Have you always wanted to make your own film but don't know how? Or would you like to improve yourself? Well, this article is for you.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Before Shooting
Step 1. The first thing to do is to write the script
To find a good idea, think about the things you like to do. If you love sports and play football, base your film on this topic. If you love dogs then pick that theme, and so on. Also think about what kind of story you would like and decide what the message will be to leave to the audience. There are many types of stories, the subject of which can be love, action, superheroes, some randomness, friendships, competition, comedy. Do some research on the topic of your story. If you choose a historical theme you can visit a museum or search for material online …
Step 2. Well, now what will happen in your movie?
Think about it and write the script. Think about what kind of characters will appear in the film and what they will look like, decide where to shoot, choose songs for the soundtrack, divide and number the scenes, etc. Details are very important, if you don't specify what you want to achieve, other people might imagine a different result. To avoid this problem, it is better to draw a storyboard (find out what it is in the next step).
Step 3. Draw a storyboard
The storyboard is the comic of your script. It shows what each of the scenes should look like, but without going into too much detail. You will have to make it clear in which place it will be shot, what the position of the actors will be and what they will have to do. If drawing isn't your forte, don't worry, you can create your own movie by skipping this step too.
Step 4. Choose your actors
They might be your friends or family members, but make sure they take it seriously and don't back down, or they'll ruin your preparations. If an actor does not like his role, or finds it embarrassing, do not force him to play it, otherwise his acting will be poor or the chances of him not showing up at the last minute will increase.
Step 5. Make a list of all the things you need and how much money you plan to spend
It would be very embarrassing if I didn't have the costumes yet on the day of shooting.
Method 2 of 3: Turn the Film
Step 1. Contact as many people as you would like in your film and set a filming date
If there are many people it will become more difficult to choose a date that works for everyone. Decide how long it will take to shoot each scene and which people you need that day. If one day one of your actors does not have to appear in any scene then there is no reason for him to show up, unless he has to perform some other job, for example that of camera man.
Step 2. If you want you can ask some friends, aspiring musicians, to play behind the scenes
This way the soundtrack will stand out better and be more sparkling. Otherwise, you could record your chosen music, upload it to your computer, and then pair it with the footage. Or search directly for the music / sound option (music and sounds) in the program you are using.
Method 3 of 3: After Shooting
Step 1. Your project is now almost complete
You've filmed all the scenes and have both good shots and unwanted shots available. It is time to put it all together. Use a program like Windows Movie Maker (which is usually already installed on your computer), Sony Vega or Medial Impression. IMPORTANT: It is always advisable to transfer the videos to your computer using the program of your camcorder, sometimes you may not be able to make changes if you do not first save the videos with the specific program of your camcorder. These programs are not very versatile, unless you have a very expensive camcorder. In the next step, using a different program, you will be able to modify the film to your liking, and until you get the result you want. If you have shot with the Green Screen there are specific programs, but before buying one, be well informed about their characteristics.
Step 2. Add music to video
It is possible to do this with almost any program, including Windows Movie Maker. Try to compose original pieces of music if you can. Enter the title and credits, include the name of everyone who participated in the making of the film. Don't forget the date and specify “A movie by (add your name). If you do not know how to insert the titles, you can write them with Paint, available on your computer, save the image and include it in the editing phase.
Step 3. Make a copy of the film and distribute it to anyone who wants one
If you want to show it to more people you can choose to upload it to You Tube.
Step 4. Evaluate the result
How does the film look to you? Do you like? Were you able to make it the way you wanted? Did you have fun? What are the problems you encountered while filming? What is the thing they liked the most about your film? And the one you didn't like? What would you like to improve next time? Would you like to repeat the experience?
Advice
Before Shooting
- Make sure you can accomplish what you write in the script. It would be nice to be able to shoot a good action film, the idea will be captivating but very unlikely to be realized.
- Don't include too many characters if you know you can count on few actors. It would be very unprofessional to find the same actor in multiple roles. If you really can't do without it at least get some good costumes.
- Don't waste time coloring the storyboard. It will only serve to give an idea of what the scenes will be like.
- When making a list of the things you need before buying the material, ask your schoolmates to borrow it. There is no need to buy a witch outfit, for example, if you only need it for one day!
Shoot the Film
- If you make good use of the soundtrack the final result will be better.
- Try to make it clear and visible what you want to show to the public. Find the best angle for shooting.
- If you want the audience to better understand the emotions of the actors, show a close-up. The close-up of someone crying causes a stronger sensation than seeing the character in the distance.
- It is better that the actors know first what they have to do. Avoid improvising, for example in a fight scene if the actors are prepared it will be something else entirely.
- Even if you are the director it doesn't mean that you have to be in charge. Don't be too authoritarian and remember that "two brains think better than one".
- Filming is very important. What the camera sees will be what the audience sees. So give clear instructions to everyone, but especially to the camera man. If everyone knows exactly what to do, you will prevent them from getting confused.
- Take breaks between takes.
- Keep in mind that it may take more than a day, perhaps you will have to re-shoot the same scene. If that happens, don't stress yourself out and be patient with your actors. If the scene is very complicated take a break and try it again later. If you realize that you can't repeat the scene, shoot from two different angles, you have a better chance of not having to repeat everything, at most a beat or two.
- Think about if you have decided to shoot five scenes in one day and one of your actors will always have to be there for even just a line. To avoid getting bored, divide up the work well.
- You've decided who the actors are and got all the material, but who's going to be the cameraman? Remember that you need one more person, unless you want to set the camera on the tripod, but at that point you will not be able to have dynamic footage.
- Try to shoot the scene from different angles. It will be more difficult but also more professional. In the movies you see in the cinema you will have noticed that the filming is done from different points of view. If you don't have more than one camera at your disposal, you could ask the actors to repeat the scene at a new camera angle, but be careful they don't move. Also check that the scene does not change, because if a second before the audience saw an actor wearing a hat it would be strange not to find the same hat in the next take. Unless you want to create a sleight of hand.
- Take breaks but don't start doing anything else, because if the actors get distracted it will be very difficult to get them to concentrate again. You can eat something and chat for a few minutes.
- If you know someone who has already tried their hand at shooting a movie, don't be afraid to ask them for advice or ideas. He will be of great help to you and you may learn from his mistakes.
- Try to keep silence while filming. Avoid all disturbing noises, dogs barking, small children crying. A car horn would be quite out of tune in a romantic scene.
After the Shooting
- It is a good idea to collect all your notes in one folder, so if one day you want to make another film that material will help you.
- If you shoot outdoors, pay attention to the location you choose. Make sure there are no cars passing by, or that there are no birds flying in front of the camera. They could be distracting.
- Always be patient with the actors. If things don't go your way and you have to repeat the scenes over and over, you might get nervous. Take a break and try again. Or try shooting from a different angle, it will help you release stress.
- Help everyone and encourage people to take part in your film without putting pressure on them, if you do they could drop everything.
- Make sure you plan everything and tell the actors in advance what their character will be and what lines they will have to say.
- Look for the right lighting, the characters must be clearly visible. * Ask an adult for permission to use the camera, unless it is your own.
