If you want to shoot your own film, figuring out where to start can be a challenge. Make-up artists? Computer graphics? And how are you going to recreate that car chase? Read on for tips on how to get started making your first movie.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Get the Basic Equipment
Step 1. Find a video camera
Many DIY filmmakers have used inexpensive video cameras to make professional movies. Often, however, the "homemade" aspect of the shoot is directly tied to the story, and this blends form and content. Decide what kind of camera you need and which one you can afford. The price can vary from a few hundred euros to several thousand. If you already have a relatively inexpensive camcorder, consider shooting a story that works with this type of footage.
- You can find many cameras between € 100 and € 300. Companies such as JVC, Canon and Panasonic offer affordable mobile cameras that are effective and give great footage. "The Blair Witch Project" was shot on a cheap store-bought RCA camcorder.
- Between € 500 and € 800 you will find very good Panasonic and Sony models that have been used for films like "Open Water" and many documentaries. If making movies is a real passion for you, and you won't be limiting yourself to a single movie, consider investing in a good video camera.
Step 2. Decide how you will edit the film
Unless you want to go really fast and edit the footage only on the camera, i.e. shooting everything in order and with one perfect take (which will make the job more complicated), you will have to import the footage to a computer. Mac computers offer the iMovie program and on PCs you will find Windows Movie Maker, very simple video editing programs that will allow you to edit footage, mix audio and add credits.
You can switch to more complex and professional programs like Video Edit Magic, Avid FreeDV, Adobe Premiere Pro or Final cut (Mac only). If you can't afford them, try two free but very professional programs like Open Shot and Light Works
Step 3. Find a place to shoot
Shooting an epic movie set in space will be difficult if the filming is in your bedroom, as will shooting a raw and realistic movie about a prostitute by filming in a shopping mall. Consider the available locations and consider what stories can develop from those settings. Using a green screen can help you by allowing you to change the background behind you. "Clerks" is, for example, a film that tells the story of a group of listless guys who work in a shop. Without having access to a shop, making that film would have been difficult.
Businesses and restaurants often don't like to allow filmmakers to use their premises for filming, but you can always ask. Some people will be thrilled to be part of a movie
Step 4. Find people willing to help you
With rare exceptions, producing a film requires a large group of people working towards a common goal: a beautiful story to be told with images. You will need actors and cameramen. Ask your friends to fill these roles, or post an ad on Facebook or Craigslist to draw attention to your project. If you can't offer compensation, make it clear right away.
If you live in a college town, consider posting flyers at the acting college to attract local talent. You might be surprised how excited many people will be at the idea of participating in a project like yours
Part 2 of 5: Writing the Movie
Step 1. Imagine a visual story
Since most movies are essentially stories depicted on video, the first step is to find an idea to turn into a movie. Think of something you need to see for it to be believable. You don't have to think about every detail, but you should have a basic idea of the story.
- Think about the movies you like to watch or the books you like to read. Consider what makes them so interesting. The characters, the action, the descriptions or the theme? Whatever it is, keep it in mind when planning your movie.
- Make a list of all the props, locations, and actors that are currently available in the area, then develop a movie from this information. Keep a journal to write your dreams in, because like movies, dreams are visual stories. Keep a notebook where you can write all your ideas. Read the news in the newspaper. Find a basic idea and use it to develop the story. Narrow the field as you write the plot.
Step 2. Develop the idea into a story
Building a story that allows you to express your idea must start with the characters. Who will be the protagonist? What does he want? What prevents him from getting it? How will the protagonist change over the course of the story? If you can answer all of these questions, you'll be well on your way to writing a great story.
- It has been said that all stories are based on two general premises: a stranger arrives and changes the status quo, or a hero goes on a journey.
- Make sure your story has a beginning, in which the setting and characters will be introduced, a central part, in which the conflict develops and an ending, in which the conflict is resolved.
Step 3. Write the script
A script divides each moment of the story into individual scenes that can be shot. While it may be tempting to put on your props and start shooting each scene as you imagine it, you'll get a better result if you plan ahead and think about your movie scene by scene.
- In the script all the dialogues are written, attributed to the characters who have to play them, as well as physical descriptions, exposures and camera movements. Each scene should start with a brief description of the environment (example: indoor, night).
