In my opinion (and this goes for all no/low-budget filmmakers, not just teenage ones) save the dramas, action and horror films for when you have a big crew and even bigger budget. Unless the cast is amazing, the crew is outstanding and the story in incredible viewers wont be able to take it seriously. It has les to do with the quality of filmmaking as is has to do with the audience's state of mind. In a comedy or, obviously, documentary, people aren't focusing on weather the sound is bad or the actor is believable. In comedy it works to an advantage because screwups are thought to be part of the joke. I worked on a horror film that had a moderate budget and it was absolutly agonizing to watch the final cut. That was with a crew and a budget and makeup and everything! Just dont do it.

For you teenage filmmakers, start with something you know. Make a movie about life at home or school. Resist the urge to film the next installment of The Matrix. The absolute best way for teenagers to get started in filmmaking is to make a documentary. All you need is a camera, mic and a story. After you have made your film submit it to Current TV and if they like it they will air it on national television! In fact, they will pay you $100 or more for your effort.
The best piece of advise I can give is to keep at it. Dont let anyone or anyting hold you back (within the limits of the law, unless you want to make a documentary about prison life!) and ALWAYS make films. Dont ever stop.
-Mariposa

Well I am 14 amd I have no budget what so ever. I just do with what I have and things turn out great. I am writeing a thriller script but I know I probably won't be able to do it. I like makeing short films alot. I have written several new short scripts but I need to borrow my friends camera. Anyway I agree with the guy who posted above me. Just keep at it. As long as you love it nothing will ever bring you down.

Film: Imagintaion becomes reality.

I disagree on the Horror part, lots of horror directors started off doing their own horror movies in high school.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

I am not a fan of horror movies so there is some bias on my part. Also, the horror movie I worked on had over $100,000 to work with and it still sucked. Psycological thrillers are okay and pretty easy to make because there is no makeup or CG intensive monsters and stuff. Im just saying stick with what you know. If you can make an entertaining movie on no budget than making movies with the proper budget and equipment will be a piece of cake.
-Mariposa

Well the thing that is wrong with shooting my thriller screenplay is that there is really no cast members. I can't find anyone who wants to be in it. Well at least a girl actress. I have a girl in the story and I can't find a girl to be in it. I am just going to leave this one on the shelf until I can actually do it correctly. I guess I will stick to short films then. I am just going crazy because I don't have a camera. I cannot wait to borrow my friends.

Film: Imagintaion becomes reality.

Can't you stick up an ad at your school or something? I'm sure there must be at least one girl in the school who wants to act...

Hey thanks for the idea I think I will try that.

Film: Imagintaion becomes reality.

quote:

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Originally posted by jawaking1138

Well the thing that is wrong with shooting my thriller screenplay is that there is really no cast members. I can't find anyone who wants to be in it. Well at least a girl actress. I have a girl in the story and I can't find a girl to be in it. I am just going to leave this one on the shelf until I can actually do it correctly. I guess I will stick to short films then. I am just going crazy because I don't have a camera. I cannot wait to borrow my friends.

Film: Imagintaion becomes reality.

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Around where I live, it's near impossible for me to keep people from wanting to get involved in my projects. As fast as I tell one person, I've got my friends and their friends telling me to "call on them" if I need any help. I generally don't mind having people wanting to get involved in my projects, but what I hate is deciding on my cast/crew.

I've had the same crew for about five months now, and I'm not really into building it up. The five people I've got now are good for the size of the projects I do, but it's searching for actors/actresses when I have a hard time.

With so many people, it gets hard to decide on a solid cast. I see two groups of people - the people that get involved to search for fame, and the people that get involved because they really like it. Building a cast can be a tedious process, especially when you're working with people you don't even know that well. I can't tell you how many times I've run into people who at first are all gung ho about being involved in a film. People who are crazy about it during pre-production, but when it comes down to actually filming, they fizzle out and begin skipping out on shoots because they're too lazy to go down to the set/location. I've found very few people who actually have gotten involved in my projects, and I if you're looking for cast/crew members, be sure to give them a good solid interview/audition. Make sure to get the point across that when you need them on the set at a certain time, they have to be there.

In small, independent projects, no one is going to find 'fame.' Sure, there's the local '15 minutes,' and the fact that you'll start getting known around town, but honestly, there's not going to be any Hollywood walks or anything. It cracks me up when I find someone (or someone finds me) and they think they can just join up and sit back while everyone waits on them.

Well there is where you have the advantage. See some people think it's just a stupid little home movie and that I am not serious about it. Truth is I am dead serious. I suppose I can ask a few people but I still need to buy a camera.

Film: Imagintaion becomes reality.

quote:

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Originally posted by jawaking1138

Well there is where you have the advantage. See some people think it's just a stupid little home movie and that I am not serious about it. Truth is I am dead serious. I suppose I can ask a few people but I still need to buy a camera.

Film: Imagintaion becomes reality.

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Exactly, and I can also be dead serious when I tell them they're off the team. It's good to be dead serious and into your projects.

Thanks for the advice. I take my films seriously and I beileve in them 100%. If they don't beileve in the film then they don't need to be on the crew. Thanks for the advice.

Film: Imagintaion becomes reality.