Hello everyone,
I've recently decided to take on recording as a hobby. I dumbed it down to just recording because I'm interested in EVERYTHING from films to music videos but I've really taken interest in documentaries and short films the most. I'm very fresh, don't even have a camera yet and VERY little money just looking to do some projects to get a better feel for filming and also to keep me busy and doing something creative. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice, pointers, guidance in the right direction so that maybe one day I could turn this hobby into something more?? I also like writing too but I rather be behind the scenes and making the final product look amazing as well. Help?!
I've also read a little bit of Filmmaking for Dummies. Would anyone suggest any other books that may be better for someone like me?
We each learn differently so my advice may not be for you.
When I was in your situation I just picked up a camera and made
movies. I made all the mistakes as I learned about audio and lighting.
I didn't do well reading about making movies - I liked making them.
So my advice is to pick up what ever camera you can afford and make
three or four short films. Try something new each time and add
equipment as you go - a good mic and then some lights.
Sorry I can't help with any books - I just haven't read any. I could hit
Google and Amazon to give you some titles, but so can you. Look
around this forum, read the posts on cameras and audio and lighting.
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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)
quote:
Originally posted by new_view1
I've also read a little bit of Filmmaking for Dummies. Would anyone suggest any other books that may be better for someone like me?
If you have an attention span that's long enough to finish the 'For Dummies' book, then it is a good idea that you go through entire book. It isn't all that long, and it does cover all the basic aspects of moviemaking.
There is one other book that I often recommend to teens who don't have enough of a patience to go through anything over 150 pages. The book is by Chris Patmore, and it is called: Moviemaking Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques (?url? http://amzn.com/0764131915?/url?). It is a bit over 140 pages (with plenty of illustrations and photos) and you can finish it in one evening.
Of course, if you enjoy reading, there are plenty great ones on filmmaking, such as Film Scriptwriting: A Practical Manual ( http://amzn.com/0240511905), The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age ( http://amzn.com/0452286786) and similar.
Some people learn fastest by reading. Others learn much faster by doing. Depending on which type you are, reading book may be very helpful, or just a little helpful. Eventually, though, you'll have to begin actually making films. And pretty much everyone agrees, no matter how much you had learned by reading books (or attending lectures on filmmaking), practical experience will probably end up becoming the most valuable learning.
In other words, by all means, go through the books, as it requires practically no investment and very little effort (other than time). Make sure, though, that soon after having finished a few of them, you make a determined effort to get some video capturing device (camcorder, still camera), write a script, recruit some talented friends and begin making films.
Thank you certified instigator for your advice and vasic yours as well. It's not that I don't have the attention span to read the "For Dummies" book, I was just glancing at it in passing. I have however been reading Story by Robert McKee and it's giving me a lot to think about as far as writing a script. I understand I definitely need to be hands on though and actually begin creating a film. Thanks alot guys for your words 🙂
