How to make my videos look more professional

I own a XL1s, and edit my videos on Adobe Premiere 6.5

Although i am satisfied with my videos and am well aware of the basics on shooting and editing, i can not help but be dissapointed with how they look.

You can just tell they are "home movies" and do not seem to resemble a more professional "short film"

So how do i give my video that feel of "Pro"?

Is it how i shoot? (camera set up, lighting, etc.)

Or is the look of the video more determined by editing programs (Premiere, After Effects, etc.)


Any help/tips on the subject would be greatly appreciated.


thanks for any help-

Nick Norton

good lighting. Natural light just won't give you the same look as a pro job p 'cause pros use lighting.
Plus camera angle. Don't record everything from the shoulder or tripod. Take the damera to the floor and shoot up. Raise the cam close to the ceiling and shoot down.
Watch your favourite movie with the sound turned down to zero so you can study the scenes and editing style.
Don't record on auto. Set up each shot on manual.