How To Dvds On Filmmaking

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korepsych

Active member
Hey guys,

I am compiling a list of "how to" filmmaking DVDs and I was wondering if you guys wanted to throw in.

So far I've found:

Dov Simmons Filmschool
The Broken DVD (Hardly a "How to")
Radius: The making of a guerilla film


What do you guys think, what's the best alternative to a traditional institutionalized film school out there?

And how many of you learned in an institution vs. self-taught?
 
korepsych said:
What do you guys think, what's the best alternative to a traditional institutionalized film school out there?

And how many of you learned in an institution vs. self-taught?
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Best way to learn is through experience making your own movies, and supplement what you learn with the books, dvd's etc. Experience will teach you more than any class or dvd. At the same time, get info from every source you can.

Robert Rodriguez's director's commentary tracks are very informative, especially on El Mariachi. (for ultra low budget feature info)

I've been making films since I was a little kid, and also took film classes whenever I could. Nothing beats just making movies.
It's like playing an instrument... you can read about it, watch dvd's about it, but ultimately you have to practice practice practice if you want to be any good at it.
I learned more making my own full length feature than I could in a lifetime of film study.
 
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Yea I totally agree with you, I've been self-taught from day one. I've only taken a few classes at Junior College, and they were generally okay but nothing to shell out dough for.

All that I've learned was through the mistakes I've made while filmmaking, and reading tons of books to supplement my knowledge. Forums such as this one also help out tremendously.

But my company has hired a few new members who are untrained and untested, so I was going to put together a workshop for them to get on the boat.

I was just wondering what kind of DVD film classes were out there so I could format my workshop for them properly.

thanks for the reply!
 
Honestly, I learned filmmaking by Robert Rodriguez's book and El Mariachi DVD.
My second part of training was to actually make a film...
But I had done commercials, ando other stuff before... but Robert's book and especially his DVD are the best....
Ricardo Mendoza
 
I just want to add also that you should go to craigslist.com, mandy.com or any other sites that advertise for crew and apply for any position -- paid or not. There is nothing like working on a set -- no matter how small the production -- in fact I've gained more invaluable experience (because people working in smaller productions tend to be more willing to teach you. It will be overwhelming at first, so just taking in what you can.
 
Has anyone out there actually tried out any of these DVD film schools, or are most of them just fluff pieces for money?
 
I'm waiting for my copy of Rush's Digital Cinema course, so I can't vouch for it. I know he is almost going overboard to insure his program is the highest quality achievable.

At the very least he talks about ND filters and grads. Seems like something we all should know but I've taken three cinematography courses at UCLA Extension and no one ever talked about grads. Just learning about grads, to me, will be worth the price of the course.

Robert Rodriguez is awesome too.


Dov Simens 2 day Film school changed my life. The premise is: Orson Wells once said that you can learn everything you need to know about producing a film in two days. Dov teaches you how in no-bullshit terms.

http://dovsimensfilmschool.com/

Group 101 Films! If it's in your area, you will be hard pressed NOT to learn how to get things done. You and a group of 5 - 10 filmmakers commit to writing directing and delivering a film a month for 6 months. Everyone meets at the end of each month, watches each other's films and critiques them over drinks. It can be very rewarding! I've directed over 20 short films in two sessions and have sold four of my films and won several awards.

http://group101films.com/
Check out
 
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BigMike! Have you received the series yet? A couple of the Cali folks already got theirs. :)
 
I learned about filmmaking here in the dvx user group this place is the best film school couse you have many teachers teaching you what they know unlike a real film school where there is only 1 teacher and they want you to know only 1 way and that is there way.....

inspired by Robert Rodriguez
but tought by www.dvxuser.com
 
Did you take the class in person or buy the dvd's?
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Took the class and some of the stuff was so valuable that I bought the DVDs so that I can refreash my memory when need arises.

He throws tons of crap at you(crap probably isn't the best word, it's all great stuff). I was taking notes non-stop the whole time.

The DVDs are much more structured, they are great. I got a lot out of being in the room for two days. it made me focus.
 
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