Shooting a short video/film with just 1 crew member, me.
- Thread starter iFilm7
- Start date
I've seen it done. But it is really rare to do well. By yourself you have to have
1.) An incredible eye for composition. I can't imagine that any of your shots are going to have movement, so while you already should have a good eye for composition you are going to have to be on your "A" to make a short film full of statics interesting.
2.) An incredible script. Not only is the story going to have to be good, but also told with almost no dialogue. I doubt you'll have any kind of audio set-up to catch anything so a story being told only visual will most likely be a must.
3.) Skills for every aspect of filmmaking. Everything from lighting to acting to editing is going to be done by you so you have to have your head on straight for any type of project.
The list can go on and on. My advice is to put yourself out there. Volunteer at local filmmaking events around your area. PA on some sets for free to learn the ropes. Then start growing your crew and you won't have to do everything by yourself. Good luck.
1.) An incredible eye for composition. I can't imagine that any of your shots are going to have movement, so while you already should have a good eye for composition you are going to have to be on your "A" to make a short film full of statics interesting.
2.) An incredible script. Not only is the story going to have to be good, but also told with almost no dialogue. I doubt you'll have any kind of audio set-up to catch anything so a story being told only visual will most likely be a must.
3.) Skills for every aspect of filmmaking. Everything from lighting to acting to editing is going to be done by you so you have to have your head on straight for any type of project.
The list can go on and on. My advice is to put yourself out there. Volunteer at local filmmaking events around your area. PA on some sets for free to learn the ropes. Then start growing your crew and you won't have to do everything by yourself. Good luck.
Marc Villafan
Well-known member
I highly suggest you hold off, and just wait till you have a crew available. Actually, don't wait to get a crew, work to get a crew.
Since your choosing to shoot yourself in shallow depth-of-field, that means you won't be able to move forward or backwards much at all depending on your aperture, lens size, and distance from the lens.
Nitsuj
Well-known member
I can't agree with holding off until you get the crew. I say no matter what you should just start shooting and learning all the million mistakes everybody goes through along the way. The only way you will know if it will work is by trying it. It doesn't sound like you will be spending any money so just start shooting and see what works and what doesn't. If you follow what everybody else says then you will just be making the same kind of films like everybody else. But going on your own path will lead to your own distinct style. The DOF is just a tool for story telling and isn't necessary. I wouldn't worry about that at all and stay more focused on the story you want to tell.
EDIT: However technically getting DOF on a small chip camera is going to be hard. What you have to do is have a large open space to shoot in because you are going to have to zoom all the way in just to get that DOF. It will be a pain but that is how you would go about it in camera without getting other equipment. Again just experiment and you will see what I mean.
EDIT: However technically getting DOF on a small chip camera is going to be hard. What you have to do is have a large open space to shoot in because you are going to have to zoom all the way in just to get that DOF. It will be a pain but that is how you would go about it in camera without getting other equipment. Again just experiment and you will see what I mean.
ChrisHurn
Well-known member
If you don't have a crew, then get one. You only need a small one, a few people would be fine for the home movie stuff. There's got to be somebody around you who can help you out. Look around schools, put ads in papers, websites, whatever. Lots of people work for free on interesting projects, or just to help out. Even if you can't find a lot of filmmakers, get people to help you carry stuff around. Stop saying "I have no crew" and think about what you can do to get some help. Think positively.
Having said all that, if you don't act in it yourself, then you could get away with no crew. Are you using lights or anything? If so then it's going to be tricky but if you don't have much gear other than your handycam, just use yourself. It's enough. And find actors. Put ads in papers or websites or schools, or wherever, and find some people. If you're really really new to filmmaking, then maybe just use people you know.
The most important thing right now would be to just become a master at compositions, framing, staging, develop your eye. I wouldn't worry too much about working with real quality actors until you're making films for festivals, or already have a decent level of shooting. It's tough to focus on directing actors, directing the camera, developing your eye etc all at once. So take it step by step. Working with actors properly is a whole level onto itself, so you really do want to know what you're doing with the camera a bit first, so you can give them the time they deserve. If you haven't made any/many films before, find friends, or just whoever you can get.
I agree with the others, nevermind about shallow D.O.F right now. It's so much more important to learn about the other things. Way too many people don't spend enough time learning how to master the camera, and as a result, way too many short films these days are dull to look at. Wide shot here, OTS shot here, nothing interesting. No motivated shooting. Nothing happening. Chuck in shallow D.O.F and everybody thinks they're working at a Hollywood level. I don't think so. Just make lots and lots and lots of films with what you have.
Good luck.
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Start shooting and see what you can accomplish. Napoleon Dynamite had few if any shots with camera movement. Anything is possible. I've shot plenty of shots without camera movement. You really have to plan it out. I recently saw someone rig a body mount that placed the camera approx. 6 feet cantilevered off the actors body. Depending on the weight of the camera that can produce a huge moment arm...but it can be done.
Start shooting! Get off the couch and do it!
Start shooting! Get off the couch and do it!