What is required to make a film? Well, with the way Hollywood does it, millions and millions of dollars. High budgets for cutting edge special effects, A-list actors and high-tech equipment can be intimidating for filmmakers just starting out. However, there are plenty of ways you can utilize resources at hand to make a quality film.
1. Recruiting actors and actresses can be the most difficult aspect of low-budget filmmaking.
Sometimes friends and family are good enough, but you have to work around their talent. Don’t expect elaborate dramatic performances from your dad or your brother, when they have no previous experience. Try and cast friends who have an interest in drama or a history of acting. This will ensure that your cast is more motivated and engaged with the project.
2. Focus on lighting and sound.
Light and sound are two components of film that have a lot of impact and aren’t too difficult to manipulate. The sound quality of your video is probably the first thing the audience will notice. If the audience can’t hear or see your subject, why is your film worth watching? Make sure to invest in a decent microphone and some lights. Sometimes even using desk lamps with wax paper as a diffuser works just fine.
3. Avoid special effects unless you have the software and the knowledge to do them yourself.
Special effects are really cool, but they can be expensive to be done professionally. If you’re willing to invest in some type of software, the Adobe suite offers editing and special effects software. Websites like Video Copilot and YouTube are great for learning special effects and how to use this type of software.
4. Don’t be afraid to use a phone... for pictures.
While phones can take video it’s not advisable to use them to shoot an entire project. If you invest in anything invest in a camera that can change lenses and shoot in HD. Of course, if a phone camera is your only option, it’s completely possible to use just a phone and still make a great video. It’s been done before.
5. Carry a notebook or use a dream journal to document ideas.
Try drawing a small four panel comic every day or a longer one once a week to practice storyboarding and to flesh out your ideas. This is a great way to remember your ideas and filter out the best options for your film.
Experiment with different camera angles and shots to learn through trial and error. It’s okay if your first few films don’t come out the way you imagined. Filmmaking is a learning process with many ups and downs. The worst thing you can do is nothing at all.
