Progressive Tutorial for the INDY filmaker in you

[Killjoy01]

Well here goes:

As you may or may not know I'm currently in the process of making a full length feature film. Many things have been accomplished so far in this production but there is a great deal more to be done. It's my intention with this thread to detail the phases I'm in and give you some background at least in MY film making process and hopefully answer any questions I can.

I honestly feel that this will be a solid contribution to this particular Forum and hopefully breathe some life into it. Film making either in 3D, 2d, or physical real world all take planning and steps to accomplish. There are flows to work and resources so that you do not get stunted in your progress. I know there are a great deal of talented artists out there and I think the range of talent for this site is incredible so film makers, 3d, 2d artists writers all feel free to take a look at what I'm doing and if so inclined impart some questions, comments, wisdom or what have you.

He we Go:

Pre-Production:

Story - began as an Idea I had rolling around in my head awhile ago (4 years) and finally entered the next phase about 6 months ago.

Script - I HATE THIS PART!! don't get me wrong I love telling stories, I've been told I'm quite good at it however writing a story and writing a script are different animals, Anyone that tells you different is delusional. Think of writing a script like writing a set of instructions. It tells the story but it also gives direction and detail to the different parts of the production crew. Camera movements, Shot and scene composition, it can become quite involved. That's why I have chosen to reduce my script to actors and scenes only, Dialogue and action are the foundation of any script but it's the beginning and end of mine.

Another part of scripting that takes time is your own imagination. when your read your script and then let other TRUSTED individuals read it you realize there's always something to change. you need to know when to say enough is enough. Yes you can over think your story and then it never gets from page to screen.

Story Boards - LIFE SAVERS, this reduces wasted time in production. You have the shots outlined and in a shot list with accompanying visuals. You can get through your shots one to another with little fuss or hassle because the story boards map out the the camera angles light sources and action for your actors.

Saves a lot of time and aggravation when dealing with actors Paid or Unpaid. Unpaid actors will get disgruntled much faster because the wasted time and lack of direction.

PROPS - I have a boat load of props mostly collected over the last few years with this particular story in mind. its changed since it's first envisioning but the core has remained the same

GUNS!!!

So I have quite a few of those, Mainly airsoft M-4 replicas. very cheap single spring action but 1:1 build so they are accurate and convincing. They hold up in far shots action shots and all laid up in a gun rack but once you get right up on it you can see the fakeness. I also have full metal working starter pistols, Berreta and m-85, they look and feel real with a working clip.

Starter pistols are blank guns they only hold blank rounds and they are plugged with a solid metal barrel. The chamber is blocked by the solid ens so that nothing escapes the barrel to the front. Instead they have holes drilled through the top of the barrel that releases the gasses and flame and the empty shell ejects just like a real hand gun.

The shells themselves are like a very suped up cap for a cap gun. They have a solid brass casing and a green plastic cap that holds the powder. there is a primer in the back and it detonates like a real bullet.

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF DOING A FILM THAT USES FIRE ARMS BE RESPONSIBLE THERE ARE RULES AND STIPULATIONS THAT ARE HEAVILY ASSOCIATED WITH THINGS OF THIS NATURE THAT YOU NEED TO ADHERE TO OR YOU COULD FIND YOURSELF IN JAIL OR DEAD. I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT YOU DO AND I WILL NOT TAKE ANY BLAME FOR YOUR LACK OF JUDGMENT IF YOU DECIDE TO BE FOOLISH ABOUT THIS.

Now moving on, oh yes I have an AK-47 (REAL) that I stripped and fitted out with a tactical package, a cetme sporter (British Battle rifle grandfather of the modern MP5) and a 12 gauge shot gun. The real weapons are the last 3 I just named. they are for hero shots only when the camera is right up on the people using them and the weapon needs to hold up against scrutiny.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO LIVE AMMO ON SET.

I have tactical military gear for the two commando squads, one is a paramilitary security force employed by the Company and the other is a DoD operative squad. Then there is one lone mercenary involved that is a keystone character. Her Gear is actually tailored for her but remains functional and easy to out fit.

Gear - Gear includes many things but I'll give you the quick rundown of what I have in my stock:

Camera - Panasonic DVX 100B: AWESOME piece of equipment. Does 24p that's 24 frames progressive. 24 frames per second is what you see at the theater so to be able to film directly in that medium makes the transfer to film that much easier. Theres a lot more that I could get into about the camera but it's a ton of information so I'll leave it to you guys to ask questions about it and I'll answer them.

Crane or Jib - this is a major piece of film equipment it makes your shots so much more dynamic and gives a greater range of motion and freedom to the camera. I built mine for about 50 bucks.

Light Kit - I currently have a 3 point light system (YES much like a lighting setup in 3D space *gasp* ) They are clamp lights that use true color bulbs and they will light up the freaking MOON!!

K not so much but they do get very bright and HOT!! be careful when working with lights. Especially incandescent. I recommend also using a florescent light, they are still bright but no where near as hot. However for some shots only the incandescents will do.


Tripod - pretty self explanatory, you definitely need one though.

Well for the moment this is the sum of my preproduction readiness. I'm still doing some other thing and I will expand on them as I go along so stay tuned.

Coming soon:

CASTING CALL
LOCATION SCOUTING

(NOT IN THAT ORDER)

Thanks for reading all and definitely shoot me some questions