- Write with your budget in mind. For your purpose, it might be much better to cut the epic 30-minute car chase out of history and go straight to its aftermath. Maybe your protagonist is in bed, bandaged and injured, wondering "What happened?".
Step 4. Create your movie storyboard
A storyboard is a comic-like version of your movie, but without the dialogue. You can do it on a large scale, drawing only every main scene or transition, or, if your story has a lot of visual components, you can do it on a more detailed level, planning every shot and camera angle.
This will allow you to shoot a long movie more smoothly, and will help you predict the most difficult scenes and sequences to shoot in advance. You can try to shoot without creating a storyboard, but this solution will not only allow you to view your film, but will help you to make other members of the crew understand your vision as well
Part 3 of 5: Thinking Visually
Step 1. Develop the aesthetics of the film
Films are based on sight, so you have to think about the sensations they communicate. "Matrix", for example, with monochromatic and yellow-green tones, immediately takes you into a digitized world. Richard Linklater's "A Scanner Darkly," which has been rotoscoped and has a unique and memorable cartoon look, is another example. Here are some ideas to consider:
Step 2. Choose a film with smooth footage and professionally edited or a "raw" style that gives the impression that the film was shot while holding the camera
Think of Lars von Trier's “Melancholia”: the opening scenes were shot with a high-speed camera, and therefore appear fluid. Most of the rest of the film, on the other hand, was shot with a hand-held camera, communicating the emotional and spiritual conflicts that fluctuate through the story.
Step 3. Design the costumes and sets
Think about the look you want to give to the settings of your film. Can you shoot in a real setting or will you have to build a set? The panoramic shots of the epic films of the 60s and 70s exploited a combination of great outdoors and studio-built sets. The scenes for "The Shining" were shot in a cabin in Oregon. Dogville was shot in a sparse studio, with only hints of buildings as props.
Films rely heavily on costumes to communicate core elements of character character to viewers. Think for example of "Men in Black"
Step 4. Consider the lighting
Some sets have soft lights that favor both the actors and the scenography and that create dreamlike atmospheres, others have lighting close to that of reality, and still others are characterized by very strong lights. For example Domino with Keira Knightley.
Step 5. Build the set, or find a suitable location for filming
If you shoot the scenes in a real-life setting, find the most suitable area and make sure you can shoot. If you're working on a set, start building it and adding props.
If you can do this, using real settings is much easier. It is easier to go around a diner than to furnish a room to turn it into a restaurant
Part 4 of 5: Finding the Troupe
Step 1. Choose a director
The director controls the creative part of the film, and is the key element that binds crew and cast. If the film and the story are your ideas, and the budget isn't high, you will probably be the director. You will need to take care of the auditions, supervise the shoot and offer your advice whenever you see fit.
Step 2. Choose a cameraman or cinematographer
This professional figure deals with lighting and filming. He decides with the director the shots, the lights and the takes. It also manages the people who are dedicated to lighting and filming (if it's a low-budget film, it will do it all by itself).
Step 3. Assign someone to create the set
This person will have to make sure that the set matches the director's artistic vision. He might also take care of the props.
Costumes, makeup and hairstyles could all fall into the same category in a very small production. In larger productions, this person would choose (and possibly sew) each costume used in the film. In smaller productions, this position is usually combined with other tasks
Step 4. Hire someone to manage audio and music
You can assign more than one person to the audio department. The dialogues must be recorded during the scene, or inserted in the production phase. Sound effects, such as lasers and explosions, will have to be created; you will have to find, record and mix the music (be careful not to use songs covered by copyright); and noises must also be generated (footsteps, creaks, plates breaking, doors slamming). Finally, the sound will have to be mixed, edited and inserted into the video in post production.
Step 5. Find the cast for your movie
You may find people in your community willing to work on tight budget productions just to make it into the credits. Of course, it would be beneficial to have a well-known name participate in your film, but learning how to make the most of the strengths of the actors you have at your disposal will ensure you get a high-quality final product. Seth Rogan is a successful and effective actor because he doesn't really act - he mostly plays himself. If you need a cop in your movie, call one and ask if he'd be willing to shoot scenes in the afternoon. If you need a college professor, call the school.
- Test your actors' skills. If you know that one of them will have to cry in a sad scene, make sure they are able to do so before choosing them for your project.
