Limitedoffer
Well-known member
YEA I will
Thanks alot I will take them into action.
Thanks alot I will take them into action.
Robert Rodriguez $7000 film.
- Thread starter Limitedoffer
- Start date
Limitedoffer
Well-known member
Going bad with filming
Going bad with filming
Well I thought I'd keep this post going.
I'll go ahead and talk about my experience so far making my film.
So far it's been going BAD. It's hard finding actors.
Hard finding half of my locations.
It's hard finding good help.
I'm writing the script all by myself. Totally me.
I have to film it,Only thing is my second camera man is a loser.
I fight with him all the time even tho I've been friends with him for 6 Years.
Lets just say he's all talk and lazy.
So hard to make the film that I've worked so hard on writing and visualized for so long.
Anyone got some insight?
Going bad with filming
Well I thought I'd keep this post going.
I'll go ahead and talk about my experience so far making my film.
So far it's been going BAD. It's hard finding actors.
Hard finding half of my locations.
It's hard finding good help.
I'm writing the script all by myself. Totally me.
I have to film it,Only thing is my second camera man is a loser.
I fight with him all the time even tho I've been friends with him for 6 Years.
Lets just say he's all talk and lazy.
So hard to make the film that I've worked so hard on writing and visualized for so long.
Anyone got some insight?
youngindiefilms
Well-known member
Hi there, let me share my experiences first hand and what I know from my close filmmaking friends.
It seems you have a really hard time to get everything for your film together. So my first advice to you would be following:
-Put this project on hold and don't make this your first feature film
-As mentioned multiple times before, choose either Action or Horror for your first feature
-Write a story with a cast not more than 5 to 10 people (with a main cast of two or three)
-Don't work with anyone you know in advance is lazy or unreliable (even if they're your friends)
-Also as mentioned here before, use only one camera, operate it by yourself. For any dramatic two camera action shot setups you still can put the second camera on a tripod so you still don't need a second camera operator
I think there is more, making a feature covers so much stuff and you will realize that the time WHEN you actually make it. I would say, don't even make a feature, just make one or two short films first. All the procedures are the same as for a feature film, only difference is you will need less time for writing the script and for filming / post production. You will gain a lot of experience even on small short film projects and you don't have to spend much money on such a project.
I've done several short films, some documentaries so far. Budget for these were next to nothing, of course taking into account that I already own a camera, editing suite etc. We didn't pay actors, although we paid for food.
I think you can find actors who are willing to work without pay. There are lots of acting students out there, it's a great opportunity to gain experience for them.
Heck I do the same thing, only not acting. I am donating myself as DOP for my director friend's next feature film.
I'm even paying the flight ticket myself. It's about enthusiasm, if you're able to find such people, be it actors or crew I can almost guarantee you you will have great fun and a good film.
So in a nutshell, I'd say, write some action/horror short film stories or even comedy if you're into that. If there is any acting school not too far away, go there talk to people, I'm sure you can find some actors who really want to gain some experience and love acting. You don't wanna find actors who are only doing it for the money. That also goes for crew.
What I also did was or is, meeting up with other filmmakers. We have a meetup group here where independent filmmakers meet to talk about their projects etc. and offer help to each other. Of course there are always some "black sheep" who are only in it for the money but I found that a lot of people from these groups are very enthusiastic about film making. I found some real good friends there and with one of them I'm going to make two feature films in the near future.
Anyway I wish you good luck with anything you plan to do.. just try not to make it too big on your first film, you might be overwhelmed.
It seems you have a really hard time to get everything for your film together. So my first advice to you would be following:
-Put this project on hold and don't make this your first feature film
-As mentioned multiple times before, choose either Action or Horror for your first feature
-Write a story with a cast not more than 5 to 10 people (with a main cast of two or three)
-Don't work with anyone you know in advance is lazy or unreliable (even if they're your friends)
-Also as mentioned here before, use only one camera, operate it by yourself. For any dramatic two camera action shot setups you still can put the second camera on a tripod so you still don't need a second camera operator
I think there is more, making a feature covers so much stuff and you will realize that the time WHEN you actually make it. I would say, don't even make a feature, just make one or two short films first. All the procedures are the same as for a feature film, only difference is you will need less time for writing the script and for filming / post production. You will gain a lot of experience even on small short film projects and you don't have to spend much money on such a project.
