Like making an independent film, having it participate in film festivals and distributing it.
Steps
Step 1. Budget
You need to establish a budget for everything you need, or how much you can spend. In case of insufficient funds you can resort to crowdfunding.
Step 2. Find a story
It is often easier to start at the end and then work back to the story. Some ways to come up with a story:
- It mixes two genres (Quentin Tarantino's “Death Proof” mixes cars with the splatter genre).
- Make a list of interesting things you have or can get hold of and base your story on those elements.
- Draw inspiration from other films. For example, ask yourself, “What could have destroyed the world in WALL • E? A war, an energy crisis or some other disaster?"
Step 3. Creating the characters
Your characters will shape the story and make sense of the scenes. You can base them on people you know or meet. Studying typical characters and 16 personality types will help you form deeper and more believable characters. Write a comprehensive bio of each of your characters: where they come from, everything about their life, and their personality.
Step 4. Scenes
Write every scene you can think of in detail on independent cards, and don't worry if they aren't linked yet. Make sure each scene is moved by the characters and the underlying story. Once you have a good selection, choose the best ones.
Step 5. Shape your story
Go through the scenes and make sure each leads to the next. Define everything that happens as in the index of a book. Make sure everything is necessary for the story, and cut out the superfluous.
Step 6. Screenplay
You will find script tutorials on this site, for example here.
Step 7. Storyboard
Make a storyboard of the various shots in order to have everything under control and be ready for shooting. There are some useful software at this stage, such as FrameForge 3D Studio.
Step 8. Equipment
You need a camera preferably at 24 frames per minute and a shallow depth of field. A boom and microphone will improve the sound and make the film look more professional.
Step 9. Location
Many have no problem shooting at home or at work as long as nothing is damaged. You may need releases, so keep a few on hand.
Step 10. Actors
You can find helpful articles on this site.
Step 11. Lights
The 3-point light technique is the most used for cinema. You can use a white surface to reflect the light on the shadow area of the face.
Step 12. Sound
Record ambient sounds before shooting. Each room has its own sound and you will need it during post-production sound editing.
Step 13. Direct the Actors
To direct an actor, you have to be able to bring out the emotions, saying things like "Play the scene as if you just found out that your dog has been in an accident." Do not give instructions like "Be angry", as they are not very clear and leave too much room for interpretation.
Step 14. Fixing
It is common to start with the main shot to give the actors more freedom of movement then when you get close for the close-ups you will position the camera in the most interesting points. Make sure the actors keep the same paths and movements every time.
Step 15. Continuity
Make sure that in a scene all the movements, costumes, accessories and everything else are the same and in the same place, so that everything matches during the editing.
Step 16. Assembly
You can find in-depth articles on this site. Some free video editing programs are listed here.
Step 17. The appearance of the film
Magic Bullet software will make your movie look like it was shot on film.
Step 18. Editing the sound
Sound should help tell the story. You should have sound effects for doors opening, people walking and everything else; you can record all sounds with your microphone. After recording the sound you can apply it to the footage in post-production.
Step 19. Press office
You need information material to send to festivals. Here is an example.
Step 20. Film festivals
You can submit your film to festivals via withoutabox.
Step 21. Sell your movie
You can sell your movie via createspace.
