10 things you should consider before shooting your first film
So you think you are ready to make a film? Before you do so, please think about what you are about to do; the time, effort, sweat, frustration and hair pulling you are about to land yourself into by making your first film. Make sure you have thought through the entire process from start to finish and it will save you a TON of heartache along the way. There are a lot of newbee filmmakers that think they will become the next film tycoon with their first try. This is highly unlikely, but if you listen to these tips, you have a much better shot.
Now that I have placed you into the proper frame of mind, let’s get into some of the things you should know before you shoot your first film:
Here are 10 Newbee Film Maker Mistakes
1 ) Thinking you have money when you do not:
Try to ensure you have the money in the bank account to fund your film and if you are using in kind services (free or deferred lighting, camera package, post deal, etc.), make sure they are reserved. These funds must be real and online before you start.
2 ) Not knowing your audience:
Before you even start to shoot, make sure you know and understand your audience and what they want to see. What type of film is it? Who is your target audience? How do you speak to them? How do you engage them?
3 ) Have a plan for marketing:
Know how you are going to tell your audience about your film. How do you do this? Know your film. Is it mainstream? What genre? Is it a festival type film? And of course, how are you going to get your investors’ money back? You need to have a plan on how you are going to accomplish this.
4 ) Not having a complete story:
Your job is to tell a story! Your film should have a clear beginning, middle and end. So often I see first time filmmakers shoot films that are purely ego driven with no real story – just a rambling series of images and dialogue that go nowhere fast. This is the fast lane to failure. Please tell me, other than the filmmaker, who wants to pay to see that!??!
5 ) 35mm or film?:
Is it still a debate? I think so. There is nothing it is like film. But, in today’s world, you can shoot digital and get great results. Just keep in mind that the film needs to be sold around the world and technical requirements have to be met for foreign TV stations. Japan and Europe are extra tricky.
6 ) Thinking you are the next Tarantino:
You may be, but you have yet to prove it. Do not let ego get in your way. It pays to listen to experienced people around you. So often films have gone down the toilet due to the false bravado of film makers whose ego or stubbornness gets in the way of common sense. Don’t be your own worst enemy.
7 ) Not having a clear vision:
You should clearly know your vision and where you want your project to go. What type of film is it – short or feature? Do you want it to be commercially viable or just a show piece for your talent? Do you want your film to be a festival type product or a mainstream commercial film? Is it a documentary on a subject? These questions need to be addressed before you begin filming because it has implications in the way you shoot, the pacing, the atmosphere, the photography, the dialogue and the whole abeyance of the project.
8 ) Not creating promotion material:
Before, during and after editing you should try to ensure you have in mind what marketing materials you might need to help sell the film. Trailer, poster and EPK are very important. What are your angles and approach to your marketing focus are you taking? During the shoot, ensure you get enough material for your EPK and poster. Once your actors have left you might have trouble getting the poster pictures you need.
9 ) Lacking originality:
Often first timers either copy a film that has just had success in the film world or they wish to make a film that is a slice of life – their own!! Again, just know what genre you are aiming to film. I always say the simplest and most commercially viable film to shoot is a slasher/horror movie in a house with four beautiful college girls being hunted and murdered. Why? It is cheap to make, limited locations, limited dialogue, simple plot, not requiring exacting standards of acting, it is scary and bloody and if done well can sell all over the world. What a concept!
10 ) Skimping on production quality:
Not only should you aspire to attain a level of quality in the script, acting and direction but do not forget the quality of the production. In that, ensure your picture, lighting, and sound are of a high standard because if they fail quality control standards for foreign TV you might not ever sell your movie. If you do not sell it, then you will have to answer to your investors and it is usually impossible to go back and redo your film.
Let’s wrap this up…………. Do not forget why you want to make a film, but let’s get real. If you really want to make your money back, think “do I have a plan to sell this.” Do not be driven by ego!! Art is great, but it does not necessarily sell. More often than not, it just ends up really looking nice for your friends to see in your living room.
