Want to start, but aren't sure how?

These are they key components to becoming an awesome film maker.

Step 1:

You will need equipment. I would advise using HD video equipment, but this is not at all a necessity. All you need is something that can record video and sound, and a basic Windows or Mac PC (both come built in with video editing software; Movie Maker, and iMovie). Once you have this ready, you can begin.

Step 2:

Wrte a script. Most first efforts are genuinely appalling, so take time to write a script which you are proud of. Start first with a basic framework, like Scenes or a Storyboard. Then, gradually phase in dialogues. In italics, write stage directions. You should aim to portray the emotions that the charactes are feeling - so you can share your vision with the actors themselves.

 

Step 3: Rehearse your lines at a readthrough. Just read throught the lines, and tell your actors what you like and don't like. Maybe they have different ideas which you could incorporate into your film.

Step 4: Fine tune characters. What are the relationships between every individual? Try not to make it cheesy, because this just takes away from films, even the ones which are supposed to be satirical.

 

Step 5: Film it. Try and take multiple cuts for everything, so that if something doesn't work out, you have an alternative. Also, keep an eye on continuity. The greats at Hollywood make mistakes in this area too. You don't want furniture changing places during shots. It adds an air of cheapness to the production.

 

Step 6: Edit. Are there any effects you wanted to add? Make a sad scene slightly less bright than a positive one? Cut a few lines off? Take time over this, as you won't get another chance.

 

Step 7: Reshoot. I guarantee that there will be things that don't work which you will need to reshoot.

Step 8: Voiceover. There are always moments where the sound doesn't fit right after editing. For this, you can voiceover, i.e. record new voicing onto the clip. However, be sure to have the correct background noise, or else the video can seem artificial.

 

Step 9: Publish. You can share your movie in a number of ways. Put it on Youtube. See what comments you get. Are they good? Bad? Constructive? Put it on your website. See if anyone finds it interesting. People will tell you what they like and what they don't so you can be sure your films are the best they can be.

 

Step 10: Build on yourself. What good is a film maker who only makes one film? Give it another shot, see what else you can come up with. Or maybe use a different plot from our Plot Ideas section.