Archive for the ‘Short film producing’ Category

The secrets to my short film success – pre-production requirements

Friday, July 9th, 2010

What else do you need to make a kick ass short film? Pre-production has many intricate parts and none of them should be taken lightly. Here are a few more points:

1. Storyboard – This is basically a comic version of your film, with each frame giving a depiction of what you are expecting from each shot. This is very helpful and can reduce some amount of stress, but it is not absolutely necessary for a short film production.

2. Equipment and Props – You will also need to take into consideration the equipment that will be required. What will you use for the recording, will anything else be needed? Do you need to buy props, what kind is needed and the cost?

3. Location – You will first need to scout out the location before filming, and if necessary devise a means to get the filming done perfectly without much hassle. Do bear in mind that for some places you may need a permit.

4. Cast – Persons will be very important to your production. If you are low on funds it might be best to use family member and friends.

5. Stamina – It will be a hustle from start to finish and pulling favors from many people can be very stressful. Welcome to indie film making!

Get all these things together and your plans in place with a time line to work with, and you should be OK for filming your short film will little hassle.

Important pieces to the pre-production puzzle to short film

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The process of making a good short film can be divided into three important stages; these are the pre-production stage, production stage and the post production stage. Pre-production refers to the stage where all the planning takes place. This is where ideas are put to paper, deadlines are created and things are put in place for the production. During the production stage, the videotaping or filming takes place, while post production deals with mixing and editing.

One key areas to look at during the pre-production stage of a short film that will prevent frustration is to have a strong concept. You will first need to know what you want the film to be about and what possible messages you may want the film to convey. Bear this in mind, and use this to guide you through the rest of the process. The script is one of the most important pieces of your project, but without a good concept, great dialogue can’t save a bad idea. Depending on your concept or method of deliver, you may not need a detailed script. However be sure to write something down, put your ideas to paper as your guide.

Pre-producing your short film

Monday, July 5th, 2010

So what else will you need to prepare for your short film? You will also need to think about resources or materials that you will need for shooting your film; this will also include your human resource, and the location required. Depending on the theme and idea behind your film, you may only need a camera and one or two persons. In other cases however you may have to consider lighting, the cast members and the best location to use. If you are on a low budget, you may have to rely on family and friends to be your actors and help.

You should bear in mind that in some locations filming is not permitted and you may need a license to do so. You also need to consider any props and the cost of any additional material you may require. Also do remember to have a budget and a time line to work with. Try to fit your plans into your budget and time line and if possible, do a test run before the actual shooting of your film.

No matter what forces are against you, preparing for a shoot before the day of production is the best plan to action you can take.

Short film pre production planning

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Pre-production planning is a very important part of the production of any short film. It is at this stage that plans and measures are put in place to bring to life the idea for the short film. The first step in pre-production planning is the idea for the film. What will be the basis of the film, the theme, or what message do you hope to bring across via your short film? It is important that you know this as this will be your guide throughout the planning.

After having an idea, you can then develop a script, which is basically putting your idea to paper. Ideally your script should give certain details about what is going to take place in your film. There is also the method of story-boarding which some persons tend to use. This is almost like the script; instead, it gives a pictorial description of your short film. In that you are planning a short film, you may or may not include story-boarding in your planning.

Remember to be as clear as possible with your ideas, the point of preparing for the shoot is to have as much time as possible focusing on getting the job done and being creative on set, so prepare as much as you can off the set and you will save money.

Short Film Producing

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

It’s not an easy task, but it is a necessary one if you expect to get a short film done: someone has to produce your short film. Have you seen the horror stories about film production going out of control? The director lost it on his crew and left the set? There not being enough food to feed half of your team, but you have 8 hours more to shoot?

One of the biggest mistakes made on a movie set, whether it be a short or a feature length film, is to assume the director or writer can also produce the piece and everything will run smoothly. It is possible to wear multiple hats and have a good structure, but I highly recommend working with a specialized producer that will focus entirely on getting everything you need to complete your project. Who will be your next producer for your short or feature length film? Make sure they are qualified and have the years of experience needed to get the job done.

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