Okay so, I myself, was one of the lucky people who were considered an essential worker during the corvid-19 outbreak. This means that my job was never affected. Yet, I still got a stimulus check. So, being that screenwriting is my number one hobby and I would love to get into doing it full time as a career. I decided to use my check to purchase a camera and filming equipment. I am looking at shooting an independent 10 to 15-minute film short to present to producers and film companies.
This will be my first time filming. The script has a small cast of only 4 and will feature a person transforming into a werewolf. I am looking into ways to do the effects. I have friends who attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where they took two years of Industrial arts. So I should have that covered
Any other advice or suggestions for shooting a first-time film short film will be greatly accepted …
… and go!
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Can't wait to check it out!! My only advice is confer with the editor before - work hard to get shots they can use, make sure all camera output is set up for that editor. And choose an artistic editor, just cutting it wont 'home run' you're storyline, you need interpretation.
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You should surround yourself with experienced and talented people. Just as you are NOT going to do the effects yourself, you should NOT shoot this. Get an experienced D.P. either to use your camera OR who owns their own camera. Get an Experienced Producer to help you make this - even if it's an Indie Micro-Budget Producer. If you insist on Directing this yourself, than get a Producer who has Directed or a Ghost Director to help you. Cast experienced actors. Do your homework, check out their reels or IMDb. There are PLENTY of experienced actors out there who are talented, yet unknown. Take it SERIOUS. If you do this for fun, you will come out with a funny movie - funny for ALL THE WRONG REASONS. If you take it seriously, you can make a serious short - if well made with fine acting and effects - that can play in Festivals, Amazon and even get a DVD release through one of those companies such as Create Space. TAKE EVERY BIT SERIOUS. For instance, I know a talented composer that does everything, but specialized in Horror that will work on an Indie Budget if she likes the material. I would be happy to put you with her. Don't have your brother do the score on an air organ (DON'T laugh, I know someone that did this with their film). TAKE IT SERIOUS. And, put it in Festivals BEFORE YOU SHOW this short to production companies, etc. Get it online. They will find it. If you want any advice, reach out - I'd be happy to give it. But, I will say this: If you want to do this for a living, DON'T TREAT THIS LIKE A WEEKEND HOBBY! Break Legs with this short, as we say in New York! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!!
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Prep as much as you can (locations, meals, camera equipment logistics, actors being ready, etc.). The more prepared you are before the shoot, the easier it'll be when obstacles during shooting happen.