Fun With Film

Ok, so we all know NO ONE works in film anymore. But this is still fun...with Digital.

It's so easy to make your own movies of your horses. And what do we do when we're not riding and talking about horses? We're drooling over online videos of horses. Yes, a sick obsession!

You don't even need a video camera to film horses. You don't need fancy software or editing capabilities. Actually...you don't even need to own a horse! (You just need to go to a horse show!)


What you do need:

Digital Camera with Video Setting

This Polaroid Retails for only $74.99!

Home Computer

I love a Mac for Video Editing

Now, most of you reading this blog already have a computer. Many of you will have PC's with Microsoft Office. Did you know that within the Microsoft Suite there is Windows Movie maker? It's so easy to use and there are many tutorials to help you along the way. 

My favorite application is iMovie on the Mac. It's so amazingly fun to use. In addition, you can make your own music in Garage Band. Making your own music does take some practice. But again, it's so fun...you won't want to stop once you've started!

A few notes on filming:

• Make sure you are steady when doing hand held camera work. Or even better, use a tripod. You don't want to make your audience motion sick while viewing your movie. 
• You need to get a written release if filming individuals for a sales video. For example, if you plan to use clips of someone riding in a barn promotional video, they must consent. 
• Don't film children without asking their parents.
• Be sure to give the horse some room in the frame. If they're running give them some where to run...film just ahead of them while keeping them fully in the camera's lens. 
• While editing, play with the speed of the film. You can make the horse look very powerful and dynamic by doing some slow motion work. You can make it comical by speeding it up. 
• Take out the fluff. If you think it's repetitive, blurry, boring or choppy...take it out. Better a short wonderful movie, than a long redundant one. 
• If you plan to post your video online (YouTube for instance) make sure that your music isn't copyrighted. This is why I like to make my own music in Garage Band.

Video Examples:

Saphira's Liberty - Friesian x Arabian

Phoenix Rising - Friesian x Standardbred/Paint

If you're in Wisconsin and need a video done for your stable, business or sales horses. I'd be happy to film or edit your video. Brooke - brooke@friesiangrin.com.

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