"How to Make a Movie"
by eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor
Even Scorcese and Tarantino had to start somewhere. And a group of independent filmmakers turned the low-budget "Blair Witch Project" into one of the biggest surprise hits ever. So to all aspiring filmmakers: you too can make your own movie without a huge Hollywood budget. It may be your first step toward Cannes--or at least your own personal treasure to keep with you forever.
Production:
Step1 >> Assemble a production crew. If you run out of friends or people you can get to work for screen credit, offer people "points," which is a percentage of the movie profits.
Step2 >> Get a director of photography. You need someone who knows a lot about film and cameras to make the movie come out right. Local film schools are the best place to find them.
Step3 >> Get the film. The director of photography should know the best type of film for your movie.
Step4 >> Assemble the cast. Hold auditions for actors by inquiring at talent agencies. If you have any friends who were decent actors in school, give them a call.
Step5 >> Assemble the props and costumes. Costume shops and local theater groups can definitely help you here. But you can also borrow from friends and family or check out thrift stores for bargains.
Step6 >> Choose filming locations. Make sure you have permission from the owners of the property you choose to film on.
Step7 >> Hold rehearsals and then film the movie. You want to make sure everything is set and memorized before you begin filming. Know how much time filming will take and try to complete it as quickly as possible.
Postproduction:
Step1 >> Get the film processed. Find the right processor with the help of your director of photography. You may need to send the film to Los Angeles for this.
Step2 >> Edit the film. You need to find someone who can transfer your film to video and arrange the completed scenes in the right order. You can likely find one in the same place as your director of photography.
Step3 >> Present your movie at film festivals. Enter a festival by sending them a video copy along with their entry fee and any publicity you can generate about the movie. Sell your film as much as you can.
Step4 >> Hold screenings of your movie. Rent a small theater or screening room and invite studios and distributors to view the movie and appraise it. If it all works, they'll start bidding for the distribution rights.
"How to Make a No-Budget Movie"
by cvanderkaay, eHow Editor
Many people are impressed by technical skill when watching a movie, and that is often how you can get your name recognized. But just as often, people are impressed when you can make a movie as cheaply as possible, because it tells the investors that you know how to save money and turn a profit. Follow these few simple steps to put together a movie that will get some attention without costing much.
Step1 >> Use a digital camera you already own or borrow one. Many indie films are shot in digital. If you own a digital camera or can borrow one, you save money on the device and on developing film. Smaller cameras will let you take shots you can't get with bulkier models, another advantage.
Step2 >> Cast amateurs by types, rather than actors. If you know someone who fits a part, use that person so you don't have to pay an actor. You can also find fledgling professional actors who will work for free in exchange for a credit and outtakes of the film for their own loops.
Step3 >> Shoot simple scenes. Don't break up your actors into multiple rooms or place them so far apart you'll need extensive cutting to make a coherent whole. Keep the scenes small with only one to three actors at a time and use nothing more complex than the occasional close up to create emphasis.
Step4 >> Make movements simple. You don't have the money for tracking shots or multiple takes, so limit movements to anything you can capture in a single shot. Use lots of dialogue to advance the plot since you can't use images and movements the way more pricey films do.
Step5 >> Use ordinary locations. Shoot in homes, local parks, your car, anywhere that doesn't require a fee. If a friend owns a special venue, such as a store or gym, and will let you film for nothing after hours, work it into your script.
Step6 >> Don't wait for the perfect take. Your actors and crew are working for free. They don't have the time and you don't have the budget to spend all day waiting for that perfect cloud to roll across the sky. You need to make your movie and get it out before the public. Make do with what you have.
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The best way to go these days is with a pro-sumer HD camera that can shoot in 24 frames. So, if your film's a masterpiece it will be easier to blow it up to 35MM for theatrical release.
ReplyDeleteBreaking down a script is an art.
ReplyDeleteRead the script several times before beginning the breakdown. Read the first time straight through without stopping, as if you are seeing the movie. On the second or third readings, begin making notes in the script about productions needs. Stay as neat and clean as possible.
Separate each scene with a pencil line drawn horizontally across the page. At the end of each scene, note the scene number and the page count of the scene in eighths of a page (e.g.: 2 3/8 or 2/8 or 5 0/8 even). An accurate page count is essential. Most often you will attempt to shoot no more than five script pages a day (for television that number is greater). Since most movies are not shot in script order, you are placing scenes together on any given day that could be from page 1 or page 100, and your breakdown pages will tell you which pant leg is torn, whether the big hurricane happened already and how many months pregnant the lead actress is.
ReplyDeleteUse five or more highlighter markers to note the key elements of the script. You need to be as comprehensive as possible.
ReplyDeleteEnter each of the scenes into a breakdown or scheduling program. From your manual breakdown in the script, do complete breakdown pages in your software. List each of the elements you have highlighted. Print out each scene breakdown sheet as a bible in scene order. Distribute copies of the sheets to the director and known department heads so that each can add details. Enter the new elements into your scheduling program. You now have an informed breakdown.
Use the breakdown to schedule and budget the script, preferably in that order. From the schedule, you can make a very accurate budget projection. As the preproduction period commences, key crew members can help build the breakdown, the first assistatn director and the production manager can refine the shooting schedule, and then the breakdown bible will contain every element pertaining to the production. A well-devised and complete breakdown provides a blueprint within which the creative elements (the vision, look and effect) have their best chances for success.
ReplyDeleteHow to Break Down a Film Script >> eHow