Which would hold more water in any competitive film festival or in the eyes of a script-reader; a well developed and captivating story line acted out well but shot with a low budget look, or a mind-blowing cinematic feat which is forced to capture the vaguely interesting story acted out by even vaguer individuals.
Substance over style every time. If the script isn't great the film can't be great. Every mediocre studio film looks great but has little to offer. Also remember your sound must be great. People often overlook audio.Cinematography can be lacking, but the story and audio better be great.
So I would be better off just getting an inexpensive camera, some sound equipment and spend a lot of my concentration on writing the script than saving like 1500-2500 dollars for a sweet HD camera?
always style over subject. As a recipent of a some festival rejection forms i can say that they are looking for solid stories. you commonly will get this in the email "thanks to all filmmakers who submitted films. We enjoyed all of them. Our focus is to make sure the films selected have a solid beginning middle and end. Thanks again to all who submitted"
with todays technology its easy to make your stuff look cool and film-like (even though there are something technology can't help you with...like framing and a good eye for cool shots) but technology cannot replce the creative mind for a great story.
so go with a good story over a perfect looking movie any day. I have made both (good looking/poor story...decent looking/good story) and im always more satisfied with my good story shorts.
"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick
"Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write 'War and Peace' in a bumper car in an amusement park, when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling." - Stanley Kubrick
Why not do both? The script should always be the best it can be. That takes time not money...unless you are planning on purchasing your script. If you are writing it then take your time and get it right. While you are writing or looking for that great script save more money and get better equipment. Don't sell yourself short by buying cheap equipment. In another year when all the new cameras become older used cameras you should be able to pick up a great camera for decent money.
Im pretty glad this thread came up i was thinking the same thing myself. Not that i have a choice but anyway.
great story is very important, great camera is a plus
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if he/she can make it anybody can make it.
