After being extremely stupid at 14, when i realised what i wanted to do in life but thought i couldn't, i am now a lot older and wiser and am determined to make films even if it justs ends up being some obsessive hobby. (Aiming for first great female british directer though coz to be fair there isn't that much competition)
While I save up enough money for a decent camera and editing stuff and work on my scripts and trying to get experience on other peoples film (which isn't easy when also trying to earn the money to buy the camera... ??:)?)I've been reading lots of books and watching lots of films and was wondering if people can recommend a top ten films for wanna be film makers. Films that inspire and show what should be done or even what shouldn't. Films that show great directing etc. What ever you think would be beneficial to watch.
Thanks
I exercise my right to fail.
** If its worth making, it's worth making properly. damn it!**
Top ten lists aren't my favorite things to do - each person is so different and the films they love are so varied that I choose to stay out of such a subjective discussion.
I'm wondering if you are using work and saving up of a camera and editing stuff as an excuse to not make a movie? I don't know you, and I am often wrong, so it's just an observation.
Maybe you should get some experience working on other peoples movies first. I remember working on a student film when I was just getting started and meeting the second camera assistant. She owned a camera and was dying to shoot a movie.
We started talking and found out we both had similar goals - she wanted to be a DP and I wanted to direct. I showed her my script and she agreed to shot it.
A perfect match.
Have you thought of going that route? Find a camera owner who needs a script and a good director. You might even find an editor with equipment who is looking for a collaboration by working on other peoples films. That way you don't have to own a camera and editing stuff.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
Maybe top ten was the wrong way to put it. Just suggestions would be good. Obviously I know which films i like and what inspires me - Clerks for one for proving a really good movie can be made for very little money while holding down a job. Its just good to get new ideas and new perspectives.
There may be a grain of truth in the using lack of camera and money as an excuse but only a grain i think. Any suggestions on how I can meet people with camera etc who would want to work with me would also be appreciated. I'm not having much luck ?:(?
I exercise my right to fail.
** If its worth making, it's worth making properly. damn it!**
Watch El Mariachi with the directors commentary for a positive vibe.
Watch American Movie for a what the hell, vibe.
Beyond that you are really on your own. A lot depends upon the type of movie you would like to make.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
Ed Wood is a great film for wannabe film makers in my opinion, simply because of the sheer determination of the lead character.
Other than that you need to see (if you haven't already) Schindler's List, The good, The Bad and the Ugly, The Shawshank Redemption and On The Waterfront.
In fact watch as many films as you can. Just go down to the video store and grab a handful of movies you've never seen before and watch 'em, and keep going back for more. You'll be able to tell for yourself which ones worked and which ones didn't. Then ask yourself why they did/didn't.
Good luck in your pursuits. meet you at the top one day.
Most of Rodriquez DVDs have some interesting stuff in the commentaries and documentaries. A lot of the Troma DVDs have very interesting (and amusing) documentaries on the making of low-budget movies too, even though the movies themselves aren't great. John Boorman is another director who talks a lot about his movies, but I'm not sure how much is really relevant to making them on a low budget.
BTW, if you're not too far from me I have a Sony Z1 and an Avid editing system, so we might be able to sort something out.
