 Live action videos are recordings of real people, objects, or places. This footage can be combined with music, titles, animation, and images in order to tell a story. Camera equipment can be expensive, so it's often the biggest barrier to entry for creating videos. Don't worry if you haven't got any fancy recording equipment. Chances are you already have everything you need in your pocket, literally. The latest smartphones have amazing cameras and built-in microphones. If you want to use professional equipment and do not have any, check with your college library to see if they offer rentals. In this series, we will focus on using your smartphone to create high-quality live action videos. Step 1. Pre-production. To prepare for filming, make a list of props, actors, and locations you will need. This may be as simple as you in the studio with a chair, or as complicated as a team of actors, multiple costumes, and multiple locations. You should also prepare a script or storyboard. Make sure to gather everything you will need for your video before you begin filming. Preparing a script or storyboard will help keep you organized during the recording and editing processes, and ensure that you don't leave anything out. See our script and storyboard tutorials on the Learning Portal to learn more. Once you have completed your script or storyboard, this will be your reference and guide throughout shooting and editing. Think of it as a checklist. Every scene that you film can be ticked off on your document to ensure that you have all the content you need before sitting down to begin post-production. It can save you time as well. For example, if you have multiple scenes set in one location, you can film them all at once instead of traveling back and forth to various locations to film things in order. Speaking of locations, you will want to scout your locations in advance. This will save you time during filming, as well as avoiding the obstacles such as a studio being booked, or a location being busy. Ensure your location has complimentary lighting, enough space for your equipment and props, and low noise levels. While location scouting, try to envision where your camera or phone will be placed, and film some test footage. It can be helpful to review the recording when you get home to look and listen for any issues.