Basic Tips For Student Filmmakers

By Eliza Mendoza


People who study film are usually passionate about it. They want to know about the process, both in theory and in practise. However when it comes to breaking into the film industry passion is not enough. With a few simple tips it is possible for student filmmakers to build up experience and to give themselves the best chance of making it in the film industry.

The good thing is that the tools needed to make films are now much less expensive and far more accessible than in recent years. Whereas people would previously have to buy a lot of expensive film and rent unwieldy video cameras nowadays people can use relatively cheap cameras and shoot digitally. Furthermore it is a lot easier to view and watch footage so you can avoid wasting time reshooting scenes that do not need to be reshot.

However with a bit of inventiveness and budgeting you would be surprised what you are capable of on a limited budget. How you get that budget depends on what is available in your local area. A good example of entrepreneurial inventiveness in this respect is the director Robert Rodriguez.

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.

Another good way to develop as a student filmmaker is to look beyond your course. Going on work experience at film magazines, doing extra work or being a runner on a set can allow you to get more of an idea of how the business works. Furthermore it is often an effective way of making connections that can often be useful for later projects.

It should be stated that not all students long to be Tarantino. Equally there are some who simply wish to work in film. The crucial thing for students in this case is to find extra work, runner work and anything else that allows them to develop experience.

While the theory is important practise is vital too. As well as making your own work during a course it helps to get work experience as well. Whether it is other student productions or a professional film set you can learn more about the craft of making a film. Furthermore it is a good way to establish connections that are often useful when it comes to making your own productions.

In simple terms being student filmmakers does not begin and end with the course you work on. It is worth looking online to find various accredited local courses as well as more information about who runs them and how much is theory and practise. This will allow you to find the ideal school to help you develop your skills and prepare you when it comes to creating your own masterpieces.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment