Long time dvxuser, first time feature filmmaker.

L

LukeJ

Well-known member
We had twins six months ago to go along with our four year old. I completed the outline of my script just before they were born and haven't done a thing since, up until two weeks ago. My wife said that if I wanted, I could write for an hour or two in the afternoons when the kids are sleeping. So I sprinted up there and the script just poured out of me. First draft took eight days, including my birthday for which I was allowed to write ALL DAY, with no interruptions.
So I'm taking the plunge. I'm planning on shooting my script, COLT 17, in the summer of 11. I've got a great resource in a buddy of mine who owns a balloon lighting compay in LA, I've got an awesome musician to do my score, I've got a cameraman/editor who's brilliant, and I'm trying to get a guy to help with production who's the type of guy you can't say no to. Instantly likeable. My mom will feed, my wife will do wardrobe and makeup, I'm going to build a set in my shop.
Everything will be shot rurally, out where I live, country settings. This way I can make it a period piece (70's). Get some cars and props and wardrobe and it's no problem. A lot of the country still looks like it's living in the 70's. I'm trying to focus on making every aspect of it as good as it can be.
But I'm intimidated by some things. I don't know where to start legally. I do want to raise some money for this film and I need to know the legal ramifications. I'd like to attach a second tier actor, somebody good but forgotten in Hollywood.
All these things, where do I start? What's the absolute best resource avaiailable? I need to get my **** together and I don't want to waste time. Thanks.
 
I think you need a producer with experience.

This is where I would start; someone who can take care of all of the bullshit while you focus on your art.
 
I would seriously make about 3-10 short films before you attempt this. As someone who started making films about 8-9 months ago who has been both writing and doing photography for years. I can tell you, that you WILL make mistakes. And better to learn on shorts when your reputation, resources, etc... are on the line.

jon
 
I've been in preproduction for my feature film for nearly 6 months. We have our first day of shooting this Saturday, and I am super excited and super exhausted from all the "hat wearing" I've done in preproduction so far. I have no experience other than extra work.

I wrote the script, and I am producing, as well as acting in the film, along with numerous other tasks I will wind up doing.

We are working with locations and props that are usually reserved for productions costing thousands of dollars more than what our budget is, and because it matters little how much your movie cost to make.. I won't be releasing what the budget for it is.

However I did not think that I could do this entire thing myself, with no experience. I went out and connected with people and found those who did have experience that had the same mindset and was interested in working with me on my project. I still retained creative control, but I put the tasks that I was unfamiliar with on someone who was and thus the project so far is moving along smooth as butter.

Its doable, but you need to focus on what your good at and find someone else to do the other stuff you don't know how to do.
 
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