Jennifer, getting yourself on a film forum is a good first step. Obviously, you aren't going to make your epic, until you get your feet quite wet. Most of us start by making short films. Those of us who want to produce or direct will hire experienced crew, especially a Director of Photography (DP). This person will usually have their own camera and even lights. Team them up with a soundman and lighting/camera/boom assistants and you have your basic crew. Everything else is depending on your story - makeup, set designer, location scout, assistant director (A.D.), armorer (for guns), prop people, etc, etc.

Where to start? Forget your own projects for a moment. Get to know the film community in your area. A production house probably won't need someone inexperienced, but indie filmmakers will take free/cheap help in a heartbeat. What I'm suggesting is for you to get onto somebody's movie and help. Be a production assistant (P.A.) or a caterer. Indie filmmakers always need food!! These people generally don't have the experience of a commercial facility, so they probably forgot to plan for food. A production assistant's job entails a little bit of everything, from lugging equipment, setting up light stands, taping colored gels to windows or lights, holding the boom mic, running to the store for supplies, you name it.

Whatever you do on this production, pay attention to what's going on, so you can understand why the DP is setting up multiple lights. Why is he putting a light outside the window or shining through a vent, etc. Watch the footage (dailies) when they review the scene. Take note of what's working or not. Take note of what kind of camera, lights and microphones are being used, even if it means noting that you don't like that brand.

When you get to making your first production, probably a short, you will have a great idea of what you need to plan for and what equipment you should use. Personally, I think all directors/producers should at least shoot some shorts, where they set up the camera, lights and shoot it. Then, they should edit it (Sony Vegas, Premiere CS4, Final Cut Pro), so they can understand what it means to put together a sequence and mix sound. What I find is that there are a lot of indie directors/producers who have no idea about how much they should shoot, what angles they should get, how to make a sequence, etc. The great directors will draw storyboards of their scenes, so that they know what kind of cutaways to get - a clock on the wall, a sleeping dog, a nosy bystander, or what shots will best transition in and out of a scene.

I can't draw worth crap, so I write down my shots. After I write the script, I write a chronological shot list, where each scene is broken down into shots. Example:

SCENE #2 WAREHOUSE EXT. DAY

1) Establishing shot of warehouse. A RED MUSTANG pulls up to the building.

2) Medium shot of MUSTANG entering frame - pan until it stops. The driver, Ray, gets out of the car. He pulls a GUN from his SHOULDER HOLSTER.

3) M.C.U. of GUN. pulled out.

SCENE #3 WAREHOUSE INT. DAY.

1) C.U. of door latch. It turns slowly.

2) M.C.U. of door opening. The GUN probes through the opening, followed by Ray looking in.

3) Wide shot of sparse warehouse.

4) M.S. of Ray stepping in. He closes the door.

5) Handheld P.O.V. shot, from behind a CRATE, looking at Ray. Someone is watching him. There is a sound and the camera ducks behind the crate.

6) M.C.U. profile of Ray. He whips his head and points his PISTOL at the CRATE.

I write all the props in bold caps - red Mustang, crate, gun, shoulder holster, etc., but I like to list the shot and what props it contains.

I also make a short (5 - 6 pages) Scenelist, which doesn't have camera directions or shots. It is a Character, Props and Scene List, where I list the Scene (Day or Night), and People and props in that scene. I also list things, like Fog Machine, Generator, Stuntman,etc., Depending on the scene's particular requirements.

The Scenelist is what I use for scheduling and seeing which scenes are left, at a glance. It's easy to sit down with your crew and figure out how many days you will need actors, like Ray (20 scenes), Betsy (6 scenes) and anyone else.

Script, Shotlist and Scene List. That's how I've done it. It's nothing official, but it sure helps to plan the whole movie out in pre-production.

Thanks for the tips and some great ideas! Actually there is someone at my husband's work that is shooting a documentary and I actually am having my husband ask his friend if I can assist. I asked if I can help out in any way that's not technical since I don't know anything. Catering is a great idea and I am actually pretty good at cooking too! At least my husband likes it.

