Getting started

Legend has it that a 21-year-old, unknown filmmaker called Steven Spielberg snuck into Universal Studios in 1969 and set in motion one of the greatest careers in cinema history. Spielberg later told Hollywood Reporter, "I put on a suit and tie and sneaked past the guard at Universal, found an empty bungalow, and set up an office. I then went to the main switchboard and introduced myself and gave them my extension so I could get calls. It took Universal two years to discover I was on the lot."

Though some doubt the veracity of Spielberg's story, it's an appealing concept. But what if you don't live close enough to Hollywood to pull off a stunt like that, what are your options? We're going to teach you some tricks that will help even the biggest camcorder klutz create professional footage.