where to start?

G

Gomez

I wanted to start filming my first serious short film this summer but I have no idea where to start. I already have a script that's probably gonna run about 20mins long. I've made short films before with friends for school and for fun but now I want to make one with real actors and a real crew but I don't know where to start. Have any tips? Im from upstate new york. If you have someone i could hook up with that would be great.
 
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Gomez said:
I wanted to start filming my first serious short film this summer but I have no idea where to start. I already have a script that's probably gonna run about 20mins long. I've made short films before with friends for school and for fun but now I want to make one with real actors and a real crew but I don't know where to start. Have any tips? Im from upstate new york. If you have someone i could hook up with that would be great.
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Welcome to indietalk!

Well...

There's the obvious; you send out a casting notice and hold auditions
for actors. You send out a crew notice for the crew you need.

Have a set shooting schedule; exact dates, location and times. Trying
to be flexible with peoples schedules is usually very difficult. Yes, some
people may not be available on your shoot dates, but in the log run it
will be better for you and your cast and crew. Most people with some
experience will prefer to know when and where you're shooting before
they send in their acting or crew info.

If you are not paying it's more difficult getting dedicated experienced
people but it's not impossible. Allow more time to find the right people.
 
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Welcome to IndieTalk! Glad to have you here.

Kudos to you for finishing a screenplay because that groundwork is exceedingly tough and difficult.

This forum has some very insightful and experienced writers who would be more than happy to peruse your screenplay if you'd like some constructive criticism. I can't stress enough how important the story and dynamic characters are to the finished product; your short film. Great films come from great writing and great writing comes from re-writing, then re-writing, then more re-writing. You should take your time and ensure the writing is good.

I know you must feel an incredible enthusiasm for your film in wanting to begin the production process. Patience my friend.

How much pre-production work have you done? There is a lot you can do on your own before beginning the actual filming such as storyboard, shooting schedules, character outlines, location scouting, shot lists, budget, and a plethora of resources to accumulate (props, permits, jigs, vehicle, etc.)

Best wishes to you Gomez.
 
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You ask.

Be upfront with them. Offer meals and maybe even a transportation
stipend during the shoot. Offer a copy of the finished movie. It helps
if you have interesting, challenging rolls for the actors. It helps if
you are organized, act professionally and create a fun atmosphere on
set for the crew. Everyone working for free appreciates being treated
with respect and a producer/director who genuinely appreciates the
sacrifice they are making to help you.
 
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Since you suggested you wouldn't be paying people do you have the locations you put in your screenplay?

Also, do you have the equipment to shoot this short?

Finally, what is your intention with the final product, film festival(s)?
 
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rayw said:
Since you suggested you wouldn't be paying people do you have the locations you put in your screenplay?

Also, do you have the equipment to shoot this short?

Finally, what is your intention with the final product, film festival(s)?
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I have most of the locations but I only have a professional camera and lighting right now. And I wanted to put it into film festivals.
 
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Gomez said:
I have most of the locations but

I only have a professional camera and lighting right now. And

I wanted to put it into film festivals.
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Good. Start figuring out a way to weasel into the remaining location(s) or how to rewrite them out of the screenplay.

How about audio collection, NLE, DAW, and a computer to put all this jazz together?

Excellent!
Specifically which festivals, their preferred genres, and what are their submission deadlines?
 
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You can do it!

The resource you have in abundance which is more valuable than anything else is time. USE IT!
  • Spend the time rewriting
  • Spend the time lining your script (choosing shots for each scene)
  • Spend the time writing a complete shot list
  • Spend the time story boarding EVERY SHOT
  • Spend the time in finding perfect free locations
  • Spend the time planning the shooting dates
  • Spend the time casting
  • Spend the time finding crew

Once you step foot on set your already out of time. Don't expect to have any extra time once all the pieces are moving, so you spend ALL THE TIME YOU CAN in planning!!! Its what movie makers call "pre-production" there is even a separate forum for it!
 
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Go to craigslist and look up other film productions in your area.
Work on those projects for free.
Make friends with other filmmakers in a similar position as you.
Work on their projects.
They'll work on yours.

:)
 
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