TIPS BEFORE YOU EVEN START (last blog
/ next blog)
by Michael Neel & Greg Ansin
It is not as hard as you think, but you must ask yourself a few
questions: Why do I want to make a film? Do I have any experience?
Who might be interested in my film?
16mm film - Set design for the Drive-In Horrorshow.
You don't have to know any of the answers but the more you think
about these things the more it will help you as go along.
Note - These suggestions are manly for a narrative film - documentaries
follow a different production path but these questions still apply.
Why do I want to make a film (this film)?
An easy answer is: people will be interested in watching this film.
A good film is always a good film and people will want to watch
it. Now, that is somewhat oversimplified but a good film is based
on having a good story. The story doesn't have to be complex at
all, just solid. Once you have your story, then build your characters
in this world. Characters, and later actors, will bring the story
to life. The K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) approach works more
often than you'd think. Try it.
The clapper marks the scene and syncs the film and
audio.
Do I have any experience in making a film?
I would not be too concerned about this. Depending on your lifestyle
and what you are comfortable with it is easy to get into the "game".
The only qualification is that you have watched a lot of movies
and TV.
For an indie filmmaker your biggest resource/expense/whatever you
want to call it is your TIME. So, if you know very little about
filmmaking a good start is to buy a few books on film or go to a
filmmaker blog, and watch DVD commentaries. If you have some cash
take a class or two, if there are films being made in your area
try to get work on them even if you don't get paid. After you work
on set or behind the scenes you may realize what you want to do:
maybe you just want to write screenplays or maybe you love the chaos
of a set. If your experiences don't deter you, you'll be well on
your way to producing your film, so I'd say "good luck and
send me a screener when the film is done or invite me to the premiere....."
Lights! Camera! Action!
Who might be interested in my film?
Marketing, research and end market. Some filmmakers don't think
too much about these and get lucky but most don't. Unless you have
a lot of connections in the business get ready to work at it. As
much fun as you can have making your film, it can be frustrating
after the film is finished and you're not able to get your film
out there. This is not as doom and gloom as it seems - even if your
budget is long since gone you can still get your film out there.
Just don't be in a rush - there are social networking sites, streaming
video services and downloads. Again, this only costs your time -
if you are willing to write about your film and spread the word
the grassroot following will come if your film is good...
So let's get ready to start writing.
We'd love to here your comments, questions and additions to this Blog. Please
send your message to
Blog@DriveInHorrorshow.com
Other Blogs
Pre-Production
Introduction | Before you shoot
| Writing | Budget | Format
| Storyboards | Script
Breakdown | Crew | Casting
| Choosing a DP
| Locations |
Audio Alert!!! | Props
and Art Direction | Before
you shoot
Production
On Set
Post-Production
Editing
| Pick ups | A.D.R.
| Music | Foley | DEMO-ITIS | Test screenings | Film is Done!!!
Film Festivals
T.I.F.F
| Dark
Carnival | Austin
F.F.
Boston Phoenix
2010
Horror Movie Preview |12
Frights of Christmas | Rock
and Shock 2009
Horror Cons
Rock & Shock
| HorrorHound
Guest Bloggers
Eric Welsh | Sarah
Morrison | Anthony
J. Resta | Joe
Lemieux | Rob Fitz | Judith Kalaora
Film Maker's Resources
Before you shoot |
Writing | Writing
Exercises | Budget
| Format
| Storyboards
Web Pages
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Horrorshow | Pig | The
Closet | Fall Apart
| The Meat Man | The
Watcher | Credits
| The Soundtrack
| Ghoulish Videos | MySpace
| Facebook
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| ReverbNation
Bands
Hotblack
| The Coffin Lids
| BILL | Graveyard
BBQ | Ajax
Ray O'Vaque | Common
Thrill | Sleight
of Hand | Trouble
On The AirWaves | MonkeyRay