- Avoid conflict of commitments. Make sure your actors are available to shoot when you need them.
Part 5 of 5: Shooting and Editing
Step 1. Get and test your equipment
At a minimum, you will need a video camera. You will probably also need a tripod - on which to mount the camera for still shots - lighting and sound equipment.
It's good to do some rehearsal scenes. Give your actors the chance to practice under the camera and give the crew the chance to coordinate their actions
Step 2. Plan meticulously
Remember which take is best for each scene to make editing easier. If you have to go through a lot of wrong takes every time you have to find the scene you want, the editing phase will be long and difficult.
Make sure everyone is on the same wavelength at the start of the first day of shooting. Bringing the crew and cast together in an available venue can be a challenge, so it can be helpful to write and distribute an itinerary early in the process
Step 3. Make your movie
The decisions you make will determine the difference between a "homemade movie" and a professional looking one.
Some people shoot multiple takes from different angles to get more interesting final results and have lots of options in the editing stage. As a general rule, professional filmmakers shoot every scene in full, medium and close-up shots of the most important elements
Step 4. Edit your movie
Bring the footage to your computer, uploading files and recording them, to identify successful takes. Create a first draft of your film using these takes. Editing greatly affects the final look and feel of the film.
- Creating sudden jumps will allow you to capture audience interest and give the film an action style, but long, steady takes also have a powerful impact - be careful though, they can get very boring. Consider the opening of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".
- You can also edit the music in the silent parts of the film, to express the right atmosphere.
- Editing footage from different angles can allow you to show more things happening in the same scene. Use the trimming or splitting tools in your editing program to create shorter movies of multiple takes, then merge and match them together. You will soon understand how to do it and thanks to digital programs, you can correct errors with a simple click.
Step 5. Synchronize sound effects and music
Make sure that the music is in accord with what is being presented on the screen, and that the recorded sounds come loud and clear to the viewers. Record the particularly important parts again.
Remember that if you want to distribute a movie, using copyrighted music can cause problems, so it's best to use music made specifically for the movie; moreover, you can take advantage of the desire to experience many good artists
Step 6. Create the opening and closing credits sequences
You will need to show the names of the cast and crew at the end of the film. You can also include "thanks" to all the entities that have allowed you to shoot on their premises. Above all, remember to create simple titles.
Step 7. Export the movie to a DVD digital format
Create a preview or trailer. If you want to promote your film on the internet or in theaters, choose parts to make a promotional trailer. Do not disclose too much of the plot, but try to capture the interest of the viewers.
Upload your movie to Vimeo or YouTube for everyone to see
Advice
- Once the movie is finished, share it with the world. Submit it to a festival or, if it's an informal job, post it for free on the web. Either method could get you to fame.
- Follow cinematic rules, such as thirds (imagine the screen breaking into vertical thirds and focus on a point or character that is important in the scene in the third located on the far left). A character is rarely found in the center of the screen. Your film will look much more professional.
- Watch many films with a critical eye to understand tones, styles, sounds and lights. Also look for mistakes so as not to make them. After seeing one, go to IMDB and click in particular on the "Did You Know?" Section, where you will find curiosities and gaffes about the film in question.
- Lights and sound are critical. No external noise should be heard and the lighting should be of excellent quality. You will need lights that simulate sunrise or a foggy or cloudy day and help create shadows. A white poster and silver paper bounce the light off the shaded parts of the face. For night shots, use work lights.
- If you're making a documentary you don't need a script or storyboard, but it will need to have a purpose and target audience and provide perspective. The editing must be as accurate as that of a film.
- You don't have to plan every detail. In the beginning, you just need to have the plot and the script. Improvising gives a touch of realism and freshness, especially if the actors do a good job.
- In addition to the classic cameras with fixed lenses, you could opt for mirrorless or reflex cameras, which allow you to change lenses and usually give better results for low prices.
Warnings
- If you plan to shoot in a location that doesn't belong to you, ask the owner for permission first. This way you will make sure that everything is done within the limits of legality, that the proper procedures are followed and that you avoid complications and misunderstandings. Always get written permission so you don't have any problems in the future.
- Do not copy anyone while writing the script. Your ideas must be original. Having a millionaire budget is useless if you are not creative.
