5 tips for aspiring filmmakers

Making films may look easy...

Shooting films is a lot of fun. No matter if you are acting, directing, operating the camera or supervising the sound, working on a film set can make you feel as if you were part of something big. Not to mention the awesome experience of seeing the finalised product of your labour for the first time. But working on an independent production is not the same as working on a blockbuster flick from one of the major Hollywood studios, and getting the desired results will often be preceded by a stream of serious sweat and tears. Especially if you are new to the craft and haven’t got that much experience (like me a few weeks ago). To assist those of you who are just starting out, here are five simple tips that should help you get a bigger bang for your buck when it comes to filmmaking.

1. Check the sound. To reach the quality level of the PROs you will need to use a dedicated audio recorder, and might have to match the video with the audio tracks after the shoot. Special software that matches audio with video (e.g., PluralEyes) can save you hours of work, but is not always accurate. Thus, it is good to keep a diary of the times of the audio and video recordings. A further problem could occur if the mic starts picking up sounds from the neighbouring streets and passers by, instead of the actual set. To minimise this effect try to simply point the mic downwards, from above the actors.

And make sure you keep the mic out of the frame

2. Arrange permissions. In public places it is not allowed to shoot commercial films. That’s why you will need to arrange a permission. If you are shooting outdoors you can do that with the city council, for indoors shots get in touch with the estate manager of that particular venue. If you are clear about your intentions you may even get a permission without having to pay. Otherwise you risk having to stop shooting half way through if you are discovered. If your films aren’t commercial, the odds are you will get away with filming anyway, but even then, you should be prepared for distractions when the members of the law enforcement stick their sneaky noses into the set. 

3. Start early. Shooting does not necessarily take a long time. Especially if it’s a short film, each take may only last a few seconds. But preparing the set for shooting, rearranging things in between the shots, and supporting the set during the shot can take some time. Add any delays by the members of the crew and the cast and you run the risk you won’t finish on time at all. That’s why it is crucial that you start early, leaving enough room for all possible delays and complications.

Bums love films. It took 30min to get rid of this one. 

4. Get help. What’s so difficult about filming? One person holds the camera, while the other ones act — what else is there to be done? The reality is somewhat different, however, and there is a good deal of labour that has to be done around the set during the filming: from transporting the equipment, holding the mic and reflectors to operating the clapperboard. Try to get as many people as possible to participate, there is always something that they will be able to help you with.

5. Have a plan B. When you are preparing to shoot, it can be quite easy to get caught up in your dream and forget that the outside world my not necessarily be willing to conform to your vision. Especially when you are shooting outdoors the weather conditions, traffic, pedestrians, or roadworks can all to easily get into your way. Not to mention key members of the cast getting sick on the day you start shooting. That’s why you need comprehensive contingency planning in place to cover ALL the possible hazards. Not only will it help you actually finish shooting, but it will also help keep things calm when the original plan goes to naught.

Hope you found this basic tutorial useful. Comment or get at me on Twitter for any burning questions, there might be a couple of those.

SEE MY FIRST SHORT FILM: Benched
BOOKS: Filmmaking on Amazon

TITLE PHOTO: by juliansmithtv