- When starting the movie making process for the first time, it’s important to consider the following things: Project ideas, crews, filming locations, budgets, and whether or not to hire a team of post production experts.
- One of the most important parts of what to do when making your first movie is the post production portion of the process.
- Choose an experienced Movie studio and post production team, like Boiling Point, to produce your first movie.
So, you have a story burning inside you, an idea begging to be translated from thoughts to the silver screen. But where do you even begin? Making your first movie can seem like a daunting task, but fear not aspiring filmmakers! This guide will walk you through the phases of moviemaking, offering insightful tips and tricks to help you navigate the journey from concept to finished product.
The Filmmaking Process
There is a lot that goes into filmmaking. Below are some of the most important parts to making a film. We also include tips from our very own movie making experiences!
1. Have an Idea
Before you ever pick up a camera, the groundwork needs to be laid. This is where planning is paramount. Every movie that has ever been created started with a single idea. As the project progresses, this idea expands and builds into a movie. With that being said, the first thing to do when making your first movie is to think about the kind of story you’re wanting to tell. Build on your idea to have a solid foundation of characters, plot, conflicts, etc.
2. Write the Script
The next step is to turn your idea into a captivating screenplay. Yes, we get that this is easier said than done. Consider hiring a screenwriter or taking screenwriting courses to hone your craft. Remember, your script is your blueprint, so invest time and effort in getting it right. The script is where you get your thoughts, dialogues, etc. onto paper. This is an important tool that will be used by you and the rest of your team to know what’s happening within the film. With your script ready, next it’s time to create storyboards. Storyboards are sequences of drawings that represent the shots you want to create. This is a critical part of the filmmaking process because the imagery really starts to develop here. It allows you and your team to visualize each scene. It also is a great way to determine things like camera angles & shot sizes.
3. Plan a Budget
Be honest about your limitations. Do extensive research to understand the costs involved and adjust your script to fit your budget. Don’t try to make a $200 million movie on a $50,000 budget – it’s a recipe for disappointment. Think outside the box. Leverage personal connections, utilize free locations, and explore cost-effective alternatives for equipment and props. Every resource counts when making your first movie.
4. Assemble Your Crew
Creating your team is just as important, if not more important, than your storyboard. Gathering a team of passionate individuals who share your vision will make the work smooth and easy. Cinematographers, costume designers, and set designers – each person plays a crucial role in bringing your film to life. Look for talented people who are willing to collaborate and invest in the project. You should hold auditions to ensure you find the right actor and actresses for your movie. For crew members, consider their past experience, their portfolios, and how they can best help in the filming process.
5. Determine Locations
You might already have an idea of the location you’d like to film. However, if you don’t, you’ll need to do some scouting. Of course, filming in person or with a greenscreen are oftentimes the first methods of filming you might think of. You might also consider renting an LED Volume Wall studio where you can create realistic virtual environments, have access to dynamic lighting integrations, weather control, and more. Learn more about the LED Volume Wall at Boiling Point, here.
6. Time to Film
So by this point you should have your script ready, a storyboard in place, a crew, and location(s) to film at. With your plan in place, it’s time to roll the cameras! Make sure to schedule plenty of time for each shoot. It’s important to be ready for the unexpected like any changes or problems. Yep, it’s typical for a 5 minute scene to take about 5 hours to film. Also, if time allows, make sure to film the same scenes from different angles. That way you’ll have more film to work with in creating your vision.
7. Post Production
Once the filming is done, now comes the REAL work of creating a cohesive story. The magic of post production happens in the editing room. During the post production process, your raw footage transforms into a cohesive story. During post production, be prepared to let go of your initial vision. The editing process is about discovering the best version of your film, even if it means deviating from the script. This is the time to experiment with your footage, try different cuts, scene orders, and pacing. Don’t be afraid to play with edits and find what works best for your story.
Once you’re done with the rough cut, now it’s time to edit the sound effects, music, visual effects, color corrections, and more. This will require certain editing softwares and skills. If you’re not confident or comfortable with this part of the post production process, it might be best if you hire an experienced team. Boiling Point is an all-encompassing film company situated in Oklahoma City, offering comprehensive assistance across all facets of film production. Our services span concept development, production management, directing, writing, equipment provision, crewing, and post-production tasks such as film editing, coloring, match moving, lighting, animation, VFX, and additional support. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and extensive production expertise, we ensure flawless execution of every project.
8. Promote Your Masterpiece
The last and final step of what to do when making your first movie, is to promote your masterpiece! Don’t let your film gather dust. Create a trailer, design a captivating poster, and submit your work to film festivals. Distribution agents can also help get your film seen by a wider audience.
Tips From Boiling Point Film Studio
Boiling Point, a budding film production and visual effects studio nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City. We serve as the premier hub for cutting-edge filmmaking and the forefront of film technology including virtual production. Below we have some tips that we’ve learned from personal experience.
- Keep a notepad on hand, or something to write down your spontaneous ideas! It’s always a good idea to be prepared with ideas, magazine articles, snippets of overheard conversations, notes on people you see in the streets. This journal will help get your creative juices running, possibly giving you the start of your movie!
- Don’t be afraid to make changes to your script. More often than not, better ideas will come along after you’ve already decided on your project. Be open to suggestions and additions from your team and even the actors. Others may be able to better imagine a character’s point of view.
- Storyboards don’t HAVE to be drawn! If you’re a terrible drawer, then there are other ways to create your storyboard, like taking a picture. Sometimes, taking pictures for your storyboard turns out better because you’re able to see what shots are possible and what looks good in real life compared to what you had imagined.
- Don’t feel obligated to hire friends or family for your project. Remember that this is YOUR film, which means choosing the right people for the job.
- Always take into consideration your crew members when looking at different spaces and film locations. You don’t want your cast and crew to feel cramped with lights and cameras right in their faces.
- Embrace improvisation! Things don’t always go according to plan. Remain flexible and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Remember, even Hollywood blockbusters face challenges on set.
- Lean on your team! You can’t do it all alone. Delegate tasks, trust your crew, and create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their expertise.
- When faced with budgetary constraints, prioritize shots that are essential for storytelling and engage your audience. Remember, you’re creating a film for them, not just yourself.
- Have multiple people review your work! It’s always better to catch errors and change things around at the beginning of the post production process.
Film Your Next Movie at Boiling Point
Making your first movie is an exhilarating journey, filled with challenges and rewards. However, it can also be a scary task to attack if you’re new to the process. If you’re on the hunt for post production services, a film studio, an LED Volume Wall, or other factors that go into the movie making process, look no further than Boiling Point.
The filmmakers at Boiling Point have extensively studied and completed post production services on numerous film projects. Depending on the goals of the film and of different scenes, our film production team will use AR, VR, XR, or MR to create the visual experience desired by the film director. Between your great ideas and our LED volume wall, we can bring your film to life. Check out our website to learn more about the films we have produced as well as our filmmaking capabilities. If you are looking to produce a film, need VFX, or just need post production work, give Boiling Point a call and bring your film to its boiling point.
Contact Boiling Point
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info@boilingpointmedia.com