I've done several short films, some documentaries so far. Budget for these were next to nothing, of course taking into account that I already own a camera, editing suite etc. We didn't pay actors, although we paid for food.
I think you can find actors who are willing to work without pay. There are lots of acting students out there, it's a great opportunity to gain experience for them.
Heck I do the same thing, only not acting. I am donating myself as DOP for my director friend's next feature film.
I'm even paying the flight ticket myself. It's about enthusiasm, if you're able to find such people, be it actors or crew I can almost guarantee you you will have great fun and a good film.
So in a nutshell, I'd say, write some action/horror short film stories or even comedy if you're into that. If there is any acting school not too far away, go there talk to people, I'm sure you can find some actors who really want to gain some experience and love acting. You don't wanna find actors who are only doing it for the money. That also goes for crew.
What I also did was or is, meeting up with other filmmakers. We have a meetup group here where independent filmmakers meet to talk about their projects etc. and offer help to each other. Of course there are always some "black sheep" who are only in it for the money but I found that a lot of people from these groups are very enthusiastic about film making. I found some real good friends there and with one of them I'm going to make two feature films in the near future.
Anyway I wish you good luck with anything you plan to do.. just try not to make it too big on your first film, you might be overwhelmed.
HerzogisGod
Well-known member
did RR have his actors sign release forms?
Limitedoffer
Well-known member
Thats all really good advice. I see what you mean. It's just that it's so hard to put this baby on hold. But now that i think of it. I have like 10% Dialogue complete. I'm all alone on this right now. My main role actor,his mother just passed away like a week ago. I really need to go to a school,looking for some actors. It just seems that everyone is interested in being in a film but no one has the time. They all have jobs and such. I want to agree with you and saying "I'll just put this movie on hold till I get enough friends and reliable actors". I'm 19 years old and every day I'm telling myself I'm getting older and older and i need to get this film done. That way when someone asks about some of my work I have a feature complete. I just come to think that one reason people move to lets say California or New York is that people there will do anything if it gets them exposure. Here in OHIO. Everyone is a loser. Everyone is lazy and everyone feels like they are really busy,like they had no time in the world to give me a call telling me they cant make the audition. Bull Poop. But anyways. I see your in or from Hong Kong. Know thats a great place to make a film. In other words. I got off topic. I just need to go in search of some serious,motivated people with the passion in doing this kinda work.
Chamber005
Carbonite Member
Since I'm a writer and am only directing out of necessity, I always find it interesting reading threads where directors and actors (others too -- but these are the majority) are talk about shifting and morphing and making their art malleable for some kind of a "break". Big break or something.
I've always thought, "I'd like to tell this story" and then I find a way to tell it. In the past I've always used prose or still artwork, but as things have gotten steadily less expensive in video production, it became a viable option to tell stories that way.
It just seems to me that the (respected) actors who "make it" didn't do so because they made themselves malleable to the Hollywood system; they came into stardom because they were passionate about the roles they played and those roles (or, their performances in those roles) are what propelled them. And it seems to me, at least on the independent end, the same could be said for directors. The really good ones either wrote or sought out stories they really wanted to tell, and then they told them.
And while RR is inspirational in his sort of rags to riches way, I'm not wholly certain that his collective works are inspirational in and of themselves. I think his *lifestyle* is an amazing feat by any measure. But the movies he's actually done? I love Desperado as much as the next guy, but I've been unimpressed since.
I guess my point is that there are actors and filmmakers who seem to want a certain lifestyle more than they actually want to make something that their life would be incomplete without. I think Scorsese needed t make Mean Streets, ya know? Brando was drawn to Stanley.
To this day I still think of RR more as a property - a story - than as a filmmaker. He's young and so could certainly expand his body of work. But Spy Kids 16 ain't gonna get me there, ya know?
