With the cost of cameras and editing software reduced in recent years it has become a lot easier for student filmmakers to create their own work. However it is not just the technology that is important when creating films. Being aware of the language of film and knowing the practical aspects of filmmaking will make it easier when it comes to doing your work.
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.
Admittedly the downside of this ease of access is that there is more films and video out there. With video upload websites there are a lot for people to watch. This is why the fundamentals of learning how to shoot a film and how to edit it properly become more important than ever in order to stand out from the crowd.
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.
While watching a film hundreds of times may not be necessary it is still a good idea to watch with a critical eye. Think about why a scene is effective. As well as lighting, camera work and other practical elements look at the actors and how expressive they are. In some cases a look or a gesture can be as effective as pages of dialogue.
This is why making a short film is often a good first step for students wanting to learn. It gives you the chance to experiment and develop a style. Inevitably at first people tend to base their style on their favourite filmmakers before gradually learning their own individual work.
When working on your own pieces you need to be thorough. People often make the mistake of working quickly rather than effectively. Plan your shots as much as possible and get as much coverage as possible. It is better to have too much material that you have to edit down than find you did not shoot enough and that reshoots are necessary.
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.
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.
Admittedly the downside of this ease of access is that there is more films and video out there. With video upload websites there are a lot for people to watch. This is why the fundamentals of learning how to shoot a film and how to edit it properly become more important than ever in order to stand out from the crowd.
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.
While watching a film hundreds of times may not be necessary it is still a good idea to watch with a critical eye. Think about why a scene is effective. As well as lighting, camera work and other practical elements look at the actors and how expressive they are. In some cases a look or a gesture can be as effective as pages of dialogue.
This is why making a short film is often a good first step for students wanting to learn. It gives you the chance to experiment and develop a style. Inevitably at first people tend to base their style on their favourite filmmakers before gradually learning their own individual work.
When working on your own pieces you need to be thorough. People often make the mistake of working quickly rather than effectively. Plan your shots as much as possible and get as much coverage as possible. It is better to have too much material that you have to edit down than find you did not shoot enough and that reshoots are necessary.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment