How to really begin? My first short.

F

Fellipe

Active member
So I want to do my first short film but I'm somewhat lost.

I just don't know how to begin.

All instructions I see is regarding the technical side of production (lighting, audio, framing, etc) but as they say the best way of learning is by doing.

So I'm here, with enough gear and a photography background. I need a few other equipment (mainly light and audio gear) but this is why I'd like to produce my first short, so I can purchase them as I feel I need them.

Serious guys, I would really appreciate any kind of insight.

How to begin?

I think I need to write a story. Am I right?

I don't really know how's my writing skills, but the single idea of creating a story from the scratch just freaks me out.

Nothing comes to my mind. What do you have to say about this?

And also please recommend me a book that can teach a beginner how to screenwrite his first short.

Any input will be much appreciated! Thanks in advance
 
When practicing your camerawork, don't start with a full story, start with a scene. Example: Write a five line per character scene with at least two characters with a significant revelation as the last line in the scene. ( ie. Two people meeting in a restaurant facing each other and a waiter RAM. )

Ok so before getting into the really really important stuff like directing the actors, start with something simple by directing the camera and the edit:
( I'm also deliberately going to ignore the ten million things to do with lighting, production design, working with Assistant Directors and Extras to keep things really simple and basic. )

If you have a dolly begin the scene open framing, with the waiter entering and do a handoff into your first character as a right angle master. If you don't have a dolly but just a tripod begin the scene open framing, with the waiter entering and do a panned handoff into your first character as a right angle master (RAM). For the first and second lines of each character get an external reverse(ER). Get more personal for the third and fourth lines of each character by switching to internal reverse (IR). For last line if you have dolly do a slow push (SP). If you don't have a dolly move from internal reverse to turn-in two shot. (Actor with last line turns to camera as front most character with two thirds coverage and ends on two shot). Now edit.


If this still seems confusing go to http://hollywoodcamerawork.us and get the 6 DVD series Master Course on Blocking and Staging. There are scripted scenes on the last two dvds which you can use. Once you have mastered the camerawork or even while, get into lighting, production design coordinating extras etc. but remember this is only the cinematography forum. The two most important things will always be 1. Script 2. ) Acting.
 
You can start with someone else's story if you'd like. Take an existing scene and put your own spin on it, maybe from a public domain book. Or find friends who want to write. It doesn't really matter when you're just learning. I started off with a short that got me a lot of local attention, but that was after developing a strong interest in media and studying it at least a little bit for a few years.
 
First figure out what exactly who you want to be.. a writer? director? dp? If you try to do everything, it will be hard to be good at everything - that is just my opinion and others may disagree. If writings not your thing, find a writer and use your photography experience and equipment you have to direct/shoot a story.

Next, to practice and get started don't bite off more than you can chew. Pick an idea that you've seen and like, and then try to recreate it........ don't "steal" other peoples work obviously but find something and try to mimic it. Later, see where you went wrong, show friends, post video here and ask for opinions.

I shot this a couple years ago all on my own, it was just practice. Recently, I dug out this old footage and re-graded it and stabilized some of the dolly shots just to go through the process and learn something new. http://www.vimeo.com/26144365

Remember, learning never stops :D
 
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