Digital Filmmakers’ Game The do’s of low budget filmmaking.

PreProduction Pre Production There are 3 major things to think about in this phase of work. – Equipment – Locations – Actors Make sure that these three things are taken care of. This will determine costs or savings.

Equipment You can use any DV camera as long as it uses Mini DV format, Fire wire ports, and external microphone jack. Lighting can be used by Clamp lights and/or hardware flood lights. For sound it is in your best interest to use external microphones, but research the camera to see if it’s built-in mic is fine.

Location Try to choose places to film that you know you have immediate access to. Uses your personal connections who own places. Family members, Friends, etc. Spending money on a place to film is last resort. If you don’t have to don’t.

Actors Your lowest costing effort for actors is going to your friends and family interested. If the first thing fails, it’s time to hold auditions to find actors outside of your “family” circle. Also choose actors that meet the schedule of your project.

Production This the simplest part. Get you actors to the locations and record it. You may want to create a list of shots you want to take for the project or refer to your script. Keep your shoot organized so that you waste no ones time.

Post Production You must have a computer and digital video editing software. Get comfortable with it. After putting your movie together it’s time to add some sound/music. This can be sticky with changes in copyright laws. Don’t just grab any music unless this project will not make you money. But if you know someone who is a musician and you like there music, talk to them about using their music.

Filmmaking Quiz Are you ready? Do think you can remember some key points to filmmaking? Lets find out.

Question 1 What is one of three factors of pre production? a.ActorsActors b.LightingLighting c.CameraCamera d.All of the aboveAll of the above

Wrong Answer

Correct

Question 2 What type of camera should you get for ease of uses? a.Hi – 8Hi – 8 b.Beta camBeta cam c.Mini DVMini DV d.None of theseNone of these

Question 3 What connections should you use for locations? a.FamilyFamily b.FriendsFriends c.a and ba and b d.Pay someone firstPay someone first

Question 4 What should you make to make production easier? a.cameracamera b.ScriptScript c.ActorsActors d.All of the aboveAll of the above

Question 5 What type of software do need for post production? a.Music editingMusic editing b.Special effectsSpecial effects c.Video editingVideo editing d.None of the aboveNone of the above

Congrats!!! You have answered the last question correctly. Now make your movie!