How smart would it be to make my own film?

A

ahmedmalik

Active member
I'm still in college with no extra cash. I'm working hard on tweaking my script, auditioning actors for the role, and whole she-bang. The problem is that I lack any real equipment and considering my inability to afford any DV camera, I'm planning on finding a Rent A Center to get myself a miniDV camera to shoot my movie on. How smart would that be?

A guy from American Zoetrope pointed me this way, saying that I may be able to convince someone here to work with me. I only have about 200$ to make this movie, and I really don't know what else to do. Should I just go with miniDV because I can't afford anything else? Should I ask around here? I could really use some helpful advice. It would mean the world to me. Thanks.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

Just do it any way you can. If a Mini-DV is what you can get ahold of then go for it. Plus, you're just starting out and learning. It's a lot less expensive making mistakes with mini-dv vs. film. Borrow and/or rent. Save your money for the things you need the cash for. Props, set material, etc..

But, the important thing is to just go, do it, and enjoy! ;)
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

(*) You’re in college, maybe try to network (post some flyers etc) and see if someone on campus has a DV camera, equipment etc.

(*) This goes for more than just equipment owners/operators, ask and look around for DPs, grips etc.

You may find several people in the same boat. They have several missing pieces for their own pursuits. Just set up the deal so that it’s understood that it’s for furthering all of your portfolios etc and credit. The collaboration will not be for monetary gain but for experience and potential resume building.

You could easily find yourself with 2 or 3 like minded collaborators bringing critical pieces to the table and working together for zero cost, this isn’t uncommon at all especially in a college environment. Numbers gives you more leverage when approaching a professor with a request for usage of a facility or college equipment as well (if you have an AV department with lights for example).

This exploration of your immediate and convenient proximity could pay off in the long run. The more people you know and work with, the greater your personal network becomes and that is always a good thing. Not to mention that you could find yourself in a position to do several projects with zero cost with the exception of general expenses (food for actors, etc)

Just my 2 cents, good luck and never stop  :)
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

Nullphonic speaks the truth. You're in COLLEGE, man -- you're NEVER going to be around that many people of the same age and interests (and availability) again. Take advantage of it!
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

:-/

I would except that I'm a bit of a recluse. It's easy for me to work with people, but asking for stuff is hard for me. Even here, it took a while for me to gather up my strength and ask for advice.

Only one guy knew of this place. The rest of the people there just like to tear you down.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

[quote author=ahmedmalik link=board=Offtopic;num=1097207828;start=0#5 date=10/08/04 at 07:11:29] The rest of the people there just like to tear you down.[/quote]
It's human nature. Fear of the unknown.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

[quote author=ahmedmalik link=board=Offtopic;num=1097207828;start=0#5 date=10/08/04 at 07:11:29] :-/

I would except that I'm a bit of a recluse. It's easy for me to work with people, but asking for stuff is hard for me. Even here, it took a while for me to gather up my strength and ask for advice.[/quote]

I'm not trying to be harsh, but until you get over that, you're not going to be making any films except those starring yourself. Get out there and do it!

Only one guy knew of this place. The rest of the people there just like to tear you down.
Click to expand...

You mean, “you” figuratively, someone wanting to make films?

That would be ironic, considering why AZ was founded in the first place. Ironic, yet an old, oft-repeated story.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

I'm not trying to be harsh, but until you get over that, you're not going to be making any films except those starring yourself.  Get out there and do it!
Click to expand...

Yeah, what David says... ;)
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

I looked at your bio. Are you located in NJ? What school are you at? I might be able to help you out.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

I'm still in college with no extra cash. I'm working hard on tweaking my script, auditioning actors for the role, and whole she-bang. The problem is that I lack any real equipment and considering my inability to afford any DV camera, I'm planning on finding a Rent A Center to get myself a miniDV camera to shoot my movie on. How smart would that be?
Click to expand...

God, that would be ****ING dumb.

Let's see, you're a college student with endless energy, naivety, and plenty of time to waste on your hobbies while at school. You are located in a thicket of young, beautiful, enthusiastic if inexperienced poseurs with nothing to do but drink, smoke clove cigarrettes, and hang out on your set. You're full of piss n vinegar because you REALLY think you know it all and can't understand why your elders plod through their days like zombies on Valium.

Give me a ****ING break.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

[quote author=speedbump link=board=Offtopic;num=1097207828;start=0#10 date=10/08/04 at 20:32:21]

God, that would be ****ING dumb.

Let's see, you're a college student with endless energy, naivety, and plenty of time to waste on your hobbies while at school.  You are located in a thicket of young, beautiful, enthusiastic if inexperienced poseurs with nothing to do but drink, smoke clove cigarrettes, and hang out on your set.  You're full of piss n vinegar because you REALLY think you know it all and can't understand why your elders plod through their days like zombies on Valium.

Give me a ****ING break.[/quote]

uhm.. did i miss something or is this guy having a really bad day...
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

:-/ Wow Speedbump. That was pretty uncalled for.

Nullphonic and Hans gave pretty good advice. The nature of this business is all about collaboration. You could technically do everything yourself, but you end up spreading yourself thin, not to mention the stress.

There are a lot of people out there with equipment who are looking for collaborators. Have you thought about having someone else direct your script? If you're seriously considering directing your piece you will have to put yourself out there. Good luck and keep us posted with your progress.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

just do it man. don't think.
in fact, i should give that advice to myself.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

I'd like to apologize to speedbump for whatever I said to make him so bitter.

Considering the scale of the project, I think I should be alright. I've taken theater directing and should be able to work with my directors. I've been watching a lot of the DV stuff Miike has made as a source of inspiration as to how to work this project.

The majority of my work will be with the actors as I try to get their work up to par. I've also been working on constructing a score/soundtrack as we speak. For something as small as this, I don't believe myself to be spreading myself thin because I don't feel it.

When I started college, I tried to take as many classes as possible to get my degree quickly as possible. I found myself unable to keep up with the work and immediately knew I was spreading myself too thin. As it is, I don't feel that way. I find this entire process to be fun and invigorating. I'm entirely optimistic.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

yeah dude, hook up with fellow students. its the only way. 200bucks will get you KNOWHERE! i cant see how you could shoot a feature for 200 and not have it look like ass. especialy if you dont get the school and other kids to help out. see what you can do about hooking up with other students to help out. this is the time where you should me making contacts with others who will be working in the same industry.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

I think Speedbump was being sarcastic and not so literal. Perhaps.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

I'm thinking of getting a Sony DCRTRV260 from Rent A Center. Is that a good choice?

CMessineo, I do live in New Jersey. I go to the County College of Morris. Any help would be wonderful.
 
Re: How smart would it be to make my own film?

Well, I read my previous post today and that was way over the top. I apologize; my intended sarcasm turned into a head-spinning Linda Blair kind of thing.

Everyone has given good advice here. Go for it. You will make mistakes but learn from them. And sharpen your social bargaining skills, you will need them while you do low budget work.
 
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