Filmmaking 101

Instructions Step 1: Know what a B movie is Know what a B movie is: Once the second-billed movie of a double feature, today it means any super low-budget, formulaic film. So go ahead put that Oscar-worthy script away. Step 2: Choose a genre Decide what kind of B movie you want to make. Consider …

Instructions Step 1: Pick a product Pick a product that’s easy to use and cheap to manufacture. Does it appeal to daytime TV aficionados, stoned college kids, and insomniacs desperate for human contact? You bet it does! Give your product a short name, so you can sell it fast. Step 2: Locate a shill Find …

Instructions Step 1: Write a script Write a script for your film. Consider what blocks and figures, known as minifigs, you have and your familiarity with filming techniques to help you decide how complex to make your screenplay. Step 2: Pick a frame rate Choose a frame rate for your film — calculated in frames …

Instructions Step 1: Take lots of footage Videotape your dog when they’re barking and chewing. You’ll need about 30 minutes of footage of them with their mouth moving. Step 2: Load it onto a computer Load the footage onto a computer. Step 3: Edit it Open up a video-editing program and edit the raw footage …

Instructions Step 1: Research and network Read books, articles, and attend seminars on the subject of buying film rights. Network at film festivals with producers and writers who have already succeeded in buying film rights for a book. Step 2: Get an attorney Get an attorney who practices entertainment law and has specific experience negotiating …

Instructions Step 1: Blow it up Create an action-packed thrill ride. Include a dashing hero who defeats a devious villain, wins a sexy love interest, and goes from narcissist to selfless savior, all in 90 minutes. Blow things up often to remind the audience of the movie’s high stakes — and because it’s freakin’ sick! …

Instructions Step 1: Build a track record Build a track record by working in the industry; then make your own low budget short film. First attempts sometimes get noticed by people with money. Step 2: Borrow money from friends Borrow money from everyone, offering them speaking parts, food, autographs, or a chance to make you …

Instructions Step 1: Set up the shot Set up the shot. Position the talent or stand-in as far from the screen as possible while keeping them in the frame. Place the lights for the screen behind or beside the talent to avoid shadows. Light the talent independently from the screen. TIP: For full-body shots, lay …

Instructions Step 1: Drill wheel holes Measure and mark 4 inches in from each end along one side of the aluminum. Mark the center of the piece on that same side. On the other side, measure and mark 6 inches in from each end and 2 inches to one side of the center. Drill at …

Instructions Step 1: Finish an entire script Write and revise an entire script. Unless you already have a reputation, you won’t be able to sell a treatment, a synopsis, or anything else but a full, complete script. In the industry, this is known as a “spec” script. TIP: Make sure your screenplay is properly formatted. …

Instructions Step 1: Smear on latex Smear on a generous layer of liquid latex with a cotton swab in the desired shape and size of your wound. Three to four inches will look realistic. TIP: Go to any Halloween or party supply store to find liquid latex. Step 2: Create the gash Use a toothpick …

Instructions Step 1: Open FinalCut Studio Open Final Cut Studio software. Step 2: Matting out subject’s face Use Alex4D.com 8 Point-Matte for matte effect. Matte out subject’s face and layer an effect from DetonationFilms.com behind subject’s matted face. Step 3: Key frame matte Key frame matte if subject is moving. Step 4: Check key framing …

Instructions Step 1: Understand the mouth Understand the inside of your mouth. Step 2: Touch the back of your tongue to your uvula Move your lower jaw back and lift the back of your tongue up so it slightly touches your uvula. Step 3: Vibrate your uvula Breathe out and vibrate your uvula. Step 4: …

Instructions Step 1: Assemble a cast First assemble a cast of willing participants. Step 2: Find wardrobe Find wardrobe that fits their character. Step 3: Design the set Be sure to design the set to help make your ransom video warm and inviting. Step 4: Use body language Body language is important when demanding a …

Instructions Step 1: Pick aspect ratio Pick an aspect ratio for shooting. TIP: The aspect ratio is the physical proportion of the image you’re capturing, measured horizontally then vertically. Most television is 4:3 and film is typically 16:9. Step 2: Multiply the ratio by ¼ inch Multiply the dimensions of your aspect ratio by a …

Instructions Step 1: Select an editing system Select an editing system. Not everyone has the budget for an Avid setup, or even Final Cut Pro, but there are still plenty of great options for all types of filmmakers. Final Cut Express is very affordable. Step 2: Load your raw footage Load your raw footage onto …

Instructions Step 1: Make a shot list Make a shot list for your film. Trying to decide shots on the fly wastes time and money. TIP: Storyboard each shoot—that is, sketch out the action and shots in each scene—so you know exactly what you want. Step 2: Make a shooting schedule Make a shooting schedule …

Instructions Step 1: Learn microphones Learn the most common types of microphones, from wireless to boom, and learn when to use them. Step 2: Assign the boom mic Find the tallest person on your set and assign him to hold the boom mic. Give him a set of headphones and a mixer, if you have …

Instructions Step 1: Work with what’s there Before you start hauling lights around, take note of where you’re filming and see if it’s possible to work with what’s already there. TIP: Always set up the camera and block the scene before you start lighting—otherwise you’ll waste a lot of time if you discover you have …

Instructions Step 1: Make a budget Make a budget for what you can spend on gear. If you skip this step, you risk finding yourself with a camera but not enough money for a tripod. Step 2: Consider insurance Consider insurance. It might seem expensive, but it’s nothing compared to breaking a brand-new camera. Also, …

Instructions Step 1: Pick roles Pick the roles you need to cast. Focus on the lead roles—there’s no point in spending too much time casting Background Cowboy Number Four. Step 2: Advertise Put an ad in local talent trade magazines explaining what you’re looking for. Specify whether this will be a union or non-union job. …

Instructions Step 1: Plan an ideal budget Sit down with the director and plan out an ideal movie budget. It doesn’t have to be too detailed. TIP: A budget is typically divided into four cost sections: talent, production, post-production, and miscellaneous. Step 2: Cut the ideal budget in half Now, tell the director you want …

Instructions Step 1: Decide on source material Decide if you want to write a script from scratch, or adapt some other work, like a novel. TIP: For adaptations, you’ll need to secure rights to anything that’s not in the public domain. Be prepared to pay dearly for the rights to popular books. Step 2: Learn …