Instruction On Making A Movie - Methodical And Sequential Approach

How can you get started in filmmaking and create short films or videos that others would enjoy? You must do the following:

a. Select the appropriate equipment.

b. Discover how movies convey tales.

c. Expand on your tale concept.

d. Prepare your photos and audio.

e. Carefully film and edit the film.

f. Before you complete, get some input.

g. It should be shared in the appropriate format.

Make some simple short films to hone your skills before embarking on a major filmmaking project. So, if you want to produce a documentary, practise by making a mini-documentary. Try recording a single scene if you're making a drama.

Get the proper gear.

To film your movie, you'll need a camera. An iPhone or a camcorder might be used. A mirrorless camera, such as the Panasonic G85 or Fujifilm X-T3, on the other hand, offers more creative freedom. A microphone will improve the sound quality, and a tripod or stabiliser will keep the camera stable. You may require lighting or reflectors.

You'll need software or an app for editing. Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro are more complex and powerful than iMovie and Adobe Rush. You can edit on your phone or tablet if you're filming on a smartphone, but it's simpler on a computer.

Here's a rundown of everything you'll need to get started. You don't have to purchase everything; in fact, it's ideal if you don't.

Discover how movies convey tales.

The way visuals, sound, and editing work together to convey a story is referred to as film language. When to utilise a closeup and when to use a wide picture is crucial. You may employ the lens, camera angle, light, and sound to create an atmosphere.

When you edit your photos together, they must appear well. The continuity system may be of assistance. It's a set of guidelines for positioning the camera and framing your photos. It will make your movie more understandable and enjoyable to watch.

Develop your concept.

First, decide on the type of film you want to produce and why you want to do it. Is it a play, a public service announcement, a documentary, or a music video?

Make the tale or notion as basic as possible so that everyone can grasp it. Is it possible to sum everything up in 50 words or a tweet? If you can't, make it more explicit.

Make a plan for how you're going to convey the narrative. Avoid depending on a brilliant twist: your film should be engaging from beginning to end. Make sure you catch people's attention right away and then offer them a reason to stick around until the finish.

A normal three-act framework might be used. The individuals and the setting are introduced in the setup. They go through the issues in the conflict, and the situation is concluded with a resolution.

If you're looking for some ideas, I've put up a list of some amazing short films and concepts here. This website also contains plot ideas and suggestions for short films.

Keep your expectations in check. Don't worry if you can't afford a large cast of people or a lavish setting. Instead, see limits as a challenge to overcome.

Make your film as brief as possible. In a few days, you can produce a one-minute film. A ten-minute film will take weeks to complete. And the longer a film gets, the more difficult it is to keep people's interest until the finish.

Plan Your Movies

Pre-production (planning), production (filming), and post-production (editing) are the three primary steps of the filmmaking process (editing and sharing).

Pre-production is the period in which you plan out your film in great detail. You must plan what you will film, how you will film it, and what equipment you will require for the shoot. If you want to get right to filming, planning may seem tedious, but it will save you time in the long run.

Planning may be done in a variety of ways. A mindmap or mood board might help you create ideas. After that, you may compose a script, create storyboards, and create shot lists. My film planning templates may be found on this page.

Actors or presenters/interviewers should be carefully chosen. So, until you're convinced your buddies can act, don't rely on them for a serious film. Before you decide to use them, give them a try.

Students of drama may make good, low-cost performers. However, if they've only ever performed on stage, they'll have to tone it down for the camera. This entails speaking in a more natural tone and making fewer motions. They should maintain their eyeline near to the camera and avoid gazing into it.

Examine the sites where you intend to shoot. Check to see if you can gain permission and if you'll have to pay. Is the area secure? Is there going to be any downtime?

Some filmmakers work in a guerrilla fashion, filming on location without obtaining licences or permits. As you can see, this is a dangerous move.

Don't forget about the audio. It's something you should think about right away. A good soundtrack may elevate an average film to greatness, while a terrible soundtrack can render it unwatchable.

So, if you don't have the necessary equipment for superb live sound, produce a film that doesn't require it. Add sound effects or edit to music or a voiceover. However, you must not utilise copyrighted music without authorization.

When you're ready to shoot, double-check that you'll have everything you'll need on set. To plan this, you can utilise a shooting schedule and call sheets.

Film your movie.

The filming stage is known as production.

If at all possible, work in a group. You can film on your own, but it's much simpler with others. The director has total authority and collaborates with the actors or presenters in a three-person team. The shots are filmed by a camera operator. The sound recordist places microphones and listens to the recording.

If you've prepared ahead of time, the filming part will be a lot easier. Assist your performers in memorising their lines and 'blocking' the scene. This entails figuring out where they'll stand and move, as well as how the cameras will record their performance.

If you just have one camera and need to shoot drama moments, you may accomplish it by capturing the action numerous times.

First, film a master shot of the whole scene all the way through.

Then reposition the camera to frame a closeup of one actor. Film the scene again.

Now film the scene a third time, framing the second actor. When you edit the movie, you can start with the master shot and then cut back and forth between the closeups.

Check that the camera settings are correct before you begin recording. Check the framing, light, sound and focus. If possible, use a microphone and listen to the sound through headphones.

Film each shot for longer than you think you'll need it. If you’re working in a team, you could follow the shooting drill on this page. Don't pan and scan; either keep the camera still or move it smoothly and steadily.

Check your shots before you leave the location if you can.

Editing and sharing

Post-production is where you decide which footage you’re going to include in your movie. Then you edit it, add sounds and effects, and get it ready to share. Make sure you allow enough time for this stage.

Before you start, get ready to save and backup your work. Then go through what you’ve filmed and choose the stuff you’re going to use. You could make a paper edit, working out the edit in advance. This can be particularly useful for documentaries.

Open your editing program or app and create a new project. Then find or import your clips. If you’ve got a lot of material, you should organise it into separate folders or ‘events’. If your movie is complex, divide it into separate sequences, then combine them at the end. This is easier to manage with pro editing programs.

Start editing by putting together a rough cut. Choose roughly the parts you need from each clip, and add them to the timeline in order. Then check the order and see if the movie makes sense. Change the order, and add or remove shots, if you need to. Remember it’s the finished film that matters, not the individual shots. So you should be ready to get rid of your favourite shot if it doesn’t fit the movie.

When the order looks right, adjust each edit so the sequence flows smoothly. Then add sound effects, voiceover and music, and adjust the audio levels. With pro programs, you can also correct the colours. Next, you can add effects and titles.

Before you finish editing your movie, show it to other people and see what they think.

• Does it make sense? Is the story clear?

• Is the timing right: is it the right length, and is the pace consistent?

• How about the audio: can you hear all the dialogue?

• Finally, does it feel right? Does anything feel awkward or wrong, and what can you do to improve it?

Make sure to save your movie and back it up. Then export or ‘share’ a copy at the highest quality your program allows. (You can always make a lower quality copy from a high-quality copy). Finally, make copies in the format you need for distributing your movie. If it’s for online use, check the specifications with your host or streaming service. If you’re not sure what format to use, choose MP4: it’s compatible with most phones and computers.

CITATION

How to Make a Movie - Learn About Film. (2012, April 18). Retrieved June 2, 2022, from Learnaboutfilm Ltd website: https://www.learnaboutfilm.com/making-a-film/