January 30, 2014

Basic Tips For Student Filmmakers

By Eliza Mendoza


With the cost of cameras and editing software reduced in recent years it has become a lot easier for student filmmakers to create their own work. However it is not just the technology that is important when creating films. Being aware of the language of film and knowing the practical aspects of filmmaking will make it easier when it comes to doing your work.

The first thing to think about is the kind of film you want to do. For some people they may wish to work in a specific genre in the future. At an early stage it can be difficult to do certain genres. For example period pieces are often difficult due to the need for authenticity while science fiction can often require a large budget.

Admittedly the downside of this ease of access is that there is more films and video out there. With video upload websites there are a lot for people to watch. This is why the fundamentals of learning how to shoot a film and how to edit it properly become more important than ever in order to stand out from the crowd.

Therefore it is vital to study the genre you want to be a part of. In some cases your influence may come from outside the genre as well. For example when filming Citizen Kane it was said that Orson Welles watched the John Ford western Stagecoach over a hundred times in order to learn how to direct effectively.

While watching a film hundreds of times may not be necessary it is still a good idea to watch with a critical eye. Think about why a scene is effective. As well as lighting, camera work and other practical elements look at the actors and how expressive they are. In some cases a look or a gesture can be as effective as pages of dialogue.

This is why making a short film is often a good first step for students wanting to learn. It gives you the chance to experiment and develop a style. Inevitably at first people tend to base their style on their favourite filmmakers before gradually learning their own individual work.

When working on your own pieces you need to be thorough. People often make the mistake of working quickly rather than effectively. Plan your shots as much as possible and get as much coverage as possible. It is better to have too much material that you have to edit down than find you did not shoot enough and that reshoots are necessary.

As student filmmakers it is also vital you find the right course. There are many accredited courses that can help you develop your knowledge of the theory of film as well as learn more about the craft and creating work. With the right amount of both theory and practise you can eventually develop experience and get the full benefit from your studies.




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