In the end I wonder what the world would look like if all actors were paid 10 dollars an hour and directors made 50K per year -- and scientists were famous, not people in show business. Take away the money, take away the fame and all that would remain would be something (and someone) actually worth spending a couple hours with. IMO
(this, by the way, is not directed at anyone here on this forum or thread -- just a POI for me on RR and the industry that made him)
I've always thought, "I'd like to tell this story" and then I find a way to tell it. In the past I've always used prose or still artwork, but as things have gotten steadily less expensive in video production, it became a viable option to tell stories that way.
It just seems to me that the (respected) actors who "make it" didn't do so because they made themselves malleable to the Hollywood system; they came into stardom because they were passionate about the roles they played and those roles (or, their performances in those roles) are what propelled them. And it seems to me, at least on the independent end, the same could be said for directors. The really good ones either wrote or sought out stories they really wanted to tell, and then they told them.
And while RR is inspirational in his sort of rags to riches way, I'm not wholly certain that his collective works are inspirational in and of themselves. I think his *lifestyle* is an amazing feat by any measure. But the movies he's actually done? I love Desperado as much as the next guy, but I've been unimpressed since.
I guess my point is that there are actors and filmmakers who seem to want a certain lifestyle more than they actually want to make something that their life would be incomplete without. I think Scorsese needed t make Mean Streets, ya know? Brando was drawn to Stanley.
To this day I still think of RR more as a property - a story - than as a filmmaker. He's young and so could certainly expand his body of work. But Spy Kids 16 ain't gonna get me there, ya know?
In the end I wonder what the world would look like if all actors were paid 10 dollars an hour and directors made 50K per year -- and scientists were famous, not people in show business. Take away the money, take away the fame and all that would remain would be something (and someone) actually worth spending a couple hours with. IMO
(this, by the way, is not directed at anyone here on this forum or thread -- just a POI for me on RR and the industry that made him)
I would agree with most of these comments, but the often heard advice to make a horror or action film can be misleading.
First, to make an action and horror film may require logistics, make-up and support crew that you cannot afford or recruit on an ultra low budget.
Second, everyone makes these films - you have to seriously ask yourself what you think is going to make your horror/action film stand out from the huge crowd made every month.
Lastly, I think regardless of genre, you should make a movie that's important to you. Making a feature film as a producer/director requires a huge amount of energy and commitment. The more passionate you are about your project, the more likely you'll be able to see it through. If you're just making an action/horror movie because you heard it sells better, you'll probably end up making something rather unimportant or uninspired.
If it so happens that you are immensely passionate about an action or horror genre idea - great, you are making a movie that could has the benefit of being "commercial" and that could sell.
First, to make an action and horror film may require logistics, make-up and support crew that you cannot afford or recruit on an ultra low budget.
Second, everyone makes these films - you have to seriously ask yourself what you think is going to make your horror/action film stand out from the huge crowd made every month.
Lastly, I think regardless of genre, you should make a movie that's important to you. Making a feature film as a producer/director requires a huge amount of energy and commitment. The more passionate you are about your project, the more likely you'll be able to see it through. If you're just making an action/horror movie because you heard it sells better, you'll probably end up making something rather unimportant or uninspired.
If it so happens that you are immensely passionate about an action or horror genre idea - great, you are making a movie that could has the benefit of being "commercial" and that could sell.
Filmbuff28
Well-known member
I say "THINK IT THROUGH"
One, make a film that you want to make. No use settling right out of the gate on your own project. This doesn't mean go and try to make a LOTR or anything. It just means, pick a movie you are passionate about, so you start off on the right foot.
Two, Think about the time you believe it will take to make the film and then double that (roughly) most of it will be in post.
Three, think about the amount of money you want to make the film and cut it, at least, in half (you will be lucky if you hit your halfway point)
Four, know what you are getting into. There are very few, if any, easy/low stress days. Making a feature is a huge amount of work and it cannot be done alone (unless you want to work on it for years). Make sure you plan, plan, plan for shooting and get everything you need while on set. Re-shoots are very hard and sometimes very expensive to organize, so get it while your there! Have money for post! At least 5-10k I would say (a good sound mixer plus any ADR will probably cost at least 5k). Have a very good SOUND TECH on set so you don't run into a sound nightmare when you get into post (this will save time and money, even if you have to pay the guy a day rate!)
