Have you ever watched a film and thought to yourself, "I can do that"? Believe it or not, it's not just dusting off your camcorder and pressing record. However, with the advancement of digital technology and prosumer equipment, movies can be made on practically any budget. For example, in 2004, the movie "Primer" cost $7000 to make and returned over $500,000. In 2003 the movie "Tarnation" cost only $700 to make and was shot on on Super 8 tape. The film made over $1 million dollars. Although each moviemaking experience is different, they all follow the the same basic process.
Instructions
Making a Movie
1. Watch movies. If film school isn't an option, then you must find alternative ways to educate your self. One effective way to do that is studying movies similar to the one you want to make. Take notes on how different directors set up different scenes. Note what always happens. Most scenes have an establishing shot, a medium shot, and close ups. So pop in a dvd, get a pen and pad, and start studying.
2. Find a script. Unless you are making a reality show or documentary, you are going to need a script. Even reality tv and documentaries have some type of script. However, if you are making a feature length movie or short film, you are going to need a script. You can write your own screenplay but unless you know format a script, it might save you time and headache to acquire one from someone who knows write a script. Read the script several times. Take notes on locations and characters. If this is your first movie, you want a script with minimal locations and characters. The less time you spend on setting up scenes and wrangling actors, the more time you have to focus on your craft.
3. Hire actors. Depending on your budget, you can contact SAG (Screen Actor's Guild) and hire well known actors. If Tom Hanks is stretching your funds then try local theater schools or colleges. Post ads on Craigslist.com. Be honest about pay. Most new actors will work for credit and meals.
4. Scout locations. Always ask permission to shoot on a private location. Get permission even if you want to shoot around or near a private location.
5. Schedule your movie. Be considerate of people's time, especially if they are working for free. Be organized. Know what scenes you are shooting that day and what actors are needed. This is called a shot list. An economical way of scheduling your film is to shoot by location. For example, the order of your script may read scene one: inside, scene two: outside, and scene three: inside. Shoot scenes one and three together and then go outside and set up scene two.
6. Rent equipment. The critical elements necessary for making a film are: A camera. These can range from the extremely expensive high definition cameras to reasonably priced prosumer camcorders. Whatever your camera budget is, make sure it's a three chip (3CCD) camera. A boom Microphone will be more effective than any other microphone. Stick to a boom. A lighting kit and additional tapes.
7. Hire the crew. Like actors, you can find many that will work for credit and meals. Try to find people who know about lighting and camera work. Some will have their own equipment. You may be able to negotiate a crew member and equipment for one price.
8. Shoot your movie. Now it's time to put those notes from step one to use. Be professional. Shoot every scene from different angles. Remember to cover both actors during dialog scenes. It's better to have more footage than not enough. Stick to the schedule.
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