One Way Road- My questions

FADE IN:

INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
(upset)
Remy studies the button arrangement. They are all in different colors and have
categories next to them instead of numbers.

REMY
Composers Corner? Premiere Lounge? What the hell is this stuff?

MAN#1
Newbie, right?

REMY
I guess.

The man hits the newbie button and smiles.

MAN#1
Don't worry, we have all been lost once, one way or another.

REMY
I guess.

The elevator stops and the doors open. There is a banner revealed above the
entrance to the floor that says: "New to filmmaking? Have newbie questions?
Ask here!"

MAN#1
There you go.

REMY
T-Thanks, I guess.

CUT TO:

INT. WAITING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

It's a big grey room with old antique chairs and a few people standing around
in a random fashion. They are all holding papers in their hands. Remy arrives in
the room and approaches the secretary of the floor.

JANICE
Welcome to Indietalk. How can I help you?

REMY
(quietly)
Yeah, hello. I'm here to talk with some members.

JANICE
Oh, okay. The members of the board will see you soon.
However, you need to fill out this form before entering.

REMY
Fine. No problem.

Remy walks back to the rest of the people who are waiting and finally takes a
seat. A woman looks over at him and approaches.

ADY
Do you need some help filling that?

REMY
I'm not sure yet.

ADY
Okay. If you need anything just say so.

REMY
Will do.

ADY
(vague)
Can I ask you something?

REMY
Try.

ADY
Why are you here?

REMY
I don't know excatly.

ADY
You don't know?

Ady sits next to Remy and looks at him dubiously.

REMY
Well, I like movies of course, in fact, it's my form of expression...
(Remy being interrupted)

ADY
And the birds go tweet! This is the newbies floor. What do you want to know?

REMY
(sighs)
It's not that simple really.
I wanted to make movies but then I was suprised with all the information that today's amateur and indie filmakers have.
It's easy to get overwhelmed when you hear all the talk about shooting formats,
camera types and technology in general and you have no clue about most of it.
I should probably get some good books, but then again, it's hard to find good literature
today that's actually worth buying and reading all the way trough.
Films schools don't really interest me now.
Even though they are useful and offer a lot I still have no opportunities to attend them.
Looks like I'm gonna be on my own and I want to make the best of it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a total newbie but the technology questions bother me a lot for some reason.

ADY
(not paying attention)
Hmmm. You think you will get your answers here?

REMY
I believe, some guidelines at least. It seemed like a good place to ask some of this stuff.
Experienced people and all... I'll probably stick around for a while.


CUT TO:
INT. DARK HALLWAY- CONTINUOUS

Remy is walking slowly.
He stops against a giant door, observes it and knocks on it hard.
There is no response.
He sees a big lever next to the door and reads the description above it.
It says - "New Thread" in big bold letters.
He pulls it without thinking, the door opens and he walks in.

CUT TO:

INT. FORUM THREAD
 
**************

...

An ASPIRING FILMMAKER, a 39 year old child full of enthusiasm, pushes past Remy, carrying a film cannister. He skips gleefully to a giant green door, HUMMING a happy tune.

ASPIRING FIMMMAKER
(to Remy)
Hi!

The Aspiring Filmmaker knocks with a seemingly random pattern on the green door.

ASPIRING FILMMAKER
I wonder if Marilyn still works here.

LOW FREQUENCY TREMORS shake the floor, the SOUND of THUNDEROUS FOOTSTEPS of something very large hitting the ground in rhythmic succession. Each thud vibrates the door on its hinges.

The Aspiring Filmmaker looks at Remy, incredulous. They step back from the door.

A slobbering, bipedal BEAST throws open the door, its frame much larger than the opening. The door hits the wall and splinters to pieces.

The Aspiring Filmmaker and Remy duck for cover from the flying debris.

The Beast eyes the two as it tries to wriggle through the opening, but the opening is too small. It GRUNTS and GROWLS as it flexes bulbous, sinewy muscles, crushing the doorframe into the walls and ceiling.

As the Beast's massive form emerges from the opening, rising to fill the room, the word "CRITIC" comes into view, emblazoned on front of the Beast's black, tattered T-Shirt.

The Aspiring Filmmaker holds up his film cannister in submissive sacrifice, too scared to look at the Beast.

Remy inches backwards.

The Beast pauses, eyeing the cannister, breathing deep and heavy. It lets out a GRUNT amid a spittle shower. It takes the film cannister and examines it, sniffs it. Thick, green mucus slimes the cannister as the Beast rotates it close to its nose, sniffing, snuffling, snorting.

...

****************

:lol:

Next!
 
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And with that introduction -- welcome to IndieTalk! :welcome:
I'm curious to see what you find behind the giant door. Do tell...

