourself. These are not just ‘film school’ skills. I try hard to look at everything from the beginner’s perspective because everyone was a beginner once and welcomes video tips.

It is also meant to encourage you to adopt the attitude of a good film director from the start. After all even JJ Abrams had to start somewhere, maybe he used a smartphone just like you!

Smartphone movies cat

We have even created a special eBook to give your moving making a boost. Check our ‘How to Make Your Pet an Internet Movie Star’. The book in packed with tips on how to make a good video and add photos and music. With this, you can how to make a movie at home! [50% of the proceeds helps Place for Cats, our adopted New York foster network].

Video Skills For Pet Lovers – Tips List

Smartphone Tricks – Our absolute beginners How To suggestions.
How to Edit – Make your Pet movie the best you can.
Our #DKVideo Challenge collection. See how bloggers rose to our 2017 challenge.
Video Tips for Rescues – Cool tips on making a rescue pet more adoptable.

Smartphone movies cat and dog

How We Used Our Own Video Skills – Inspiration

Our Raindrop Video Presentation
Our Tabcat Cat Locator video
Our Promotional Launch video for Neko-Ngeru Cat Adoption Cafe

If you only have a smartphone, this is great for movie making. We used a combination of iPhone6 and GoPro for these videos! So check up on what skills you need and jump in pet people!

Popular videos that hit the spot may not be perfect but they have one thing in common, they tell a story. We need the basic storytelling skills and then we can fly. Read on to find out how.

As films shot on smartphones are a huge part of social media for personal stories and rescues, let us help you with that right now. Take it step by step with us. We hope we can encourage everyone who loves their own cats to make a movie and have some fun. Let’s have some pocket movie fun!

How to Make a Video On YOUR Phone

Even as a newbie you can achieve a high level of video excellence when you make a short movie with a smartphone. Smartphone video production is not scary, you just take it step by step!

Plenty of people do beginner smartphone movie how-to’s, but they often miss the most basic steps a newbie cat movie maker might need. If you need very basic help with your pet movies, this is the place to start. It took us a while to learn, and now we want to show and share the best and most focused tips. That way you start off by putting your best foot forward from the very start.

Remember, your movie will be for your own pleasure and sharing with family and friends when you start. There is no pressure, just the pleasure of showing off your pet. You might want to show off a new kitten and make people laugh, showcase a foster to help with adoption, or memorialise a loved cat when they have crossed the Bridge. Your smartphone will do this, modern products contain a DSLR quality camera phone that works perfectly for you.

You are not looking for perfection, you want the confidence to make loving memories. Ready to take a breath and take those very first steps?

Learning Takes Time

The first and most important thing for your smartphone filmmaking kit is patience. A cat stalks its prey patiently, you study your smartphone apps in the same way. Research has shown that you can learn anything at any age and it takes the same amount of time. [Real science that, not senior cat wisdom!]

Kid’s aren’t tech wizards. They just apply themselves and work and work at it until they can use technology. You can do that. Turn your smartphone on, find the movie-making app – and learn all you can. Mobile movie making is something we can all do.

How to hold iPhones for Video Recording

There should be a printed or downloadable manual, or an online video about holding your phone, its ‘orientation’. If you need a couple of examples, we shot our Duckling movie by holding our phone upright (portrait mode). We turned our smartphone horizontally (landscape mode) in our fun Tabcat movie!

Meet the Duckling
See our Tabcat promo!

TIP A number of popular smartphone video recording apps including IGTV (Instagram) and Facebook Live allow you to hold your phone in the portrait position.

Beginner Smartphone Users Will Wobble

Everyone wobbles, so don’t sweat the small stuff! It happens. TIP Brace yourself against a wall, a doorway, the back of a chair. A little movement isn’t so bad. Don’t give up. Point your ‘phone at the cat(s) and start practising. Don’t let something small like worry about a wobble stop you from making pet movies, and you don’t need a fancy smartphone rig either!

TIP The iPhone (6 upwards) has an exposure lock. Let’s see how this can help.

An iPhone will automatically focus and check the exposure of your image. This is a big help for a quick still shot but when you are recording one person, or a pet it might make your clips look jerky so turn on the autofocus. Here’s how:

Lightly press your iPhone screen
The words AE/AF LOCK and a yellow square will appear (they remain on the screen)
Shoot your movie clips
Lightly press the screen again to clear the autofocus from the iPhone

Make Sure You have Good Light

Smartphones are called smart for a reason BUT they do need some help to do a good job. Try to practice outside in natural light. If it’s an indoor pet movie, try working inside near a window, maybe while kitty is enjoying a sun puddle. Just make sure your subject is relaxed!

The Sound in Your Smart Movie

To get clear and clean audio, even as a beginner, you need to either have the smartphone close enough to record your pet or person or, invest in a portable microphone.

TIP: If you are recording something you will only get one chance at, and you definitely don’t want to be interrupted, then make sure your phone is turned to flight mode.

Aeroplane mode, aeroplane mode, flight mode, offline mode, or standalone mode is a setting available on many smartphones, portable computers, and other electronic devices that, when activated, suspends radio-frequency signal transmission by the device, thereby disabling Bluetooth, telephony, and Wi-Fi – Wikipedia

Editing On Your Smartphone Movie

Take your time when you are learning to edit your movie. Words like cutting and trimming are also used when people refer to smartphone movie editing. You can do a lot with phone editing apps but if you are not used to the small screen but it can be a challenge for new editors.

I recommend downloading your first clips to a computer and editing using a larger screen if you can. Use the software that comes with your computer. Become familiar with the software, and what you can do.

If you are on the move and need to edit using your ‘phone screen, familiarise yourself with its functions and limitations before you start working. It will take away a lot of the stress if you can create a short impression of a pet show or a cat doing agility trials confident you will be able to edit your clips.

Practice People Practice!!!

No one learns to drive in five minutes, and no-one becomes a good movie maker fast either. Sit down with your smartphone (any type, any price bracket) and play. Take a video of your knee, learn to zoom in on a cat’s whiskers, point your smartphone outside, inside, upside down. Practice = confidence, even for a nervous newbie.

OK, fearless explorers. Take a breath before you go rushing off! Remember, none of us is Peter Jackson filming Lord of the Rings, but we can appreciate the gift of amazing technology to make our own wonderful cat movies. We may be using what seems like ‘rocket science’ but confidence will inspire us all to face a fear and fly that rocket to the moon and back.

Change a Pet's Life Day graphic of cats asleep

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