These questions were sent in by a filmmaking student in Malaysia by the name of Samhaan Hameed, doing a project on indie cinematic technique. Before answering these questions, I'd like to point out that to whatever extent films have a common language, all films speak that language - independent or no. Filmmakers rely on the same basic principles that have supported fine art and performance art for centuries. If you understand blocking, if you understand visual design, and if you know the mechanics of drama and storytelling, you've got a rich vocabulary for film.
Do I need a good story to make a good film?
Any element that goes into your movie should be developed thoroughly and well. Because your screenplay is one of the hardest parts of the story to develop, and because it's the first crucial piece of foundation, you've really got to make sure it's the best script you've ever read.
Otherwise, you've failed your team before you've even started. Each member of the cast and production team is looking to you for the support they need to make a fantastic film. If you can't give them a fantastic script, everything that comes after is already ten times harder than it needs to be. Why would anyone bother to work on a project like that?
Forget good. Make it great.
Is there any inexpensive ways to minimize camera shake in a moving shot?
Basically, the ways I know how to move a camera are by hand, by dolly, by crane, and by steadicam. If you can get some of these tools on the cheap, that's great.
What I wouldn't recommend is trying to cheat or jury-rig something. If you don't have the right tools to get the shot you want, it's an opportunity to find a different shot that works better in the film. Play to your strengths, instead of trying to hide your weaknesses.
What are possible ways for setting up a certain mood of a scene using color?
Color theory is part of your design training, and whole textbooks have been written about it. One of the most basic principles is "warm vs. cool". As colors become more red, they become more inviting. As they become more blue, they become chillier and more foreboding. If you're looking to be overt, you can use these colors in the set dressings and the costumes. For subtler effects, you can use them in the lighting.
Is lighting/reflectors necessary for an outdoor scene?
Only if you want to get a clean shot. I recommend having some bounce boards handy, at the very least.
What are some tips that you can give to make digital video look more professional?
Hire a fantastic director of photography. Nine-tenths of a director's job is casting, and that's as true for the production team as it is for the actors.
What is different and imaginative to the viewers now?
Every audience member is different. Nobody knows what the next Star Wars or independent hit will be. If you want to surprise viewers with something new, you've got to take responsibility for finding it on your own. When you have the right mixture of familiarity and originality to both find an audience and shake things up, that's what they call your "vision". You're the expert, and putting that vision on film is your problem. Nobody else wants to take the risk that you're wrong, and why should they? That's why I like working independently. He who takes the risks, takes the rewards.
If your visions work out time and again, studios will start wanting to hire you. At least until you're wrong. If you make the most of the risks you're taking prior to the moment the studios notice you, you'll never need the them.
Why do you think Hollywood loves remakes and adaptations so much? Nobody knows what the audience will find refreshing, exciting, and new. What they find comforting, however, is pretty plain to see.
What are some tips you that can give for making a travel related short film?
I don't know the first thing about making documentaries, other than the importance of having a great story. That's where it all starts.
If you'd like to ask questions to anyone on my team, like my director of photography Johnny Derango, come on over to http://www.8sidedforum.com/. We all have profiles there, and at least one of us addresses everything that comes up in the forum. Besides, we'd love to get to know you!
Thanks to Samhaan Hameed for being the first person to submit questions to ask@8sidedfilms.com!
0 comments:
Post a Comment