Andy may have shot big budget affairs for the likes of Victoria Beckham and Gareth Gates, but he's also a dab hand when working on a shoe string. Having worked with the like of So Solid, Hearless Crew and Wookie and shot Estelle's first video, our man with the vision shares his 6 tips for creating a video with effects when working on a small budget. Pay close attention.

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TAKE 1: KEEP IT SIMPLE

Keep it simple. Don’t have too many elements, as this will create problems later and cost in time and lack of sleep.

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TAKE 2: SHOOT ON DIGITAL

Shoot on digital format such as HDV. This will make your workflow easier than having to shoot/telecine on film, which is more expensive. Digital formats can look amazing and are particularly useful if you intend the video for the internet, rather than TV. Look at the results of the Canon 7D camera which uses 35mm lenses.

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TAKE 3: LET THERE BE LIGHT

If you are intending shooting green-screen elements, you must light it well. Use a good Director of Photography (DP). Look at showreels to find a good one. Make friends with them, treat them well (take ‘em out for a few pints). They are interested in creative work for their reels, so they may do you a favour if it helps them out too. Capturing a clean 'key' is critical - the video may look cheap otherwise.

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TAKE 4: GET YOUR COPYRIGHT RIGHT

Use copyright free stock footage for replacing backgrounds. These 'plates' can be downloaded from the internet and will save money, allowing you to replace your green screen with an epic sunset on a tropical beach or a New York cityscape will give you instant production value, just as long as you follow tip 3.

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TAKE 5: WORK SMART

Find a post-house to do any special effects compositing work during 'down time', maybe using junior staff. Although be careful as this can backfire if they are inexperienced, but enthusiasm is important here. Tell them you will bring all your future work to them, and try to keep your promise with at least one paying job. It's a small industry so what goes around, comes around.

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TAKE 6: USE YOUR INITIATIVE

Use what you already have. If you have access to a great location or building, then use that in your idea. If you have a helicopter, then that's a bonus! If you only have a digital stills camera, then why not try to create a photographic montage of still images and animate them together. This could bring about a more original concept, rather than copying another artist's expensive concept. Your vision is free.

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LINKS:

• To find out more about Andy Hylton and his work click here
• Visit Andy Hylton's website here
• Check out other features in the Take 6 series here