Making a film, be it a short film feature or TV show, is one of the most rewarding and maddening experiences a person can have. There are a ton of things to consider long before you roll the camera. They can make all the difference in a filmmaker’s grand visions going from a dream to a waking nightmare. Hopefully, these tips will help you avoid some common pitfalls.
Two Words: Executable Concepts
Not everyone will have access to multi-million dollar budgets, especially when starting out. So… you have to be creative. One of the best examples is El Mariachi, which was made for $7000 in 1992. Writer/director/producer Robert Rodriguez looked at what he had access to: a town in Mexico, a guitar case, and a turtle. And off he went; he wrote his script based in part on what he had access to. During production, he got creative. He didn’t have access to a dolly and tracks, but he did have access to a wheelchair. Suppose you only have access to one location, like a bar, but you also need an apartment and an office. With a bit of creativity in lighting, camera angle, and set design, one single location can be several. So, learn to make the most of your budget without overreaching.
The Importance of Sound
We all know film is primarily a visual medium. After all, one of the most tried and true “rules” is “show, don’t tell.” However, too many rookie filmmakers initially only think visually and neglect the importance of sound. Specifically, ensure the sound is mixed correctly unless it’s an intentional choice. You don’t want your audience to strain to hear what is happening. It’s also important to keep your score and foley in mind; those sounds can add so much to a scene. Think of Jaws, for example, and the fin popping out of the water, combined with John Williams’s score. It makes an already frightening visual into a memorable moment.
Casting, Casting, Casting!
Would there be approximately five trillion entries in the MCU if not for Robert Downey Jr.’s performance as Iron Man? The importance of casting doesn’t just apply to starring roles. Take Annie Potts’ relatively small role in Ghostbusters (1984). Can you picture anyone else in that role? I can’t. By casting the perfect actor, hers went from a character that could have been forgotten to one that is loved by fans.
Assemble your own “Film Avengers”
Look to create your core team of collaborators such as DOP, editor, etc. You can’t do it alone, even if you’re a multi-hyphenate filmmaker. A team of like-minded and skilled people like we’ve assembled at Bardya Pictures can make your shoot proceed fast, with as little hassle as possible, and most importantly, create the best film/TV show possible. If all the stars align correctly, you may work with your team for a long time. A great example is the director Guillermo del Toro and longtime cinematographer Guillelmero Navvaro, who have made seven films together, including Hellboy and the director’s first film Chronos in 1992.