Pre-Production
Funding - Screenplays - Writing - Filmmaking Links - Ideas - Storyboarding
Production
Cinematography - Acting - Lighting - Sound - Crew
Post Production
Distribution - Editing - Festivals - Online Screening
Forum
Articles - Projects - Profiles
Background
Books - Films - History of Film - History & Genres - News & Reviews - Glossary - Short Film Competitions
Animation
Photography
Home
- A shot list is near essential on set. You need something to help you keep your head during the stress of the shoot, and the shot list is a simple sheet of paper or so that tells you what you need to do. The screenplay is only the basis for the storyboard and shot list, and the storyboard is too bulky, while the shot list is small, compact and easy to refer to. Keep a copy of the screenplay and the storyboard (if you’ve done one) handy for when you forget dialogue and what kind of shot you’ve planned. The shot list will also help you to plan the schedule for the shoot. You can break down the script into which shots need to take place where, who and what you’ll need for each shot, and will enable you to arrange things to make the best use of the limited time that you have. Planning when each shot will be done will mean you’re not desperately trying to think what to do next during the chaos of the shoot.
- See storyboard.
- Try to get as many experienced crew members as possible. Enthusiastic film students will be prepared to do almost anything, but as always, don’t take advantage of people (not too much of an advantage, anyway). Put those with skills and experience at the head of the departments. An experienced, talented producer and cinematographer will be a godsend, and will extract you from a lot of sticky situations.
- Plan things well in advance. Deciding when to shoot several months in advance will give you plenty of time to get things sorted. Deciding when to shoot well in beforehand will also allow you to say to people “this is when we’re shooting, are you available?”, rather than, “we’re going to shoot sometime, can you leave some space and I’ll get back to you”.
- Try and avoid using your friends in the cast. There are plenty of theatre groups, drama students and out of work actors around who would be delighted to work for you, even if you can only pay their expenses.
Feedback and Submissions screaming_reels@yahoo.co.uk
Remember to add the site to your favourites.
A Short History of Film
Pt. 1: Silent Cinema 1895-1927
Pt. 2: Studio System 1927-1945
Pt. 3: Post-War 1945-1959
Pt. 4: New Waves 1959-1975
Pt. 5: Blockbusters 1975-2002
