How hard is this to do?

Chris Messineo

Chris Messineo

Veteran
My script "A Toaster in Space" recently won the NYC 2005 Screenwriter's Challenge.

I am very interested in trying to shoot it myself. I have already shot a few short films, but nothing with any special effects.

If you read the script (it is 12 pages) you will see the first and last shot are set in space.

Is this even remotely doable for an amateur? Is this something I can teach myself?

I love a challenge, but could definitely use a pointer on where to get started.

Thanks,

Chris
 
First of all, congrats on your script. I didn't read it, but if you say you won, then yay!

There are a bunch of ways you could probably shoot this. You can make it really cheesy like Thunderbirds and have stuff on strings hanging there, but if you really really want it to look good, then you need some animation skills my friend. To create earth from scratch is no easy deed.

To get the toaster floating in space, I'd shoot that on a green screen and then put in the background later. The hard part is doing the animation. Are you good with any programs??
 
Justin's right, go with the animation angle. There are several very good animations available for what you need at any number of stock houses, or, get a student at one of the local colleges to create one for you (I did this for a project - $50 and some beer and I was set!).

Good luck!
 
When you say "animations available" are you talking about buying some sort of stock footage of earth as seen from space and then inserting my stuff in front through green screen?

Chris
 
You will need some skills, but space shots are generally very easy to achieve. The earth only needs to be a sphere with a texture added to it - and an earth texture is very, very easy to find ready made. The stars are easy to knock up, or use a stock space background. The foreground elements could be greenscreened or modelled in 3D if it is a simple shape.

Ask around and try to get a favour from someone with the skills and programs. It shouldn't take them long at all - maybe a few hours.
 
hey chris.. i enjoyed your story.. it was very entertaining, and well thought out. reminded me alot of "Primer" though. anyway great job, and congrats on the win, you deserve it.
 
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