Locations and Sound

The term “film” is an extremely overwhelming one. Most people assimilate the term with either a huge big budget Hollywood blockbuster or some kind of action packed adventure.

The truth is there are hundreds of different types of films. As a student and an aspiring film maker you have the ability to make a “film.”

We covered the steps to creating your own student film but now I want to discuss some important things to keep in mind.

Location. Location. LOCATION!

As a student film maker, location is key. Having the perfect location is what helps to set the mood of the film as well as being aesthetically pleasing to the viewer. It is extremely important to find the location that best fits your scene.

In most instances, we are working with little to no budget. So what are we to do? Well, as I mentioned in my post about script writing, it’s important to have a script with realist and achievable settings.

Look around your neighborhood, community or even your school campus. There are so many beautiful and available places around us that we never even think to utilize. Think about the scene first and envision how you want it to look in your mind. Once you’ve done that walk around these local places and see where you can picture these scenes taking place. It’s a cheap, cost effective and productive way to get the scenes you need while working on a student’s budget.

The Sounds of Music:

Another important factor to keep in mind is sound.

“Locations are often very noisy,” says Professor Tom Campbell. “Using microphones, booms, and headphones are elemental to achieving clear crisp sound.”

Regardless of where you decide to film there is always outside noises that are also picked up by the camera. It is important for either the director or camera person to be listening to the sound being recorded through headphones in order to make decisions about how to handle the noise issues. 

"Love Will Set You Free" - The Britney Spears Story

I am very excited to announce, in my detail, the specifics of my final Video 1 project. As I announced a few weeks back, the title for this film will be "Love Will Set You Free." The Britney Spears Story.


This is a concept and a script that I have been working on for more than two years. It is an extremely personal and meaningful subject matter for me. Since the age of 7, when I first saw Britney Spears strut her stuff down Rendell High in the video for "Baby One More Time" I have been a super fan. She is more than just a musical pleasure of mine, she is my idol.

I am extremely grateful that I have this platform and opportunity to create this film and tell this story. I must point out that the script is based LOOSELY on her life, as I don't actually know her.

I have been blessed with an amazing cast and crew of people who have really embraced my passion and love for Britney and her story.

We began filming last night (4/26/11)and completed our first scene. It took about 5 hours to film but we were all extremely pleased with the outcome. It was better than I had even envisioned. I will post some behind the scenes photos later on. Filming resumes on Monday and we will shoot the remaining four scenes--including 2 fully choreographed dance numbers.

"Love Will Set You Free" is TENTATIVELY scheduled to premiere on YouTube on May 10, 2011 but I Will EXCLUSIVELY leak it here on my blog as soon as it's completed.

I will also be launching a Twitter and Facebook campaign to not only promote the film but to try and get Britney Spears herself to watch the film. She constantly watches fan made videos and tweets about them so here's hoping we can get our video to her!

(VIDEO) Final Cut Pro

Here is a video about how to edit on Final Cut Pro:

 

Check out Pro2Go95's You-Tube page for  more videos on how to use Final Cut Pro!

Blog Update!

Hello Bloggers!

Filming is beginning this week on my final project. It's a film written by me called, "Love Will Set You Free." I worked extremely hard on this script and am beyond excited to be able to film it.

My group and I will be filming select scenes tonight at Adelphis' Performing Arts Center and will be  filming the remander on location in New York City on May 2nd! I'll make sure to keep you posted on the goings on with the film!

I have also been working on an official banner for the blog and my own personal website. I'm hoping to have both of them up within the coming weeks. Also due to scheduling conflicts our podcast interview with Kim Pratt has been canceled.

Post-Production

We have finally reached our final step in the film making process: post-production.

Pre-production was all about laying the ground work for our film, production was about executing those plans and post-production is about taking what you have and creating your final finished film.

What is Post-Production?

“Pre-production is everything that takes place after filming stops,” say Professor Tom Campbell. “It’s about taking the footage that you have gathered and assembling it in a way that ultimately gives the best presentation.”

This stage of the film making process is where the young film maker is able to really take control and make the kind of film they have envisioned. It’s about piecing together all of the footage that they have gathered: compiling, fixing, and tweaking it to make sure that it is perfect. All of this is what guarantees a flawless final film.

Intricacies of Post-Production:

There are a lot of aspects that go into the post-production process.

In most instances, when we film we use cassette tapes to record our footage. You may be asking yourself, well how do I get my footage from the tape to the computer? This is an excellence question.

In post-production, we do something called, digitizing. What that simply means is that you are taking the footage that you shot and converting it to a format that will allow you to edit and view it on your computer. You insert your cassette tape into something called a deck. The deck is connected to your computer and allows you to choose what footage you want converted and sent to your computer.

For more information about decks and digitizing check out The Online Community for Filmmaking Forum.

How Do I Edit My Footage?

Once your footage has successfully been converted and is on your computer screen is when the real fun begins.

