Be a Filmmaker

Are you interested in being a part of the film industry? Do you want to make interesting, funny, or serious videos for YouTube or another video site? If you would like to be successful on YouTube by becoming a filmmaker, read on.

Steps

  1. Buy a Camera. Go to a local electronics store, and ask to see their selection of video cameras or camcorders. There are many different cameras to choose from, and it is easy to buy an affordable camera that takes high-quality film but try to get the best. Visit stores like Target, WalMart, Radio Shack, or Best Buy to choose a camera. Try not to buy the most expensive camera on the market, especially when you are not yet sure if you would like to pursue film-making. If you would like to start small, flip video cameras are affordable and take nice quality videos.
  2. If you have an smartphone with a good camera use it as your camera.
  3. Remember, the content of the video matters more than what brand of camera you use.
  4. Start Your Film Crew. While it is possible to make good videos by yourself, film-making can be much more fun if you have a "crew" of friends to film with. Try to get friends together who are also interested in film-making, and assign each crew member a job. The production of your film will go much more smoothly if you have a person assigned to the following: -Camera Man (1-2): This is the person who films the movie. They should have prior experience using a video camera, and be able to film from different interesting angles. -Producer (Script-Writer) (2+): This person or team gets together to decide on what the film will be about. They must write lines for every character and make sure the script has a beginning, climax, and resolution. -Director (1): This person makes sure the actors are realistically pulling the script together and showing the proper emotions at all times. -Actors (2+): This person or team uses proper emotions and actions to describe their characters' feelings. They are able to become the person they are portraying, no matter how different the character is from the actor's personality. -Stage Manager/Costume Coordinator (2+): This team works to make all scenes being filmed come to life. They work on props for the scene as well as the actors' costumes and makeup. -Technical Producer (1-2): This person works hard after the filming is completed. They are in charge of editing the film for content, as well as adding special effects and music when necessary.
  5. Retrieve Your Materials. Most likely, your film will have at least one prop or costume. Craft stores and Halloween stores such as Party City will have a wide selection of props and interesting costumes to choose from. Applying dramatic makeup to actors will also add effect, and that can be purchased as well. When in doubt, check to see if you have any props at home. If your budget is small, you may find that you can work with very little of what you already have and still make an excellent film.
  6. Pick a Location. If you would like to film different scenes in different areas, that is fine, but you will most likely have one central location where much of the movie takes place. Find a wide open area indoors or outdoors, depending on what is appropriate. Try to film in a location that has a power source to charge the video camera and other electronic items being used. Make sure your location is not on private property; pick someplace you know you are allowed to film.
  7. Film Your Movie. Pick a nice day when your crew can arrive at the set location. Take your time; your film will most likely come out better if you are not rushing and spend time working with your actors to show the correct emotions throughout the film.
  8. Have Fun. This is the most important step because if you do not have fun, it will come across in your film. Laugh at your bloopers, and take breaks if you need them. Remember why you are filming in the first place: you love making movies. Do it for the fun, not the fame.



Tips

  • create a list of locations props and actors available locally and develop a film from this.
  • Pick a topic you are interested in! You are more likely to enjoy making a film about something you know a lot about rather than something you know very little about.
  • If you become successful in your city, try selling copies of your films to businesses and tourists. They may love your films and spread the word about your crew!
  • If you would like to name your crew, come up with a name that is catchy. If people remember it, they will repeat it.
  • If you put on too much makeup, it will not look as good on the camera view. Use just enough to be visible on camera, but do not make your actors look like clowns.
  • DSLRs such as the Canon 650d are a good option as they are cheaper than HD camcorders but still offer full HD 1080p, you can easily achieve a shallow depth of field and you can change lenses.

Warnings

  • Test the makeup on your actors before using it on their face. Test for allergies or irritation. If this occurs, do not use the makeup.
  • If driving in a car in your film, do not drive past somewhere where they do not want to draw people, or you will have to blur the background image of their business.

Things You'll Need

  • A camera
  • Some friends to be your "crew."
  • Lighting
  • Makeup
  • Costumes (if necessary)
  • Props
  • A computer with editing software (i.e., iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, etc.).

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