I've rambled enough. But if nothing else, listen to the advice of those who have shot features. When they say something it is to help you not to blow smoke! I'm sure you will see that we all say a lot of the same things
JP
One, make a film that you want to make. No use settling right out of the gate on your own project. This doesn't mean go and try to make a LOTR or anything. It just means, pick a movie you are passionate about, so you start off on the right foot.
Two, Think about the time you believe it will take to make the film and then double that (roughly) most of it will be in post.
Three, think about the amount of money you want to make the film and cut it, at least, in half (you will be lucky if you hit your halfway point)
Four, know what you are getting into. There are very few, if any, easy/low stress days. Making a feature is a huge amount of work and it cannot be done alone (unless you want to work on it for years). Make sure you plan, plan, plan for shooting and get everything you need while on set. Re-shoots are very hard and sometimes very expensive to organize, so get it while your there! Have money for post! At least 5-10k I would say (a good sound mixer plus any ADR will probably cost at least 5k). Have a very good SOUND TECH on set so you don't run into a sound nightmare when you get into post (this will save time and money, even if you have to pay the guy a day rate!)
I've rambled enough. But if nothing else, listen to the advice of those who have shot features. When they say something it is to help you not to blow smoke! I'm sure you will see that we all say a lot of the same things
JP
Don't be in such a hurry. I just finished my first feature (actually, my first film), and I turned 40 last year. You have a long time until you are 'older'. I'm not saying to lay back and tack it easy, but take the time to learn, slow down a bit and do this the best way you can. If you hurry and rush it all you'll have to show is a film that looks rushed and that will not help you in the long run.
I started writing our feature with my friend when we were 38 and the only deadline we had was to have the film shot before my friend turned 40 and the entire first cut done by the time I hit 40. Now I'll be 41 in 3 weeks and I just finished our final cut. Please don't think of yourself as getting older and older when you are only 19. That makes me, like.... OLD.
Anyway, in a similar vain, our film we did kinda has the same mentality (except we are really getting older and older). Check out trailer:
www.drawingchalkpictures.com/trailerHD.mp4
And if you listen to anything I said, just take you time and do it right. A half-ass effort will give you a half-ass film and in a business that has so much competition, this will only make you look like a complete a*s.
Todd
youngindiefilms
Well-known member
ROFL!
I was about to say the same thing, more or less.
I know that mindset, when you're past 20 you think you're reaaaally old, wait until you pass 30, you don't even count the years anymore, lol.
But back to business.. let me rephrase some of the stuff I said.
I agree with all of the above. Yes, you should make a film that you want to make. Im' not saying, make a horror or action film because it sells better but these genres are more easily received by audience/fans and at the same time I would think it's more easy to get actors for such films since these kind of films require different acting skills than drama for example. I would say you can make a horror movie without make sfx artists because I did exactly that for my first 30 minute short film, did all myself and it wasn't too bad
But it's not everyones thing, so just make what you would like to make (except that major feature project you have in mind). You REALLY should get experience with some short films first. No offense, but I think you probably have no idea what you're getting into. Even a short film (just to make it clear, I don't consider Philip Blooms 5 minute thingies a short film, simply because there is no story or acting, no offense here either Philip!) is a lot of work, the last one I was working on had 14 hour shooting days! It is a lot of hard work.
So I'm shooting my first feature at 33, and wait, it's not even my feature, just my friends and I'm DOP, but I work on my own feature now, shooting early 2010, then I'm almost 34. Hell, when I think back to my first short film back in 1996, I was 20 years old, it was a looot of fun to do this (horror/comedy a la Braindead, because I always loved that genre) but it suffered from the fact that none of the involved people had any filmmaking experience. We did a lot of things wrong, I mean hey, we didn't care, we weren't out to sell the movie or anything, I just want to point out, unless you're some kind of genius or you went to a filmschool your first movie just might suck. So you don't wanna make a feature as your very first one.
