Tips to Consider for Beginners in Filmmaking

Film making is very hard but not impossible. With the advent of YouTube and similar posting sites, anyone can create a masterpiece and offer it to the world. Let’s start small though with a five minute original. So what do you need?

A Plot – A good story is not necessarily blood guts and gore; it can be a heartfelt story that means something to you. A documentary, fiction, drama, any subject matter is relevant as long as it is a story that you truly believe needs to be told. Where do all the socks go?

A Script – Now a plot and a script are two diverse beasts. A script is a recipe as to how the plot will unfold. Make it detailed. Know how you will impart the plot. This may be through actors interacting between themselves and the environment; you may use imagery or simply film events as they occur. Whatever your method know exactly what you are expecting, your intentions and realistic expected results.

Equipment and Resources – You don’t have to be paramount studios to shoot footage but having good quality basics will be reflected in the product you produce. Sound and lighting are usually the areas that are paid the least amount of attention and these are the two major areas that will let your production down. Don’t buy, hire! Most equipment these days comes with a training DVD or you can you tube how to use the equipment for your shoot. You can also post advertisements on appropriate sites seeking technicians with equipment who may work for credits, kudos or in some cases.

Cameras – Who is your audience and where are you screening your five minute wonder? If your intention is to screen your epic in a studio, then film with a studio quality camera. If your sites are lower, then so will be your camera. There are exceptions to camera and equipment quality, sometimes the content of a film can be so watchable that it eclipses any quality issues that the viewer might have.

You will need to splice your movie together. Most computers come with preloaded software that will enable you to put a rudimentary film together or you can download trial software. Just keep in mind, crawl before you walk, and walk before you run screaming full tilt down a mountain waving your arms.