Life of Riza's Filmmaking Process: Storytelling, Gear, Lighting, and Creative Choices

Life Of Riza

Summary:

The video delves into the filmmaking techniques used by Life of Riza to create cinematic vlogs.

• Riza shares her background as a freelancer in videography and her transition to YouTube in 2020 [00:00:38]
• Emphasizes the importance of pre-production including writing down ideas, outlining, and shot listing with drawings for complex ideas [00:01:58]
• Discusses gear essentials such as cameras (Sony FX3, ZV-E1), versatile lenses (24-70mm 2.8, 11mm, 16mm), filters (promiss 1/8), and audio equipment (shotgun mics, lavs) [00:04:21]
• Highlights the significance of lighting, suggesting the use of reference images and mood boards for crafting scenes [00:06:26]
• Encourages finding a unique style through creative choices, set design, color palettes, and intentional filming [00:07:42]

Introduction [00:00:02]

• Kariza Santos, known as Life of Riza on YouTube, addresses the most frequent question she receives: how she makes her videos.
• She aims to provide insight into the elements that go into creating a Life of Riza video, emphasizing storytelling, filmmaking, and lighting.

Backstory and Inspiration [00:00:38]

• Kariza's background:

  • Prior to YouTube, she worked as a freelancer in videography.
  • She spent time on film sets to learn about the film world, developing a love for filmmaking.
  • She was inspired by shows on streaming platforms and filmmakers on YouTube.

• The birth of the "cinematic vlog":

  • She combined her love for filmmaking with vlogging.
  • Her goal was to create videos that blended cinematic techniques with personal storytelling.

Storytelling and Pre-Production [00:01:58]

• Writing down ideas:

  • Kariza emphasizes the importance of writing down ideas as they come.
  • She starts pre-production once she feels an idea is strong enough.

• The role of pre-production:

  • She stresses that thorough pre-production is crucial for smooth filming and easier editing.
  • Without pre-production, the entire process can fall apart.

• Outlining and scripting:

  • Pre-production can range from basic outlines to detailed scripts, but is usually somewhere in between.
  • Bullet points are used to stay on track.

• Story structure and compelling narratives:

  • She emphasizes making people care about the story being told.
  • Providing context and ensuring a full story arc are important elements.

• Shot listing and visualization:

  • For complex ideas, she creates shot lists and draws out shots to remember compositions.

Gear Essentials [00:04:21]

• Cameras:

  • She uses cameras with full-frame capabilities.
  • She advises beginners not to start with cinema line cameras.

• Lenses:

  • She recommends versatile lenses like the 24-70mm 2.8 for cinematic work.
  • Wider lenses (11mm or 16mm) are suggested for a vlog look.
  • She uses cine lenses and filters like the promiss 1/8.

• Audio:

  • She uses a good shotgun mic or lavs for audio.
  • She uses RODE mics.

• Tripods:

  • She uses a travel tripod and a mini tripod.
  • Quick release plates are used to switch between tripods quickly.

Lighting Techniques [00:06:26]

• Variety of lights:

  • She uses big lights, small lights, natural lights, and natural-looking lights.

• Reference images:

  • She recommends pulling reference images from Frame Set or Pinterest.
  • She creates mood boards, especially when crafting a scene.

• Lighting setup

  • Amaran F22C is used for A-roll footage, along with a foam board and bounce.

Creative Choices and Style [00:07:42]

• Inspiration and creative solutions:
  • She believes style is a combination of inspirations and creative solutions to limitations.
• Filming Style
  • Intentional when filming and avoids overshooting.
  • There's always a reason for the camera to move.
• Color palette, wardrobe, and set design:
  • She aims for a certain look and feel, emphasizing aesthetics.
  • She collects trinkets for set design and puts intention into creating a space.
• Effortless appearance and viewer engagement:
  • Her goal is to make things look effortless and immerse viewers in the story.
• Finding a unique style:
  • She encourages viewers to experiment and build upon ideas to find their distinct style.

Conclusion [00:09:56]

• She emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and understanding that building a style takes time.
• The goal should be to make videos that reflect your unique perspective and vision.