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Limitedoffer
Well-known member
I think everyone has there own experience and there own level of skill.
I believe there is no wrong way to pursue a dream.
Like a feature film.
I think it's all in the passion.
Thats why I have planned to make my film over at California.
There is more opportunity.
I have it figured out pretty well.
I have 8 months to finish my script and save money.
I have a van,so I'll have transportation.
I have alot of family over there,So I'll stay with each one for a month each.
And do Music video's on the side to pay for food and gas.
I think it's a good idea.
Plus right now I have 7 months to build up my portfolio.
I got two music videos lined up.
So hopefully by the time I leave I'll have alot more equipment and Alot more Music videos.
Close to 20,25. I'm charging 250.
I got a guy who is getting me people and he gets 50 bucks for it.
So hopefully I have alot of clients so I have something to show when I get to California.
Any one ever take a big step like this and move to another city because your city was just not doing it for you?
I believe there is no wrong way to pursue a dream.
Like a feature film.
I think it's all in the passion.
Thats why I have planned to make my film over at California.
There is more opportunity.
I have it figured out pretty well.
I have 8 months to finish my script and save money.
I have a van,so I'll have transportation.
I have alot of family over there,So I'll stay with each one for a month each.
And do Music video's on the side to pay for food and gas.
I think it's a good idea.
Plus right now I have 7 months to build up my portfolio.
I got two music videos lined up.
So hopefully by the time I leave I'll have alot more equipment and Alot more Music videos.
Close to 20,25. I'm charging 250.
I got a guy who is getting me people and he gets 50 bucks for it.
So hopefully I have alot of clients so I have something to show when I get to California.
Any one ever take a big step like this and move to another city because your city was just not doing it for you?
jls4
Veteran
I said most of what I would say about this earlier, but to answer this right quick I'll say. At 19 I WAS working on my first movie, sorry.
I tell you to go for it. I've never made a short film, I've only made 3 features. I'm not against shorts, but I think it's best to make a feature, then make a few shorts. I don't believe that shorts prepare you for features, that's just my opinion - although against popular thought.
So I encourage you to do what you're doing and don't look back. As for leaving a city - sure I did! I left Tennessee for Georgia one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Limitedoffer
Well-known member
I dont know why I did not say it before. I have made short films in the past. Plus also I dod Music videos all the time. So crunching in a story in 5 to 10 mins,I've done it before.
Limitedoffer
Well-known member
Really. I was planning on moving there in the future to Tennessee and maybe work over at California or Florida when needed to. What could be best? I guess it depends on your situation. California is so expensive you would have to be making alot of money to have a decent place. What do some of you do? Anyone live somewhere but then travel somewhere else to do a job or whatever?I said most of what I would say about this earlier, but to answer this right quick I'll say. At 19 I WAS working on my first movie, sorry.
I tell you to go for it. I've never made a short film, I've only made 3 features. I'm not against shorts, but I think it's best to make a feature, then make a few shorts. I don't believe that shorts prepare you for features, that's just my opinion - although against popular thought.
As for leaving a city - sure I did! I left Tennessee for Georgia one of the best decisions I've ever made.
True, but there may be a right way to pursue a dream. You mentioned that you only had 10% of the dialogue written, right? If that's the case, you are not ready to shoot your film. Work on th script, polish it, make it as solid as you can. TRUST me, I spent nearly a year and a half 'polishing' my script and I still ended up 'rewriting' the film while editing because the script wasn't as polished as I thought. Hell, just with creative editing I was able to completely change the scope of the film (the way the story should have been in the fist place); jls4: this cut is different from the one you saw- VERY DIFFERENT and I thank you again for your comments, they helped me to find the right edit.
Again, just by shaping the film around the true story changed emotion, connection to the characters, even the characters themselves ended up with stronger arcs.I say go for it too. Just don't set yourself too high expecting a perfect movie or a movie that Hollywood is going to run to. This is a learning experience and take from it what you can. But, if you are anticipating making the great Sundance winner (hell, who knows, maybe you are) and that doesn't happen, don't let disappointments set you back from making your 2nd great film.