Generally, most student film makers choose to use Final Cut Pro as their choice editing software program. This is also what I use and speaking from firsthand experience, it is extremely user friendly and easy to operate.

Using Final Cut Pro you are able to make any adjustments you feel are necessary to your footage. You are able to cut clips, add music, adjust sound volumes and lighting as well as add text and effects.

For more information on Final Cut Pro check out their official website!

Post-Production is the last phase before your film is completed. Once you are happy with all of your edited and pieced together footage, the post production stage is completed and you have successfully created a student film!

Working With Groups

As young film makers, often our projects become like children to us. We create them and then nourish them into fruition. It’s a long and sometimes arduous process but it’s something that you’ve created and envisioned so ultimately it’s worth all the struggle.  

However, as we learned the film making process is not one that can be done on one’s own. Many people are required to help make your vision come to life.

What does that mean for you as the director? Relinquishing some control.

I know speaking from personal experience that this is an extremely difficult and daunting task for some. My personality is designed in a way that I like to get things done a specify way and if they don’t meet my expectations they need to be fixed so that they do. While this may get things done, it also is not the most productive approach. Trust me, when I tell you it creates more stress than you could ever imagine!

“I think part of the problem is that we, as film makers, want to preserve our visions,” say film maker and colleague James Papavero. “It’s about preserving the art.”

As the director, you are the one calling the shots and deciding the overall direction of the project. Knowing that, it’s essential that you designate positions or roles for people on your crew.

By delegating power and responsibilities you will not only alleviate the stress that you feel but will also make the production as a whole run smoother.

It is also good to listen and incorporate the opinions of others. When working on a project that you are very near and dear to it’s easy to get tunnel vision. Listen to what others on the crew has to say. They may see something that you’ve missed or have an alternative view of how to better shoot a scene.

Film making is all about communicating and having an open dialogue with others.

Script Writing

Before the cameras can role or the set can be determined one thing needs to be set in stone, and that is the script.

The filming process is an extremely chaotic and often unpredictable thing. You are working with so many different variables that everything is in a constant state of flux. Granted, some slight alterations may be needed throughout filming, but for the most part the final script is the one thing that keeps filming in focus.

What Goes Into Making a Script?

Creating a script from scratch really isn’t as difficult as one may think. What inspires you? What are you passionate about? Those are questions you must ask yourself. Once you find something that you feel a strong connection with you are really in good shape.

Once you have your inspiration it’s helpful if you create some kind of an outline. This allows you to not only get out all of your thoughts and ideas but to brainstorm possible storylines. Also you can decide on settings, locations, themes and any other factors you want included.

At this point it’s really important to start thinking about your characters.

“A good script tells the story of the people you create,” say Professor Cohen. “It is your job to bring these characters to life for the audience.”

Effective story telling relies heavily on the connections that the audience makes with your characters. It’s important to create and develop characters with substance and layers. People love to root for the underdog or hate the villain but regardless emotion is being evoked within the viewer.

The format of a script is very flexible. It’s important to include dialogue, direction (for both camera and actors) and location. There are several script writing software programs that can be purchased or download. For a list of them click here.

Here is a little insider hint. While creating your script keep in mind your budget and your accessibility. Our imaginations are wonderful things but sometimes they can get carried away. Wouldn’t we all love to film at a medieval castle or on the beaches of Aruba? Problem is, those are not ideal locations. Make sure to write within what your budget and accessibility allows.

Check out Script Writing and Screenwriting Help for more information.

Welcome to My New Friends/The Horrors of Casting

My Hopes and Visions for the Blog

The purpose behind me creating this blog began simple enough, as a way for me to connect with other young filmmakers. I wanted to create a space where I could not only share creative thoughts and experiences but take the average student, like myself, through the process of making a student film.

My hope was to inspire and encourage other young film makers by taking them on this journey with me. I felt that by documenting my experiences in steps and stages it would be less intimidating and more beneficial. I wanted to debunk the myth that creating a film that you’ve not only created, envisioned and believed in was out of your reach.  

So for all my new readers, welcome! And to all of my loyal readers, thanks for taking this journey with me!

The Horrors of Casting

When creating a student film, it is very easy to get caught up in all the minute details that have to be dealt with, especially when you’re the person in charge.  One important factor that must be handled with the utmost care and detail is that of casting.

The actors and actresses that you cast are elemental to your final piece. These are the people who will be bringing your visions of these characters to life. When you create a character in your head, you also create a personality and traits for them. It’s important that you choose actors who convey those attributes that you have created otherwise your film will not have the intended meaning that you want it to have.

Most student film makers are working with little to no budget. So you’re wondering, how are we supposed to find actors?

There are several options you could use. “Holding auditions in your schools is often very beneficial,” says my colleague and fellow film maker Emily Frisbie. “It’s been my experience that many theater majors are itching to act and enjoy working on their peers productions.”

