Filmmaking For Dummies

The responsibilities of a filmmaking team can be compared to those of the host of people needed to pull off a fine-dining experience from the director/chef to the production assistants/servers. As a filmmaker, you have to be organized enough to know what you need to have in order before you start filming and what to bring to a location shoot. And, if you can get high production values in your film for not a lot of money, you'll be all the more successful.






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The Roles in a Filmmaking Production Team


Making a film requires the talents and abilities of a production team. To understand the roles of a film production team, you can compare the positions of each crew member to the people needed to prepare a fine meal. The following chart lists the common positions found on a typical film production team and explains their responsibilities.

















































































PositionResponsibilityPositionResponsibility
WriterWrites the list of ingredientsBoom operatorGets the microphone in close to hear all the crunches and lip
smacking
Executive producerPays for the cost of the dinnerGafferLights the food to look good (sets the mood with a candlelit
dinner)
Line producerFinds where to get the best dealsGripsHelp with the utensils for eating the meal
ProducerPurchases the groceries, helps choose the brandsProduction assistantsAct as waiters and busboys
Casting directorChooses the food that's ripe for the pickingMake-up personBrushes on healthy colors to prepare the food to look
appetizing
Location scoutLocates the dinner locationWardrobe personDresses the food to look tasty
TransportationTransports the guests to the tableProduction designerEnhances the setting and decorates it for dinner
DirectorTakes all the ingredients and cooks them into a great mealProp masterSupplies the appropriate tableware, including plates and
glasses
Assistant directorAssists the chefStunt coordinatorRigs the exploding champagne bottles and smashing of
silverware
Script supervisorMakes sure the chef follows the recipeEditorServes the meal in continuity (appetizer first, entrée
next, dessert at the end)
Director of photography (cinematographer)Makes the food look really goodComposerCreates the right music atmosphere for enjoying the meal
Sound mixerRecords all the crunches and lip smackingPost-production supervisorCleans up the mess




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A Filmmaker's Pre-Shooting Checklist


A pre-shooting checklist is a must for any filmmaker. Using a checklist helps you to prepare certain things before even setting foot on your set. Increase your chances of having a successful shoot by using this checklist:



  • Make sure the money's in the bank (is your investor for real?).



  • Hire a great cook or caterer.



  • Buy insurance (for crew, equipment, and locations).



  • Book a professional still photographer for film stills (needed for advertising and posters when you set up distribution).



  • Secure location permits if necessary (so the police don't bust you).



  • Make sure all contracts are signed with cast, crew, and location owners, and get releases from everyone on camera — especially background people.







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How to Enhance the Production Value of Your Film


Making a film that looks and sounds professional with high production values is an art and a science. As a budget-conscious filmmaker, you can enhance the production value of your film by using the tips in the following list to stretch your budget to cover the essentials and arrange some of the extras for little to no cost:



  • Barter for things you can't afford to pay for. “Give me this, and I'll give you a credit or show your product or location in my film!”



  • Use big locations. Expansive looks expensive.



  • Use large crowds to make your film look like a bigger production. Instead of only 3 people standing in line, have 100! (use free volunteers)



  • Move the camera.



  • Get in a high shot or two. Shooting from an apartment balcony works great.



  • Use an aerial shot to open up your film. If you can't afford to rent a helicopter, license stock footage to use in your film.



  • Make sure you get believable performances from your actors.



  • Get a crisp, clear recording of your actors' dialogue.



  • Get professional music. A great composer can do wonders on your music score.



  • Hire a cinematographer with a good eye. A good cinematographer can make your movie look impressive — what you see is what you get.







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Items to Bring to a Film Shoot Location


Shooting a film on location keeps your filmmaking interesting, but it can also make your nerves frazzled. Before you head out on location, make sure you have everything you need — the items in the following list are crucial:































Map to the locationMasking tape, duct tape, rope
CameraTripod
Sound recorderActors' wardrobe
MicrophonesFilm, videostock, memory cards or hard drives (depending on
what format you're shooting with)
Extra batteriesStoryboards and the shot list
LightsCopy of the script
Extension cords




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