1-day bootcamp: first-time filmmakers intensive workshop
TRANSCRIPT
Just Do It
It’s a lot of work — but a ton of fun.
It’s the start of a journey — not the end of just one.
It’s easier than you think — when you have the right team.
Your Filmmaking Role
Pick two at most…
Screenwriter Director Producer
Too many hats will ruin your experience and, most likely, the film project. Director and producer are important full-time roles.
Respect Your Crew & Cast Be prepared.
Be on time.
Make informed decisions.
Compensate them.
Particularly if everyone’s a volunteer, make sure you feed and treat them well.
Development: Story
Plot points
Strong characters
Build-up
Climax
Think visually
Development: Screenplay Script coverage (check your ego)
Production limits
Prioritize
Copyrights
Development: Screenplay Acts
Segments
Scenes
Shots
Takes
Pre-Production: Shooting Plan Envision the whole film.
List the shots.
Don’t overlook transitions.
Storyboard everything (even if it’s only with stick figures).
Pre-Production: Shot TypesWork with storyboard to plan out…
1.Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)
2.Very Wide Shot (VWS)
3.Wide Shot (WS)
4.Mid Shot (MS)
5.Medium Close-Up (MCU)
6.Close-Up (CU)
7.Extreme Close-Up (ECU)
Pre-Production: Shot TypesDevelop production script with needed or desired shots…
1.Cut-In
2.Cut-Away (CA)
3.Two-Shot
4.Over the Shoulder Shot (OSS)
5.Noddy Shot
6.Point of View Shot (POV)
7.Weather / Panorama
Pre-Production: Shot Types
EWSEstablishing Shot
VWSSubject Barely Visible
Pre-Production: Shot Types
WSFull subject
MSPartial view implies whole
Pre-Production: Shot Types
MCUIntermediate CU
CUHighlight a major portion
Pre-Production: Shot Types
ECUExtreme detail
Cut-InAlternative part of subject
Pre-Production: Shot Types
CutawayNon-subject
Two-ShotMid-shot framing
Framing: Rule of Thirds
Avoid centering the shot—unless you have a reason.
Framing: Empty Spaces
Leading RoomSpace to move.
Looking Room.Stare into the space.
[Limit Headroom]
No Reverse Shots?
180° Rule
Break with caution
Pre-Production: Camera Moves
Work with your cinematographer to plan out camera movements:
1.Pan
2.Tilt
3.Tracking Shot
4.Following
5.Zoom
Pre-Production: Scheduling
Take into account…
Time between shots – to give direction, move the camera, rechecking lighting, etc.
Time between scenes – to set up the new scene, set lighting, prep actors, etc.
Time between locations – to move everything and everyone, set up new scene, set lighting, etc.
Pre-Production: Scheduling
Scheduling rules of thumb:
Maximum two (2) locations per day
Site change: 20-30 minutes to pack/unpack
Scene set-up: 30-45 minutes
Shot change: 10-15 minutes
Pre-Production: Budget
Craft/Catering – ~$25/person per day
Permits & Insurance
Equipment
Supplies
Core Crew Members
Pre-Production: Budget
Sample 1 (2-day shoot)
Catering - $600 Cinematography - $400 Lights - $300 Sound - $400 Make-up - $200 Miscellaneous - $250
Pre-Production: Budget
Sample 2 (Scorpion & Frog)
Catering - $250 Cinematography - $0 Lights - $0 Sound - $150 Make-up - $75 Supplies - $100
Pre-Production: Cast
Bad casting has ruined millions of films!
Save and effective audition space
Casting call
Audition management
Casting director
SAG requirements
Pre-Production: Crew
Producer
Director
Assistant Director
Casting Director
Location Agent/Manager
Director of Photography (DP)
Art Director
Pre-Production: Crew
DP and Camera Assist
Location Sound Mixer & Boom Operator
Gaffer & Grip
Script Supervisor
Production Manager & Assistants
Make-up Artist
Lighting: 3-Point Lighting
Pre-Production: Location
The Power of the Cheat
Permit requirements
Sound problems
Power needs
Cast and crew needs
Pre-Production: Preparations
Shooting script
Lock down locations
Rehearsals
Production meetings
Scheduling
Pre-Production: Tools
Celtx.com
Google Docs
Contracts & Forms
Checklist
Pre-Production: Contracts
Crew deal memo
Talent release
Screenplay release
Location release
SAG forms
Production: Countdown
Food and supplies
Confirm crew, cast and locations
Transportation
Resist unnecessary changes
Get some sleep
Production: Supply Tips
First-aid kit
Batteries
Tapes (masking, duct, miniDV)
Extension cables
Gloves
Gels and scrims
Production: Team Effort
Let specialists do their work
Focus on your job
Enable crew and cast to do their best
Post-Production: Crew
Film Editor
Film Scoring
Sound Editor
Special Effects
Post-Production: Distribution DVD copies
Film festivals – withoutabox.com
YouTube
Move on
Remember: Just Do It
It’s a lot of work — but a ton of fun.
It’s the start of a journey — not the end of just one.
It’s easier than you think — when you have the right team.