First of all, thanks for the welcome. And to VPTurner for that extremely detailed continuation of my life (not bad at all).

To answer your question, you are what I found behind the giant door.
The thing is, this wasn't a introduction topic or such yet my real questions in the form of script.
Though it could be that it's too obvious afterall but nobody wants to answer it so you play along. :D
 
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Moderator JOHN@BOPHE enters the room from an unseen hidden doorway. He casually walks past Aspiring Filmmaker and Remy toward The Beast. The Beast eyes John@Bophe suspiciously. John@Bophe motions to The Beast to lean down so that John@Bophe can whisper in The Beast's ear. The Beast cautiously agrees and leans down and listens to this private message. After John@Bophe has finished speaking, The Beast looks slightly shamefaced, turns, and retreats through the door from which he came.

Aspiring Filmmaker and Remy approach the moderator.

ASPIRING FILMMAKER
John, what did you say to The Critic Beast?

REMY
Yes, what made him turn and leave so quickly?

JOHN@BOPHE
I politely reminded him that the is the "Newbies" forum, and we have a separate forum for reviews. He's going to go post there now. Now gentlemen, and specifically Remy, since you started this story in the first place...how may I assist you?
 
CUT TO:

INT. MODERATOR'S OFFICE - DAY

Remy sits quietly while John@Bophe arranges some papers.

JOHN@BOPHE
You have some questions for me, right?

REMY
I guess so, that beast thing kinda upsetted me.

JOHN@BOPHE
He is not like that all the time, we had some break-ins these last couple of months so he is stressed a little bit.

REMY
A stressed beast in a movie lounge, same old, same old.

JOHN@BOPHE
Yeah. Anyway, how can I help you?

REMY
Well, I'm kinda new in this all movie business thing. I feel like I lack some basic knowledge in the shooting field. I want to know more about shooting formats and best cameras that are available today for all money amounts.
Preferably from some good books or such. Maybe even from video lessons?
 
JOHN@BOPHE
Well, Remy, I was in your very position about three years ago. Not in that chair, mind you, but in the position of being a "newbie" to the filmmaking world. Three years later, and I still wouldn't hire myself for a professional job. But I suppose that is an important distinction to make...I only do this for fun. This is a hobby for me and friends. Some people play golf...we make movies. The wives have "support club" meetings and they all get along very well, which helps. But I digress...

I guess it all comes down to how serious you are and to what degree you want to throw yourself into this world. If you are looking for a career, then I would imagine that any schooling or technical training you are able to obtain would be helpful. I'm not sure what you have available in your area.

What we did to get started was pretty simple. We decided we wanted to make a short movie, so we came up with an idea for a story. We borrowed a simple consumer MiniDV camera (Samsung) and shot the movie. My PC came with a free movie editing program, so we used that. One of the guys in or group is also a musician and he came up with some music to go with our movie. Presto, the whole thing was done in about five months. We just sort kept going after that. I would suggest to anyone with an interest that it CAN be done very easily. Just get a cheap camera and a cheap video editor and start doing it. You will get some good experience doing that. Along the way, you will research tips on IndieTalk and learn more about how to control your camera settings and lighting. You will just keep getting better.

So how about it? Feel like jumping in?
 
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Dude, that intro-script alone would be enough to convince me to see one of your movies, or film one of your scripts. You've got a good knack for the writings. That's a really good place to start. Technology can be learned, or learn-ed folk of all sorts can be found and hired... keep an eye out reading all you can, and keep the fingers tipping...

Bophe... I could swear after writing your second reply you had just clocked out from a game of D&D, LOL. You're like the Indietalk DM. Can we start a category called "The IT Dungeon" where we can slag and mudsling like it was the wild west and we were cavemen?
 
Shoot first, ask questions later!

Specifically because you'll find that you want answers to specific questions that come up when you're shooting. Shoot something rediculous, it'll suck...if it doesn't, You've got a great future. If it does, you've got a great future...it'll just take longer. Emulate a scene from a movie or a commercial you like. Learn framing, use whatever camera you can get your hands on (I started with VHS cameras). Learn to edit, it'll let you know what you need when you're shooting.

The more you do, the more you learn...this is a hands on, interactive experience!
 
Hey Remy, and welcome to newbie land! I'm pretty much a newbie too...I've only filmed one short at the moment, so I totally see your predicament (sp?)...do you come to us with a general want to make movies, or a certain want? I mean have you written a script that you're wanting to start on or are you just looking to find a way to get started?

the reason I asked is, I think everyone is right about just getting out there and doing it with whatever you can easily get your hands on, but if you've written a feature that you're wanting to start with I would definitely suggest starting with a short...now I know most people start with many shorts, but i'd suggest at least starting with one...the reason I say this is...

