Most Common Mistakes New Filmmakers Make
While a film school in Ohio can give you instructions on what to do in a film and video production program, there are some mistakes that budding filmmakers will commit that might not be mentioned in the syllabus. You can avoid these mistakes by being on the lookout for them.
Story and Characters
Making a film is an exercise in storytelling. Even if it’s an impromptu film about kids feeding ducks, there has to be a story conveyed. Before you start shooting, make sure you’ve got a good, solid script.
The characters that are on screen need to be people your audience can relate to, positively or negatively. Even if you’re making a low-budget monster movie with a guy in a monster suit smashing model towns, that monster has to evoke some feeling from the audience. It’s a cliché, but your actors really do need to know their characters’ motivations.
Music and Noise
A musical score can make or break a video production, long or short. Think about all the iconic musical pieces that have come from films in the last 50 years. Do what you can to get some music in there. Sometimes it’s not necessary, as silence can also speak volumes, but there’s no doubting that music can help heighten the feelings of the visual images onscreen.
In the same vein, having good sound is an important piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked. From actors saying their lines clearly to things like blenders running or car doors shutting, the right sound work takes your film to another level.
Lights and Colors
Lighting is probably one of the trickiest things to work with when it comes to making a film. But that same trickiness can be used to your advantage. Make sure there are light sources in your shots and aim them correctly. And play around with light; make notes on how it bounces around a room or off buildings.
By the same token, make notes about how colors behave under different lights. The costume you thought looked great to the naked eye might look very different with direct or reflected light, and any flaws you thought couldn’t be seen might stand out.
Commitment
Ultimately, it all comes down to somebody writing the script, getting actors to learn lines and carrying through from the first shot to the final cut. If you don’t have that hunger, that drive to see it through to the end, you will never have anything more than boring stories about how you could have been a great filmmaker.
Be On Air Media Schools
While they can’t provide the drive, Media Schools can put you through their film and video production program to give you the skills. Check out our website and talk to an advisor today to learn more.