Make your own movie
Wednesday 18 October 2006
If you see yourself as the next Spielberg or Scorcese, check out our simple tips for putting your first film together from film-maker James Pritchard.
Idea
The first thing you need to do is think about is what you're going to film.
Are you going to make a documentary? A drama? A comedy? Are you going to casually observe or have a script? Will your piece need a presenter?
For your first film, keep things as simple as you can. It's unlikely you'll have the time or money to make a huge special effects-laden masterpiece, so start small. Everyone's got to start somewhere.
Money
Where is the cash for your project coming from? If you don't have any, then try and rely on favours to get the people and costumes you want. Why not see if your school or college can help you out?
If you need cash, see if you can raise some by doing odd jobs or asking friends and relatives to sponsor you.
Script
If your film's going to be scripted, get to work on this. When you're writing it, you'll need to write it as if you're writing a play, especially if there are camera effects you want to use and different actors or presenters featuring.
Again, keep it simple. Trying to assemble and give parts to a cast of thousands might be a little time-consuming and is certainly rather ambitious.
People
Decide who else you want to get involved. If this is your first project, you probably won't be able to afford to pay people, so rope in any friends with the lure of being given instant fame.
If you're featuring actors, make sure they learn the script. Also, try and direct them by making suggestions about their performance. Make sure you do this kindly, though; you don't want any wannabe divas walking off the set in a strop.
Location
Picking a good location is key. If your film is set in France, there's no need to hop on a ferry, but try and pick somewhere that could be mistaken for the land of romance and fine wines.
You'll want somewhere quiet to film, too, Try and avoid really busy areas unless that's what you're making your film about.
Once passers-by spot a camera, all ideas of acting naturally go out of the window.
Editing
Unless you're a dab hand with video cameras and recorders, you'll need an editing suite to put your film together, unless you very carefully film each scene on a different tape or disc.
Digital cameras make it much easier but your school or college should be able to help direct you to facilities.
Got a film you think we should see?
If you're a budding film expert and got a movie to send in to us, just drop us an email.