I hadn't planned on starting out with a short...I had planned on jumping straight into my feature, but then I saw this little contest I wanted to enter and I went for it...wrote a short script, got my actors together and did it...my first attempt at ever editing anything was the first time I sat down with footage and started trying out the program I had bought...

well, while my short is not as perfect as it could have been, i'm happy with it considerring I litterally learned as I went, and the reason I'm glad I started this way is because now I know more how to check for issues and I know more about the things to do and not to do...it also gave me more of an idea of what I want in the form of equipment when I finish rewrites for my feature

I don't know if this made much sense or if it was helpful at all (sorry had about 5 things going on as I was typing this), but again....welcome to the newbie from a fellow newbie
 
JOHN@BOPHE
Well, Remy, I was in your very position about three years ago. Not in that chair, mind you, but in the position of being a "newbie" to the filmmaking world. Three years later, and I still wouldn't hire myself for a professional job. But I suppose that is an important distinction to make...I only do this for fun. This is a hobby for me and friends. Some people play golf...we make movies. The wives have "support club" meetings and they all get along very well, which helps. But I digress...

I guess it all comes down to how serious you are and to what degree you want to throw yourself into this world. If you are looking for a career, then I would imagine that any schooling or technical training you are able to obtain would be helpful. I'm not sure what you have available in your area.

What we did to get started was pretty simple. We decided we wanted to make a short movie, so we came up with an idea for a story. We borrowed a simple consumer MiniDV camera (Samsung) and shot the movie. My PC came with a free movie editing program, so we used that. One of the guys in or group is also a musician and he came up with some music to go with our movie. Presto, the whole thing was done in about five months. We just sort kept going after that. I would suggest to anyone with an interest that it CAN be done very easily. Just get a cheap camera and a cheap video editor and start doing it. You will get some good experience doing that. Along the way, you will research tips on IndieTalk and learn more about how to control your camera settings and lighting. You will just keep getting better.

So how about it? Feel like jumping in?

Thanks for sharing your experience.
I still don't have to make any major decisions so I'm free to dream.
I doubt It will be easy to make it a profession where I live but I guess everything is possible
with the help of internet, and if you really want it of course.
But anyway, cinema will always be a part of me, one way or another.
I want to show my visions and my stories, whether it's a profession or not, it dosen't concern
me in the end.
And to answer you questions- It's going to be one hell of a jump!

Dude, that intro-script alone would be enough to convince me to see one of your movies, or film one of your scripts. You've got a good knack for the writings. That's a really good place to start. Technology can be learned, or learn-ed folk of all sorts can be found and hired... keep an eye out reading all you can, and keep the fingers tipping...

Bophe... I could swear after writing your second reply you had just clocked out from a game of D&D, LOL. You're like the Indietalk DM. Can we start a category called "The IT Dungeon" where we can slag and mudsling like it was the wild west and we were cavemen?

Compliments much apreciatted.
Fingers will be busy, don't worry. Writting is so far easiest way to bring some of my stuff to life.

Shoot first, ask questions later!

Specifically because you'll find that you want answers to specific questions that come up when you're shooting. Shoot something rediculous, it'll suck...if it doesn't, You've got a great future. If it does, you've got a great future...it'll just take longer. Emulate a scene from a movie or a commercial you like. Learn framing, use whatever camera you can get your hands on (I started with VHS cameras). Learn to edit, it'll let you know what you need when you're shooting.

The more you do, the more you learn...this is a hands on, interactive experience

That's pretty much what I though, but I still wanted to prepare myself for most of the
problems that might occur. It's expected to run at an avalanche at some point so I worried
that it might discourage me. I'll try fighting them one at a time so we'll see what happens.
I can only learn more, right?
Btw. I used Vegas for editing so far, nothing big ( some trailers, presentations, amv's etc...)
but it was a good practice and I kinda got a hang of it.
Do you suggest some other program?
I believe that you don't have to know a lot to do basic editing, a simple fade is all you need with a sense of timing.


Hey Remy, and welcome to newbie land! I'm pretty much a newbie too...I've only filmed one short at the moment, so I totally see your predicament (sp?)...do you come to us with a general want to make movies, or a certain want? I mean have you written a script that you're wanting to start on or are you just looking to find a way to get started?

the reason I asked is, I think everyone is right about just getting out there and doing it with whatever you can easily get your hands on, but if you've written a feature that you're wanting to start with I would definitely suggest starting with a short...now I know most people start with many shorts, but i'd suggest at least starting with one...the reason I say this is...

