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10 Top Tips for making a Fresh Film
1. It’s in my head!
You are only limited by your imagination. You can make any type of film
you want - horror, sci-fi, documentary, animation, drama. You can get
ideas from reports in the newspaper, something that happened to you in
the past, a story you’ve heard, lyrics from a song etc.
2. Plotting, planning and producing your film.
Writing a script will fix the story in your mind. Then prepare what you’re
going to film by making sketches of the shots you plan to shoot (this is
called a storyboard). This will also help you figure out what actors,
locations and props you need for each scene in your film.
3. Locations, locations, locations.
An unusual location is interesting for your audience. Filming each scene
against a bare wall usually gets boring for the viewer, so try and find
some different locations.
4. Read the book.
You’d be amazed how many people bring out their cameras without knowing
the ins and outs of the way they work. So become familiar with your
camera and always have the manual handy when you’re filming.
5. It’s got three legs
Use a tripod! Putting your camera on a tripod makes your shot steady and
doesn’t make the viewer dizzy. If you don’t have a tripod, then rest the
camera on a flat surface. Of course there are times when your shot will be
better when it is unsteady, but you’ll have to figure that out yourself…
6. What’d she say?
Sound is 50% of a film. It’s vitally important that the audience can hear
what the characters are saying in your film, so make sure that the microphone
picks up their voices. Remember, if you film in a place with lots of
background noise, it can drown out the voices being recorded by the camera,
so it might be better to choose a different location or film when it’s
quieter. Using an external microphone linked in to you camera and placed
near your characters can pick up their voices better.
7. Help - I need somebody!
Film is collaborative medium, so it’s important that everyone is allowed
to help out - you’ll need them to complete your film. Give people the
opportunity to suggest ideas when filming. But remember it’s up to the
director to make the final decision.
8. Actors are not cattle
The actors are the people whose faces appear on the screen and
they’re the ones who the audience must connect with for a successful
film. So be good to them...
9. The unkindest cut
Editing is probably the most difficult area for a first-time filmmaker.
Happily, there are now many computer applications to make the editing
process easier. If you get stuck, ask someone for help e.g. the person
who videos weddings or events in the locality. Look them up in the
phone book
10. Have fun.
If you need more help, the Fresh Film Festival has produced a DVD in
association with Critical Voices 2 entitled ‘How To Make A Fresh Film’.
This is an invaluable guide for young film-makers and their tutors and
features advice from past winners of the Irish Schools Film Competition
and scenes from their films.
The DVD is available sending a cheque
or postal order for ¤15 (to cover copying and postage) to:
Fresh Film
Festival,
c/o Belltable Arts Centre,
69 O’Connell Street,
Limerick. |
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