ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

8 years, 9 months ago - Martyn Tott

Hi Ross,

I know exactly where you're coming from. I'm releasing my first feature film 'Hunters Lodge' this weekend online. I don't have any industry contacts and we didn't have a budget either. If you really want to do it though, you can and you will. I shot on full frame DSLRs (Canon 6D) with prime lenses in available light and edited in FCPX. This actually gave it a look that better reflected the spooky location feel and avoided loads of issues with huge hot lighting rigs. (Not always possible I know but it meant we worked much quicker too).

I found casting the right people early on and rehearsing key scenes was very important. That way on location the actors knew each other, they were familiar with the script inside out and we had workshopped any clunky dialogue to improve it, we just had to block it when we were there but the groundwork was ready.

I'd made shorts first, I wouldn't have tried this before making 15/ 30 then 50 minute films as I learned so much (being self-taught) which saved me going bonkers on the feature which is such a different beast with pacing and story arcs etc. In the end I said "I'll make this because I want to do it, I am not going to get rich but I'll have fun and learn loads on the way".

Also finding people who really believe in it enough to do it for the love of film making. We had some actors/crew who said 'I'd like to be in this but please come back when you get a budget'. Fair enough but for the ones who wanted it enough and invested the time I was able to develop their characters in places for their efforts so they got a bigger part; it's a give and take scenario.

Looks like a great location, that was important for us too because it feels like a production rather than borrowing someones front room etc if you don't have any money to play with. Also without funding on a big positive note it means no interference so you make the film you want to make.

It can be done. I wish you the best for this, the rewards outweigh the stress eventually even if you just end up with a film YOU all really love you'll learn loads. No matter how much I read about it, doing it will give you the skills and experience you need.

In truth the marketing/distribution bit is the biggest obstacle. That's where we are at now (I kept my day job!). Remember you're doing it to enjoy it too.

Feel free to message me and I'll try to answer any questions. I hope that helps.

Cheers,

Martyn

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/hunterslodgemovie

8 years, 9 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren

Hi Ross,

I've produced on a number of film and TV projects, among other roles, and the few bits of advice I can give you are below:

Develop the script to be the best it possibly can be.
Schedule and budget the film to death.
Plan as much as you can.
Make it small and achievable.
Don't put all your resources into the biggest camera/resolution you can get.
Don't skimp on Sound Recording on set.
Don't skimp on post.
Don't assume it can be fixed in post (this costs money).
Assume that everything will go wrong, but hope it wont.
Get insurance even to the detriment of expenses to cast and crew (they'll thank you later when something goes wrong).
Be bold.
Only start production when you know you can afford to finish.
Start to build a following for your film (not just through the podcast).
And, as this is your first feature, get an experienced producer to look in from time to time and help with advice on any issues

And good luck.

Oh and did I mention about the script being the best it can be?

Wozy

8 years, 9 months ago - Brendan O'Neill

I would say polish your script with the help of an experienced, reputable script editor or advisor that has worked on real projects i.e. films that have been made. Then try and find a sales agent or distributor that can give you a professional opinion on whether your script once realized into a film would be commercial. (NB I can recommend some folks if you wish)

Otherwise - like so many who just rush in - you'll just be making a home movie. Thats fine if its just your own money or via crowdfunding but not good if you borrow or are given funds by sympathetic family friends or investors IMO who might expect to see a return.

If your intent is just to learn a lot by simply doing and you're not expecting to get distribution then go ahead anyway.

The other thing to think about even at the pre-production stage is what festivals you want to aim the film at if you're taking that route. There are folks such as the Film Doctor that can advise you on this and help avoid the pitfalls.

Good luck with it.

(Well done Martyn for your approach too)

www.twitter.com/Stickleback_Pro

8 years, 9 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Absolutely everything Wozy said. Especially "Only start production when you know you can afford to finish."

If I can add to that list:

Since people are working for free (or even if they are not), DO NOT skimp on food and craft service. This isn't a small thing at all.

Try to get a proper editor. Most directors think they can edit. They really can't. Let them do the first cut without you in the room. You can change it later if you don't like what they've done, but odds are, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Wozy didn't put it this way exactly, but sound is more important than picture. Audience's tend to forgive an image that isn't top notch, but they won't forgive sound that isn't.

If you'll be cutting dialogue and sound efx on your own, please learn how to cut dialogue properly for a mix. Bad tracks are a pet peeve of mine, and I thank you greatly for doing it right. Really, I do.

If the film ends up being good, try to mix it in a proper mixing stage and not in your living room with a pair of headphones.

Since this is a one location film, I'd try to shoot in sequence if at all possible. This will help inexperienced film actors considerably.

Try to keep your shoot days under 12 hours. 10 is even better. Long hours for even one week straight makes the film worse and makes accidents happen.

The very best of luck. Be over prepared! Have fun!

8 years, 9 months ago - Stuart Wright

I host the Britflicks.com weekly podcast ... so holler when you're film is in the can and you can come on and talk about your experiences of making your first feature

8 years, 9 months ago - Andrew Melvin

Ross, I don't have any specific help to offer, but I wanted to wish you every success and congratulate you on a very interesting podcast - it's refreshing to hear somebody reveal their doubts about succeeding (Episode 5). I hope your passion and your excitement over the script pay off.