I hadn't planned on starting out with a short...I had planned on jumping straight into my feature, but then I saw this little contest I wanted to enter and I went for it...wrote a short script, got my actors together and did it...my first attempt at ever editing anything was the first time I sat down with footage and started trying out the program I had bought...

well, while my short is not as perfect as it could have been, i'm happy with it considerring I litterally learned as I went, and the reason I'm glad I started this way is because now I know more how to check for issues and I know more about the things to do and not to do...it also gave me more of an idea of what I want in the form of equipment when I finish rewrites for my feature

I don't know if this made much sense or if it was helpful at all (sorry had about 5 things going on as I was typing this), but again....welcome to the newbie from a fellow newbie

Hello to you too LittleEarthquakes.

Well, I'm searching for more general knowledge. Anything that will help me in my future or promise me a good start. But, at some point I will have to start and I guess thats when real learning starts.
As knightly said earlier: "The more you do, the more you learn..."
I believe you are pointing out at that too.
But I think you can get a lot more knowledge and information if you read books also. So I wanted some recommendations for that.
It's good to hear all opinions, thanks for your share.
 
I have more books than I could ever need, I'm sure. That's part of my motivation - sitting in Barnes & Noble, drinking a Starbucks, flipping through pages of my "learn something new every day" book of the moment.

My recent library additions (in 2007):

$30 Film School
Film Directing - Shot by Shot
Digital Video Hacks
Motion Picture and Video Lighting
The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide
Set Lighting Technicians Handbook
Independent Feature Film Production
Cinematography, Theory and Practice
Creative Producing from A-Z
Short Films 101
The DV Rebel's Guide
What They Don't Teach You in Film School
Rebel Without a Crew

My screenwriting library is 3 times as large, accumulated over the last 15 years.

But don't get so caught up in reading that you don't leave time for doing.
 
Code:
[FONT="Courier New"]John@Bophe and everything else in the Moderator's Office becomes murky
and see through.

Remy looks around in terror -- the walls disappear and Remy finds himself...

INT. DINGY BASEMENT -- SAME 

...standing next to a RUSTY spigot.

[CENTER]REMY
Mr. @Bophe?  Aspiring Filmmaker?[/CENTER]

Only the ECHOES answer him.

[CENTER]REMY
Beast?[/CENTER]

PINK GUY, 30, fat, naked, you wouldn't want your mother to meet him...cause she'd 
likely go insane with lust -- MOSEYS up to Remy with a bucket and a brand new bag 
of sponges.

[CENTER]PINK GUY
You know -- I got like the most posts here.[/CENTER]

He SHOVES the bucket into Remy's chest -- WHISTLES to the tune of "Splish, Splash".

[CENTER]REMY
I'm...uh...I'm just looking for filmmaking answers.

PINK GUY
I'm just looking to be next to godliness.

REMY
What happened to Mr. @Bophe?

PINK GUY
Peter -- can I call you Peter?

REMY
My name is--

PINK GUY
Joe Bob, I once knew a man with three dozen chickens. Have you ever seen the kind 
of scrubbing a man with three dozen chickens has to do on a day-to-day basis? 
Feathers get stuck in the strangest of places. There isn't a man, woman, child, or man 
alive that wouldn't give his or her or some other dude's left nut...unless it was a her 
cause they don't have nuts. Ha -- I just gave you an answer you didn't even know 
you wanted to know. Don't you want to fill that bucket with water and bathe me 
as a sign of appreciation?

REMY
So this is what it's like when doves cry.[/CENTER]

AN EXPLOSION

BLOWS a hole open in a far wall.  John@Bophe DASHES in through the dust clouds.

[CENTER]JOHN@BOPHE
Are you kidding me?

PINK GUY
Cheese it![/CENTER]

Pink Guy bolts -- his flabby BUTTOCKS looks so damn sexy when it JIGGLES -- the entire 
female cast of [I]Friends[/I] would so want him.

[CENTER]JOHN@BOPHE
You okay? Did he harm you? Make you watch his stupid movies?

REMY
Who was that guy?

JOHN@BOPHE
He's...a necessary evil. Just don't let him get you in an alone type situation again.

REMY
Does he really have the most posts?

JOHN@BOPHE
We pad his stats every once in a while to keep him quiet.  What's with the bucket?

REMY
He wanted me to bathe him.[/CENTER]

SPATULA, Canadian thus uninteresting -- BOUNDS through the hole in the 
wall -- GRABS the bucket.

[CENTER]SPATULA
Yoinksies!!![/CENTER]

He lights out in the direction that the sexy, dimple assed, hero to the small man, 
Pink Guy ran.[/FONT]

Welcome to the board, Remy. I'll take a rain check on the bath.
 
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ahh I can't really help you out with book titles cause I haven't ready any books that would have anything to do with this, but I'd like to say....Good Luck in all that you do! :) I'm sure you'll find some good book suggestions and that you'll have a total blast one your first project. :)
 
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