As I said, I'm nearing 41 and aside from life experience (and being a union actor) my film was my first film, and I wish I had started out when I was 19.
Good luck and I hope you have success with your film.
Todd
jls4
Veteran
I live and work in Atlanta. I have little to no plans to move to California. When I get large enough and somebody wants to pay me to shoot in LA or wherever, then they can pay me to come out for a time and then I'll come back to GA. It's cheaper to live here, and much nice for what I personally need.
Cool! When you get ready I'd love to see the next version!Hell, just with creative editing I was able to completely change the scope of the film (the way the story should have been in the fist place); jls4: this cut is different from the one you saw- VERY DIFFERENT and I thank you again for your comments, they helped me to find the right edit.
Todd and I agree - just go for it - screw everythign else, put yourself out there and just learn. I mean people are always saying start small, start small, etc, but you can swim in a pool all you want, but it's still different than swimming in the ocean.
With a short you learn the basics of production value, but you don't learn how to budget large sums of money, organize and manage large groups of people for extended times, do character development over 90 minutes vs 10. Shorts and Features are like Bananas and Oranges - both are fruits, both have a peel, both are tropical - but totally different in taste, length, shape, size, way they grow, how to harvest, etc.
Have fun and let us know how it turns out.
Limitedoffer
Well-known member
Yes, this is true.
But like I said before I'm not going anywhere till April.
No way I'm going to California with a unfinished script.
Thats crazy talk.LOL Yea I think it's not good to aim so low sometimes.
If you feel confident and know the craft well enough.
I say aim as high as u want to. But for of all,build connections.
I think some movies would of never been seen if it was not for a certain phone call,
You make to a friend.
Also Making a film should be fun.
If you have a lot of fun and are not just having your camera sit on a tripod for the whole film,you could get exciting shoots.
Like shooting on Roller Blades. The back door of a car.
Put the camera on your Monopod and get High Crane like shots.
Thats what makes filming fun.
Plus meeting new people and going to great places and capturing great moments for your Bloopers or even Deleted Scenes. LOL
But like I said before I'm not going anywhere till April.
No way I'm going to California with a unfinished script.
Thats crazy talk.LOL Yea I think it's not good to aim so low sometimes.
If you feel confident and know the craft well enough.
I say aim as high as u want to. But for of all,build connections.
I think some movies would of never been seen if it was not for a certain phone call,
You make to a friend.
Also Making a film should be fun.
If you have a lot of fun and are not just having your camera sit on a tripod for the whole film,you could get exciting shoots.
Like shooting on Roller Blades. The back door of a car.
Put the camera on your Monopod and get High Crane like shots.
Thats what makes filming fun.
Plus meeting new people and going to great places and capturing great moments for your Bloopers or even Deleted Scenes. LOL
Limitedoffer
Well-known member
I've been talking to actors that are located in the zip code that I plan to go where my brother lives.
Every email I got back is telling me the same thing.
"Van Nuys there is more chances,more people,More actors"
It's that simple. It's just that it's hard for some people cause they cant find housing for cheap. So I've been givin a bone, I got to do it.
Well to keep this moving along.
Has anyone had bad experiences with making a film?
Like money wish or just a bad story in general?
Like in location that made it to your Bloopers?
Every email I got back is telling me the same thing.
"Van Nuys there is more chances,more people,More actors"
It's that simple. It's just that it's hard for some people cause they cant find housing for cheap. So I've been givin a bone, I got to do it.
Well to keep this moving along.
Has anyone had bad experiences with making a film?
Like money wish or just a bad story in general?
Like in location that made it to your Bloopers?
Limitedoffer
Well-known member
OK now I dont know if I want to go.LOL
I'm so confused. I dont think I really have to travel all the way over there to make a movie. Plus I think Locations are going to be hell to get. I'm better going to my states capital,Columbus.
I'm so confused. I dont think I really have to travel all the way over there to make a movie. Plus I think Locations are going to be hell to get. I'm better going to my states capital,Columbus.