Some other alternatives would be trying to involve fellow classmates in your project. Make a trade off. Offer your services and expertise, in exchange for them helping you with your film.

Another option would be asking friends to act in your films. Although this is certainly a convenient option, I wouldn’t necessary recommend it as the best option. While working with friends may be fun, it doesn’t always make for a conducive and professional work environment.

Checking In

Hello Everyone!

I am readying TWO big post for this weekend.

The first one will pertain to script writing and casting. Both of these components are extremely important parts of the pre-production process. I am currently working on both of these aspects as we speak for my own final project, so my post will tie that all together.

I will also be covering our final step in the film making process, post production.

Breathe Again - Final Cut

In my Video 1 class, we have been given two assignments to get us ready for our big final project. I've spent weeks on writing, casting, filming and editing my final piece. 

 I am proud to present to you, the final version of my scene, "Breathe Again"

 

We just received, the guidelines and expectations for our final projects. As always there has been a twist added to the original plan. No longer will we be working individually but now we will be working in groups of three. I will be working with my friends James Papavero (Kevin, in Breathe Again) and Danielle Tasca. I'm extremely excited to see what the three of us can come up and and create. Both of them are extremely talented film makers!

Breathe Again - Single Scene Final Version

It's FINALLY here!

The rough edit of "Breathe Again"

Enjoy and please comment! I would love to hear what you though of the video!!

Spring has Sprung!

Hello Bloggers!

Just checking in. I want to keep you guys as involved as possible with whats going on. Tonight I will be digitizing my footage of "Breathe Again" and will be putting together a rough edit. I will try and post that for all of you to see. I will get into more specifics and define these terms when we discuss our final stage of the film making process, post-production.

This assignment is my last one before the big final project. I'm very excited to get to work on that. No definate plans have been finalized yet. I'm still working with several ideas. I'll keep you guys posted.

I am also working on a new banner for the blog, in addition to recording my podcast with special guest, Kim Pratt. I'm hoping to debut both of these exculsives sometime in the coming weeks.

For now I leave you with a brief You Tube video that summarizes what production is. Enjoy!

Production

As a film maker, your main objective in the pre-production phase is to plan and resolve all issues that have and may arise during filming.

Now that we have mastered the essentials of pre-production, it’s crucial that we take all that we have learned and apply it to our next step in the film making process: Production.

What is Production?

Production is everything that occurs once the cameras begin rolling. All of the details and plans that were so delicately handled and executed in pre-production are now ready to be brought to life in front of the camera.

Production takes place on a variety of different sets and locations and requires an open and amicable relationship between both the director and his cast and crew.

 What Does Production Consist Of?

Ultimately, the director is the person who is in control of the production of a film. It is the directors’ vision that is trying to be captured, but it is the cast and crew that bring those visions to life.

 “Once those cameras start rolling, it’s a whole new ballgame,” says aspiring director Brian Friedman. “As a director, you have such a short amount of time to get the shot. It’s crucial that everybody, both cast and crew, be on the same page. As the director that is your job.”

Production is an extremely expensive phase of the film making process because it’s where the majority of the piece is created. You are dealing with locations, sets, actors and crew; all of which cost money. As the director it is your job to not only make sure you got your shots but that you are staying on schedule as well as on budget.

Remember time is money in this business. It’s important to get things done in the timeliest fashion.

What We Take Away From Production

 Granted, production may seem like an extremely stressful and time consuming aspect of the film making process but it is also one of the most rewarding.

As the director, you are in charge. You call the shots and make the decisions. The payoff is extremely rewarding because the finished product is a piece that you not only envisioned but directed and brought to life for countless others to enjoy.

There is always room for improvement and as a film maker it’s important to recognize that. We are constantly learning and adapting our techniques and we do so by watching other films. One of the best learning tools is watching and taking aspects from films you watch and applying them to your own technique.

Here are some great scenes from, General Hospital, that not only inspire my creativity but that I really enjoy as well:

 

FEMME FATALE OUT NOW!!!!

Britney Spears' 7th studio album, FEMME FATALE, is out NOW both in stores and on iTunes.

It features the #1 hit single "Hold It Against Me," as well as future hits, "Till The World Ends" & "I Wanna Go"

For more information about Britney check out her official website and don't forget to purchase your copy today at iTunes!

...Would You Hold It Against Me?

Hey Bloggers!

Just checking in. I apologize for the scarcity in my posting. I had set the production post to automatically post Wednsday afternoon but obviously I did not set it correctly. Bare with me, I'm still getting use to Blogger! I will have that up this weekend!

I will be editing, "Breathe Again," this weekend and will hopefully have a rough cut of that ready for viewing sometime mid-week.

Also EXCLUSIVE NEWS. I can OFFICIALLY confirmed that KIM PRATT will be a special guest on my podcast. Still working out details and schedules but am hoping to have that up within the next two weeks!