I know the classes I am going to have to take in school focus on Final Cut Pro and possibly some other programs as well. I have decided that I am going to continue my studies at the community college if I choose film because it seems very hands on. The program at the University is mostly about theory and it doesn't seem like a good program. The business degree would be to help me establish the business I already started.

I am okay at drawing but am no master artist, I can definitely write better than I can draw. Therefore, I will probably follow your example. Thanks for the tips and for reading my long intro!

Welcome to filmmaking.net!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jennifer

Hello everyone! My name is Jennifer, and I'm a 29 year old student living in South Florida. I am currently finishing my general requirements for my AA degree (because I only have a couple more to go) after I finish that, I plan on continuing possibly in film to learn technical skills.

My greatest dream is to make an epic movie similiar to the Matrix but of course with a different story. I have started writing the story and have been writing all my life. I am currently converting some of my stories into screenplay format. My other dream is to own my own profitable business to promote indepenedent writers, artists, musicians and filmmakers. I am also thinking of taking business classes too. However, sometimes I think my first dream is way too big.

I just don't know where to begin. I have always written with the dream of having my writing being brought to the big screen. I foolishly though up until about a month ago that I had to write a novel and then get it made into a movie. Now I feel relieved, as the screenwriting format is much more enjoyable to me. However, I know the reality of succeeding and even getting your work read is not too easy.

I decided that perhaps I should learn the technical skills and there is a program offered in Motion Picture at the Community College I already attend, so I figured that is a good place to start. My biggest reason for joing the forum was to interact and network with other independent filmmakers. I also have an online e-zine which is currently on hold to promote independent writers, artists, musicians and filmmakers. (The website needs major work, but that is not my area of interest so I have to wait until I get the cash to start it up again.) However, I am interested in perhaps having film contests with small cash prizes and the like in the future.

And of course, once I begin my studies in film if I do decide to go that route I would like to have some professionals to collaborate with. I also want to note that I am undecided, I lack confidence, and have majored in everything from psych to art, so I am not for sure I have what it takes for film. Sorry this was so long, and if anyone read it thank you! ?:)?

---

Hi, Jennifer!

It sounds like you have the "dream" that a lot of people do... even ME! The one "mistake" that a lot of people make is not learning how the professional industry really works. We have this idea of somehow "making it" so that we can write or direct movies, without really understanding the way the whole film industry machine really works. Knowing THAT will help you know what you should be investing your time learning and how to more efficiently navigate your way through the business.

You already have a great start by writing. There's not a lot that a school will be able to tell you that you can't learn on your own for far less money. I'm not suggesting to NOT go to filmschool, only that you take a look at the following free and inexpensive resources first before you commit years and thousands of dollars into a school.

Since you are already writing, I HIGHLY suggest you read every page of the following website: http://www.wordplayer.com Written by professionals with LOADS of pertinent guidance for people just like you.

You've already started writing, but for more great advice, I highly suggest the book: Film Scriptwriting, Second Edition: A Practical Manual
by Dwight V Swain and JOYE R SWAIN http://www.amazon.com/Film-Scriptwriting-Second-Practical-Manual/dp/0240511905/ref=cm_syf_dtl_top_3_rdssss0

For an overview of how a movie is actually produced and made, I recommend that you read these two:

The Movie Producer: A Handbook for Producing and Picture-Making, by Paul Lazarus http://www.amazon.com/Movie-Producer-Handbook-Producing-Picture-Making/dp/0064637247/ref=cm_syf_dtl_pop_2_rdssss0

and

What I Really Want to Do On Set in Hollywood: A Guide to Real Jobs in the Film Industry by Brian Dzyak (that's me!) http://www.amazon.com/What-Really-Want-Set-Hollywood/dp/0823099539/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211895862&sr=8-1

Also check out the forums at http://www.cinematography.com and http://www.cinematography.net

Also visit http://www.realfilmcareer.com... the home page has current industry news so that you know about where production is really taking place around the world due to tax incentives and union contracts.... and the forum on the site has countless other resources listed from books to movies to websites and the most comprehensive list of worldwide filmschools ever compiled!

