I'm sure there are many topics like this already, but I just want to (re)post it not just for others, but for my reference as well..
During my short experience in filmmaking, i've learned very good lessons that I want to pass on to other new filmmakers.
Its sort of a mix between brand new to filmmaking, and with 3-4 short films behind their belt (like myself).
1. Write a screenplay. Explain who are the characters, what their intent in the scene/movie. There will be some very very minor rewrites as far as continuity or dialog through out the pre and production but you need to have solid backbone of your story.
1.1 Be clear and honest about your movie. Do YOU understand what is going on, and why? One of good excersises is to have your friends asking you "What your movie is about"? Your responce needs to be fast, and catchy, not "Well... its, like, about this.. um.. guy, who..um.. really doesn't..like.. enjoy eating pudding".. Thats not gonna cut. You already lost me at first "umm". Gotta be fast! "Man has pudding-fobia, and fights through it".
2. Make a shooting script. List out all of the scenes, shots, and what equipment will each shot require (sound, lights, dollys, jabs, steady cams etc). TIP: Celtx. Its really nice... Even though I think a person should NOT use all that equpment for their first movies, its more for the practice.
2.1 BUDGET your movie. How much will it cost? Costumes? Props? Food? Even if it won't cost anything, still budgeting is a nice habbit to have.
2.2 Create shooting schedule. What and who will you need on a specific date, and at what time.
3. List out crew that you'll need to operate all of the equipment. Look for people, or ask friends. This is a difficult portion. You must practice how to "sell" your movie to your friends. Excite them! Once you'll get actors (in my case - my friends) - give them backgrounds of your characters. But remember - smaller crew - easier to work. First shorts shouldn't have a crew more than 3-4 people, IMHO.
5. Find location. If you have a person who is interested in making the movie as much as you are, ask them to give you a hand. Have all of the paperwork (insurance?) and shooting days handy.
Don't u dare meeting location owner or manager and saying "Well.. shoot is probably going to be next weekend, or weekend after that". Give dates, how many people, what will happen. Learn how to be professional.
6. Meet with all of the crew members BEFORE the shoot, and make it clear what everyone's responsibility is.
As corny and cheesy it sounds - you need to have fun. Don't take the project too seriously, IMHO. Things will go wrong, and people will not show up. Doesn't matter how much you plan, something will fall though..
I'm trying to avoid giving obvious suggestions, like "hire people who know what they're doing", and go more for very beginning basic stuff.
Any other tips and suggestions?
During my short experience in filmmaking, i've learned very good lessons that I want to pass on to other new filmmakers.
Its sort of a mix between brand new to filmmaking, and with 3-4 short films behind their belt (like myself).
1. Write a screenplay. Explain who are the characters, what their intent in the scene/movie. There will be some very very minor rewrites as far as continuity or dialog through out the pre and production but you need to have solid backbone of your story.
1.1 Be clear and honest about your movie. Do YOU understand what is going on, and why? One of good excersises is to have your friends asking you "What your movie is about"? Your responce needs to be fast, and catchy, not "Well... its, like, about this.. um.. guy, who..um.. really doesn't..like.. enjoy eating pudding".. Thats not gonna cut. You already lost me at first "umm". Gotta be fast! "Man has pudding-fobia, and fights through it".
2. Make a shooting script. List out all of the scenes, shots, and what equipment will each shot require (sound, lights, dollys, jabs, steady cams etc). TIP: Celtx. Its really nice... Even though I think a person should NOT use all that equpment for their first movies, its more for the practice.
2.1 BUDGET your movie. How much will it cost? Costumes? Props? Food? Even if it won't cost anything, still budgeting is a nice habbit to have.
2.2 Create shooting schedule. What and who will you need on a specific date, and at what time.
3. List out crew that you'll need to operate all of the equipment. Look for people, or ask friends. This is a difficult portion. You must practice how to "sell" your movie to your friends. Excite them! Once you'll get actors (in my case - my friends) - give them backgrounds of your characters. But remember - smaller crew - easier to work. First shorts shouldn't have a crew more than 3-4 people, IMHO.
5. Find location. If you have a person who is interested in making the movie as much as you are, ask them to give you a hand. Have all of the paperwork (insurance?) and shooting days handy.
Don't u dare meeting location owner or manager and saying "Well.. shoot is probably going to be next weekend, or weekend after that". Give dates, how many people, what will happen. Learn how to be professional.
6. Meet with all of the crew members BEFORE the shoot, and make it clear what everyone's responsibility is.
As corny and cheesy it sounds - you need to have fun. Don't take the project too seriously, IMHO. Things will go wrong, and people will not show up. Doesn't matter how much you plan, something will fall though..
I'm trying to avoid giving obvious suggestions, like "hire people who know what they're doing", and go more for very beginning basic stuff.
Any other tips and suggestions?
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