starting off

R

ruben_rebel

Member
hi, i m new to this forum so forgive me if this is not posted in the right place.

I m just about to begin my journey into film, i have a script ready to go... but thats all i got. i m not familiar with anything else, I really need help with choosing a camera, lighting, sound, choosing an editing program, special effects, the works.

i m very new to this field, so any help is much appreciated. i just want to learn how to shoot, edit and things like that, it doesnt have to be professional, after all i m operating on a budget ( my own). i just want to make a movie.


(lists of different cameras, programs,etc are much appreciated)


the movie is going to be about an attempted robbery/heist

the script has some continuity problems as well as a lack of character development which i wil try to work out to the best of my ability.



what do you say can you help a new guy out?

thanks


again, sorry if this is in the wrong place
 
ruben_rebel said:
it doesnt have to be professional, after all i m operating on a budget ( my own). i just want to make a movie.
Click to expand...

A question to big to answer.

But just looking at that quote above. Shoot something, anything. Write a small script about your dog or cat or a neighbours, shoot it with anything, cut it with whatever you have and make it work. Thats the learning you need to start with.

Read, read and read. This forum, other forums, books. Watch movies, see how they frame for mood. See how they focus for mood. See how they light for mood. Watch a particular shot you like over and over.

Theres a reason on big budget movies they have professionals that dedicate themselves to a particular field. Its hard, it takes years of hard work.

Try to imagine your local doctor undertaking metuculous brain surgery. Try to imagine a brain surgeon performing surgery on his own. Impossible.

Luckily this isnt brain surgery and you cant kill anyone pointing a camera at them.
 
ncje said:
A question to big to answer.

But just looking at that quote above. Shoot something, anything. Write a small script about your dog or cat or a neighbours, shoot it with anything, cut it with whatever you have and make it work. Thats the learning you need to start with.

Read, read and read. This forum, other forums, books. Watch movies, see how they frame for mood. See how they focus for mood. See how they light for mood. Watch a particular shot you like over and over.

Theres a reason on big budget movies they have professionals that dedicate themselves to a particular field. Its hard, it takes years of hard work.

Try to imagine your local doctor undertaking metuculous brain surgery. Try to imagine a brain surgeon performing surgery on his own. Impossible.

Luckily this isnt brain surgery and you cant kill anyone pointing a camera at them.
Click to expand...




thank you very much for the advice, i will do that.

thank you
 
i'd try volunteering on a local project. maybe there is a film school in your area and student projects are looking for help.

good luck and have fun.
 
it is good to get connected to your peers who share your interests. maybe that is a good place to get feedback on your script and how to start developing a plan for executing it.
 
I'd make friends with someone who has all the equipment and knowledge to use it and see if you cant make it a joint project - 500-700 isnt going to cover the costs of much of anything as far as equipment goes...
 
Luckily this isnt brain surgery and you cant kill anyone pointing a camera at them.
Click to expand...

I'm not real sure about that <g>.

Seriously, welcome to the forum. This place is like a crash course in film school. Wander about, read the threads - always start with the stickies - search first, but don't be afraid to ask either.

As you wander, you'll gradually realize that visual storytelling is very much a collaborative effort. With very rare exception, movies happen when a group of talented people from a wide variety of disciplines come together to create. You have a script - or the start of a script - ergo you are one of us with something to bring to the table - now to find the table.

You don't mention where you're from. Location can play a big role in finding collaborators, but in reality they exist damn near everywhere. Finding 'em can be a challenge in itself. Keep an eye out for others doing things and join in theirs - volunteers are almost universally welcome - before you know it you've got a pool to draw from. Get them excited and there's no limit where you can go.
 
pixelated said:
I'm not real sure about that <g>.

Seriously, welcome to the forum. This place is like a crash course in film school. Wander about, read the threads - always start with the stickies - search first, but don't be afraid to ask either.

As you wander, you'll gradually realize that visual storytelling is very much a collaborative effort. With very rare exception, movies happen when a group of talented people from a wide variety of disciplines come together to create. You have a script - or the start of a script - ergo you are one of us with something to bring to the table - now to find the table.

You don't mention where you're from. Location can play a big role in finding collaborators, but in reality they exist damn near everywhere. Finding 'em can be a challenge in itself. Keep an eye out for others doing things and join in theirs - volunteers are almost universally welcome - before you know it you've got a pool to draw from. Get them excited and there's no limit where you can go.
Click to expand...




thank you, i live in california by the way, this will be my first time ever filming, i have some cash to burn, i just really want to learn everything i can, from lighting, sound, edit, etc. like i said money is tight, but i can be creative and sometimes creativity can go along way, i work at a video store and i was thinking of shotting a kind of clerks movie, where it just follows the lives of two video store employees and the things they go through in a normal day
 
I wouldn't spend that money on buying a camera or editing software. I'd save that money, or rent a camera out for a couple days, shoot something and buy Vegas movie studio too. That way at least you'll have decent footage to work with, as opposed to bad footage - right? I mean having your own camera is great, but at such a low budget, its probably better to rent or save.

Not trying to discourage you, but since you live in California - you have LOADS of options. You can always meet up with friends and network yourself, like stated above...I wouldn't advise spending all that money now. You might find that it could come in handy later, when looking to buy or rent lights and audio.

-Kegan
 
OK - you've got a start. Jump over to the Screenplay/writing section, make sure your script is formatted properly. Spend your first $$ and get it copyrighted. Do up a short treatment you can use to pitch it. Make some friends who own equipment - trust me, you don't WANT to own any yet. Best way to do that is help out on other gigs they're working.

You're living in the right place - if the script's any good you'll be able to make it for the cost of tapes (or a p2 card) & beer.

Hit the library for the June issue of MovieMaker mag - lots of short articles there that may help give you the "big picture".

Enjoy the journey, lest the ending really suck.
 
ugafan said:
honestly, you don't have many options. you can get a cheap camcorder and sony vegas movie studio from best buy. you can also buy some work lights at home depot. you'll also need a tripod..
Click to expand...


i m looking into getting a cheap tripod, i have an uncle who works with cameras, etc. lights and sony vegas are on my list as well, what types of lights should i get? i heard robert rodriguez used those portable work lamps, would those work? and yes, i own a tripod.


thanks for all the help
 
Hunter007 said:
I wouldn't spend that money on buying a camera or editing software. I'd save that money, or rent a camera out for a couple days, shoot something and buy Vegas movie studio too. That way at least you'll have decent footage to work with, as opposed to bad footage - right? I mean having your own camera is great, but at such a low budget, its probably better to rent or save.

Not trying to discourage you, but since you live in California - you have LOADS of options. You can always meet up with friends and network yourself, like stated above...I wouldn't advise spending all that money now. You might find that it could come in handy later, when looking to buy or rent lights and audio.

-Kegan
Click to expand...


i m still contemplating whether or not to buy or rent, i do have a few friends that said they would be willing to help, so thats a start, again thank you guys for all the advice and help, i really appreciate it, thank you
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top