Writing your script
Check out these links with helpful writing tips:
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Script
http://www.filmmaking.com/howtowrite.html
http://www.aaronshep.com/youngauthor/elements.html
Once you have your script mastered, you should start to think about how you will film it. There are several different Production Styles to choose from that will influence your final picture.
Documentary: Real-life events. Like reality TV. Can be news-like in nature.
- Concept
- Outline
- Plan
- Shoot
- Edit and script
Television Style: Shot from several angles, sometimes using multiple cameras.
- Concept
- Planning
- Scouting Location
- Setup
- Shooting
- Editing
Feature Style: All scenes are staged. Opposite of documentary style.
- Concept
- Script
- Plan
- Shoot
- Edit
Experimental Style: Anything that falls outside of the defined styles.
from Microsoft Windows Movie Maker Handbook.
Here are some more things to think about....
from Microsoft Windows Movie Maker Handbook by Bill Birney, Matt Lichtenberg, and Seth McEvoy.
If you need some inspiration, take a look at this great resource on films.
Check out this 10 Minute Film School site!
Advance Planning Checklist:
- Make a checklist of shots you will need for your film.
- Check out your shooting location in advance.
- Make sure you have permission to shoot the locations and people that will appear in your film.
- Decide what time of day you will want to shoot. Lighting can vary greatly from morning to afternoon.
- Make sure you have more than enough tapes, batteries, etc. to film your scenes.
- What will your cast wear? Avoid thin stripes and bright reds and blues.
from Digitial Video for Dummies by Keith Underdahl.
