Filmmaking is one of the main pillars of the entertainment industry. There is not one person on the planet who hasn’t watched a movie. However, movies started out small. They were black and white and featured no sound. Today we have motion pictures made with computer-generated imagery (CGI), green screen, camera rigs. Moreover, movies today feature the highest quality sound effects. If you are interested in understanding the nuances of filmmaking, here are details of three stunning filmmaking tutorials, just for you.
On a side note, filmmaking has created countless job positions. These can be primary – actors, actresses, camera operators, producers and directors – and secondary – costume designers, sound and imagery specialists.
The numbers look good for this industry. In 2016 global box office, revenue was $38 billion. The forecast tells us that this number will reach $50 billion by 2020. Most tickets for movie theatres are sold in China, India, and the USA, respectively.
How to Format a Screenplay
Filmmakers have gone a long way from black and white muted screenplays to 3D movies carrying Dolby surround sound. The skills one has to master range from scripts and shooting, to directing and distribution.
If you are a new filmmaker, you can find all of this overwhelming. This is why you should start with a structured process, such as the screenplay.
Writing a screenplay is nothing like writing a blog post, an ebook, or an actual book. You will have to approach this subject from a different perspective. The most important thing to understand is the format that is unique for scripts.
You can start by putting your ideas down on paper. Once you are done, you will need help to structure for a video script. Fortunately, a software tool such as Celtx will help you do this effortlessly. On top of that, Celtx has a huge community.
Learn to Storyboard and Schedule Your Film
A storyboard is the bread and butter of filmmaking. It contains a series of pictures (can be hand-drawn). These snapshots stand as reference points for when the shooting commences. Each one of them shows basic composition and framing for each shot. Longer and complex videos demand more detailed storyboards.
Scheduling is also something to master here. Each scene is unique in terms of how much time you will need to shoot it. Luckily there is an online tutorial that covers both storyboard and scheduling topics.
How to Master Composition
Every experienced filmmaker will tell you to stick to the rule of thirds. The experts might add that you should never cut across the 180-degree line when taking shots. But how does this apply when shooting?
Make sure to take some time to watch the entire tutorial created to help photographers and videographers master camera angles and shot composition.
One of the video production companies with years of experience in this industry is film reediting services. So far, they have helped hundreds of business use animation and videos to extend their reach and attract more customers.
5 Steps to Professional Film Making
The entire process of film making can be divided into 5 logical steps. Feel free to follow them when you are creating your next video.
- Planning
The planning stage should start with a simple question – “How will I turn my filmmaking idea into reality?” To work out your idea, start writing the script. At the same time, work on your storyboards. Once you are done, it will be so much easier to make the shot lists and plan the shooting.
The planning process also includes the gear you will be using and the people that are going to work on your sets.
- Filming
To start the filming stage, you have to know your gear inside and out. To get comfortable with the cameras and lights, feel free to practice before committing to the actual shooting.
If there is no electricity on shooting locations, make sure to bring a lot of batteries. SD memory cards should be in your backpack as well.
If getting to the shooting location was hard, expensive or both, make sure to watch the scenes at the spot again. Look at framing, colors, compositions, and redo shots while you are still there.
- Casting
The actors are very important for the success of your video. Start by deciding which role you want to play and work your way from there. The main actors have to convey the message to the audience convincingly and whatever else is required of them. Simply put, they will have to look the part.
You will also have to hire cinematographer, set designer, and sound and music technician. The cinematographer will take charge of the lighting during the shooting.
A set designer will help create the set according to the script. And a sound and music technician will make sure that dialogue, sound effects, and background music are in line with your expectations.
- Get Your Equipment
The essential pieces of equipment are the camera, sound recording devices, and lighting. The equipment choice depends on what you want to achieve here. If you want to record a movie that looks “homemade”, you don’t have to invest much in gear.
But if you want to shoot a professional-looking video, you will have to get at least a quality DLSR or camera. These are not too pricy. For instance, a decent Sony or Panasonic camcorder will cost you anywhere between $500-$800.
- Editing and Distribution
Finally, we get to editing and distribution. Before you start editing, you should watch the entire footage. This will give you a general idea of what can go out.
You can work on your edit step by step to ensure that you stick to the original script. To cut the work short, you should add sounds, effects, and subtitles as you go.
Editing and post-processing is a tedious job, so enable the autosave option in your video editing software. Be sure to keep backups of both your raw and edited footage.
If you want to promote your new products or refresh your video content strategy, Video Caddy is here for you. They will make sure that you receive the highest quality video that aligns with your business goals and needs.