i cant finish a project

Dougyfresh13

Dougyfresh13

Active member
this always seems to happen to me, i start a project with people, we get a script done, we preplan and do all of that stuff but then we get like 1/4 to 1/2 of the shooting done and then i cant convince anyone to help me anymore. i no working with friends isnt the best idea becuase of scheduling and stuff but its all i have at the moment. i am getting lots of practice with scriptwriting and storyboarding and all of the preplanning stuff, but i wish i could just finish a shoot. i guess im just frustrated. what do you guys to to have people stick with you and finish projects?
 
There are lots of things you can do; what you haven't said is how you relate to them on set (do you get angry a lot? Do you create an unpleasant environment? Take an honest look), how long these shoots are, why they drop out, and what you've done to try to keep them committed.

If you're running a set where people want to stay involved, they will.

Or, if they're just flakes . . .

Pay them. Or pick more reliable people.
 
Film making is stressful. Treat them well....FEED THEM...And run your set like a professional. That way they feel they are contributing to something bigger and not helping their buddy make a movie.
 
Maybe do some voiceover shorts and just you film. Or like Jason mentioned, feed them (or beer depending on age).

Maybe some of your friends have special interests, like bmx or martial arts - capitalize on that.
 
yea that could work i dont think i create an unpleasant enviroment because i am very accepting of other peoples schedules but i think because of that shoots get spread out and never get finished. i need to keep it within a weekend
 
Keeping a tight schedule is good, but not always doable. When I filmed my movie in College, I had a lot of flakes coming in and out, like you. So not only did I feed them everyday I used them (pizza mostly (easiest)) I also took them all out to the bars for a couple rounds after the last shoot. Granted I had a little money at the time, but still, like...someone above....said. Make them feel like they are a part of something bigger, not just "some movie my friend is making"
 
cable said:
feed them everyday I used them (pizza mostly (easiest)) I also took them all out to the bars for a couple rounds after the last shoot. Granted I had a little money at the time, but still, like...someone above....said. Make them feel like they are a part of something bigger, not just "some movie my friend is making"
Click to expand...

I agree 100%, and do the same...
 
I'm right now offer anything off the McDonalds value meal menu. Plus free bottle water!!!

I'm low budget and proud of it!!
 
You can find very creative ways to do craft services. Many churches and community organizations have commercial kitchen equipment and lots of old ladies looking for something to do. Most churches/community centers would be thrilled to provide a meal to a set and make some money for their often underfunded organizations.

I would also say, don't be too accommodating with everyones schedule. That means they are running your production. To build excitement and make them feel like they are part of something, they need to feel this is happening with or without them.

Get Creative Locations:
I have done several shorts where I was going to be the only person on the crew. I got cool locations, like the prison they shot Shawshank redemption in or a working subway terminal, and people came out and volunteered just to be in the unique locations.


Make your production a rock star and you will always get groupies.
 
just to add a bit, a lot of actors and crew respect you more if you are very organized and communicative. if they feel you have your sh*t together and know exactly what your vision is and how you want to get there then that motivates people and they'll respect you for it. during the filming process i'll sometimes show screenshots or short rough clips so they know things are getting done. a lot of these actors work on mulitple projects and dont see anything they've done for several months to a year's time depending on the filmmakers they are working with. some of them have also been burned, so if they get that vibe like your kinda half assing the project thats a quick way to get people to start flaking out too. just my 2cents.
 
Here's an idea...

Find a play being performed locally -- something simple, one location, modern-day setting, minimal cast, no special effects, but a powerful or thought-provoking story. Something locally written, preferably, since you'll need the permission of the author.

Then talk everyone involved into working with you to turn it into a film. It's already got all the 'low budget' factors. And you have a committed cast of actors who already know all the dialogue. If you can manage to shoot it with multiple cameras, you could almost get away with having them actually perform the play (in a real location) and get most all of the footage you need in one or two 'performances'.

Something to think about.
 
This is actually a lot harder than it sounds. You have lots of rights to deal with AND the actors union (Actors Equity) will not allow you to shoot them unless you do a film contract. etc., etc. And when it's all said and done stage acting is quite different than film acting and they are likely to come off hoaky, even if they knock your socks off on stage. And of course unless your just filming the play you have to do an adaption. Plays are all about the dialog, films are all about the action (in the broader sense, image, movement etc.).


chapelgrovefilms said:
Here's an idea...

Find a play being performed locally -- something simple, one location, modern-day setting, minimal cast, no special effects, but a powerful or thought-provoking story. Something locally written, preferably, since you'll need the permission of the author.

Then talk everyone involved into working with you to turn it into a film. It's already got all the 'low budget' factors. And you have a committed cast of actors who already know all the dialogue. If you can manage to shoot it with multiple cameras, you could almost get away with having them actually perform the play (in a real location) and get most all of the footage you need in one or two 'performances'.

Something to think about.
Click to expand...
 
Well, I wasn't talking about major theatrical productions -- just smaller theater, even Little Theater, productions. Something locally written and produced would be ideal. Since the writer and producer are right there, obtaining the necessary permissions would be simple. Actors in these small theaters don't belong to the unions, by and large -- having been one myself, I can attest to that.

It's true that it wouldn't be as simple as it may have sounded, but it wouldn't be any harder than doing any other film. It might go quicker than the typical project, and chances are the actors would be less likely to flake out on him.

There is the issue of stage acting being quite different from film acting, but if the OP has just been using his friends as actors, I suspect decent stage actors might be a great improvement.

Anyway, it's something to consider.
 
Good point Jason. I have had people who want to work with me. Then as it get closer they can't. So I put it off , then they can't again. Yes set a date and tell them it is going to happen.
 
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