So, I urge you to start with those books and websites FIRST. You'll learn quite a bit for very little money. THEN, to get your hands dirty for some real world experience, seek out student films or other low-budget projects and simply volunteer... they'll love to have the free enthusiastic help! Really! With the background reading you've already done and the hands-on experience on a few sets that you've volunteered for, you'll have a much better idea of what kind of further education you might need BEFORE you search for a filmschool.

The key there is to find the school that has the curriculum YOU need, if you need one at all. There are a lot of great filmschools and a lot of "just okay" ones. What's amazing for one person may not be the right fit for you. Only YOU can know what YOU need by reading first (the above) and getting your hands dirty on productions beforehand. If you still feel like you need a filmschool after all of that, study the list at http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com and http://www.realfilmcareer.com and contact (actually call the schools to talk with someone!) the schools that interest you. Don't just take their word for it either. Ask for alumni associations and references then call them too. To go to a school means investing years and thousands of dollars for a product... an education which may help you and a diploma which won't at all. NOBODY in the professional industry really cares much about any film degrees you have. What matters is what you can do (writing, technical skills, etc) and who you know... and who knows you.

So, I know that's a lot (or seems like it) but from someone (me) who has been in this industry for twenty years and has worked with and spoken with hundreds and hundreds of working professionals, I promise you that this is how you should start. Learn everything you can on your own (it won't cost much money or time). Then, based on what you've learned, make choices on school or not. School might be great for you... it might not be. Only you can decide that once you know more about the realities of the film industry.

Good luck!

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

You have to figure out what works for you. I've heard a lot of interviews with indie filmmakers that suggest instead of investing thousands of dollars in schooling that you take that money and make a movie. You'll learn a lot more getting into it. School would be good for learning the industry though.

Currently I'm just working up to buying my own equipment and playing around with it. Making a few short movies and working up to shooting a 30 min movie I just wrote.

I really like the idea of helping out indie filmmakers in your area. You can really get a lot of advice and guidance from the people there plus you get to see how a film is made.

http://www.mrgablesreality.webs.com
My site to promote my writing/opinions/and soon movies!

Hi, thanks for the wonderful tips " bjdzyak " .... your advice will be very useful for me too, who is aspiring to be a good film maker in the future....?:)?

Sampath kumar

Thank you for all the great links and book suggestions! I have spent a lot of time on Wordplay and it is quite interesting. There is so much information on there that will occupy me for days, weeks, or even months. I actually just signed up for a Cinematography class at school to get my feet wet, to see if I can do and if I like the technical aspects of filming.

As I said, I am already attending a community college and am lucky because they offer a program in Motion Picture Technology. I am finishing a general AA degree and possibly a business degree in the future. I would like to learn the technical aspects of making a film while I am already attending school. The college I am attending is very inexpensive and I am paying for my classes with cash and no loans! I have come to the conclusion that if I don't want to I don't have to get a Bachelor's Degree or what I refer to as a B.S. degree to meet society's requirements. I found that if I decide film is for me knowing the technical aspects is the most important part.

I live in South Florida which, I read is also another place for films. I used to live in Southern CA and hopefully will move back someday. I read the article on whether or not screenwriters have to live in LA. I don't think I would live in LA but in North San Diego County. I've been to LA but I prefer San Diego and it is close enough. I think living in CA I might not have the opportunity or confidence I need to decide whether or not this is the direction I want to go.
It was also interesting to read about meeting Steven Spielberg! I can't imagine meeting him, and probably never will. I like how Terry compared it to hanging out with DaVinci. Wow. I was younger than Drew Barrymore was when she starred in E.T. Interesting!

I also read the checklist of what makes a good screenplay and plan to keep that very close in my mind. I also downloaded a checklist for myself and for my e-zine to evaluate Independent Films.