Tips to Remember in Movie Production Planning & Finding the Talent
Professionals do not content themselves with making plans. They implement them and follow through on them.
Writing the script is not exactly planning. However, the resulting script forms the basis for all decisions that have to be made to prep up production. Having no script will prevent you from costing the program, designing its look, determining the crew and equipment needed, listing the locations or sets, budgeting the production or setting a schedule. Only a true script can provide the means to plan as opposed to an outline no matter how long it is. Non-fiction programs typically use a two-column (audio and video) formatted script to include complete narration and essential audio as well as the visuals.
Contrary to popular belief that special effects belong in post production, the most convincing effects are fully planned in pre-production so that every detail can be seamlessly integrated by implementing the plan. That is why it is important to develop these special effects before you start scouting for locations and budgeting props. Compositing and computer graphics can only do so much without the right foundation.
Budgeting and scheduling come together. Whereas scheduling brings the right cast members, crews and equipment to the right location at the designated time, budgeting is equally crucial no matter if the people are paid by the hour, day or simply donating their time. Good planning allows for considerable savings as being able to shoot all scenes that require the use of a prop that costs $200 a day back-to-back so that it can be returned as soon as possible.
A contingency plan should always exist. This is about being able to shoot something else if certain problems are encountered such as inclement weather or absence of an actor. Good production planners budget the show on an itemized scale. Very few people have the luxury of having unlimited funds and even if you do have such funds, it is not wise at all to be spending it on unnecessary things.
Through experience, you will find out soon enough that not everything happens exactly the way we want it to. That is why it is very important to pay attention to other details that might lead to some unwanted effects on the finished product and the budget. Mistakes mean lose of money. Always check your subjec background, foreground, balance, tension and consistency. The color composition is a major part of many motion pictures and it is a bad idea to neglect to put it to good and maximum use.
The size of the project and the budget determines the type and source of talent. Another consideration would be the demands that are to be placed on the talent in terms of acting ability, memorization of lines and other artistic needs. There are about 5 major pools of talent from which to get one from. These are family and friends, members of the organization for which the project is being done, professional in the fields being portrayed, theatre and media students from local schools and theatre groups and professional actors and voice talents.
Friends and family is the cheapest and most convenient option but not necessarily the easiest group to work with. The use of members of the organization for which the project is being produced can be rewarding, successful and easy on the pocket. Extreme care should be taken when selecting the talent as he /she should be one who can accept direction and occasional criticism. Casting real people engaged in the profession supposedly played by the character is always a good option. They can probably provide real characterization to the role instead of training an actor to do the work.
Community theatre groups, high school and college theatre groups are usually willing to work on projects at a lesser cost, a copy of the finished product or even for gas money. A thing to remember about theatre students is that they tend to project their voices and gestures to an audience that is far away. Adjustments may have to be made to adapt to the intimacy of the video screen.
Professional talents are paid to do the work they do. Thus, there is an often an implication that they are more experienced and more talented. However, there are some that actually do not even have the experience of local theatre members but are nevertheless considered professional talents by virtue of their membership to an Actors Guild. You can take the time to check their performance credentials just to be sure.
Casting can be a very tedious process especially if you do not go in prepared with an idea of what you want. There are times that you may need to give in to certain compromises if what was originally desired cannot possibly be had under certain circumstances. Hiring a good voice talent is just as important as the on-camera talent. The voices used in the film can make or break your production.
While youre at it, why not do some camera exercises to help make your work more professional looking. The key lies in practice. Running a camcorder is a tricky balancing act that demands a wide range of skills both physically and mentally. The first thing to practice is how to have the camera rolling in time for the big moment. The next is to simulate a classic trouble situation by running an obstacle course just to see how steady your grip remains. Finally, get some practice with manual focusing for advanced variations.
Simon Dumville
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/tips-to-remember-in-movie-production-planning-finding-the-talent-83805.html
Fireworks: Viral Video Film School
Brett Erlich’s guided tour of the most ridiculous 4th of July videos on the web.
Watch More infoMania on Current TV,
Thursdays 10/9c
http://current.com/shows/infomania/viral-video-film-school/
VIEW more Viral Video film school & SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel here…
http://www.youtube.com/user/ViralVideoFilmSchool
Duration : 0:3:29
What sort of video streaming would a school of around 400 people need for assembly?
Preferably we would get all 8 year levels into a classroom each with a smartboard and a computer and also internet access. We need some sort of video streaming software to film from one source where the assembly would be taking place. As the school expands as we are a growing school we would need to stream the video to more than 8 places. We need software which would be fast and not lag and also have good audio quality.
If anyone has any idea what kind of programs could meet these needs could they please post them here,
Thank you
Windows expression encoder is a simple system that I have used before. I would would work with my IT people for the IP address setup and the AV department to work out the video ingest setup. The video can be live ingested into the computer via Fire Wire/ 1394 or USB 2.0. There are several easy click and do buttons to select the quality of stream. You can also secure the stream form out side sources. The lag time is about 45 seconds. And all it takes is a computer with Window Media Player to be able to watch the video. You should be able to stream to 10 different locations without a problem.
I would test the system to fine tune the settings. I am also assuming that you have a LAN system in your school.
Windows Expression Encoder is a free program. You can get it here.
http://www.microsoft.com/expression/products/EncoderStandard_Overview.aspx
Film School (Getting My Foot In the Door)?
First a brief history about me:
I’m in a training program that my father got me into a few years ago that would pay for my schooling so i can become and Engineer. I decided that I didn’t care for that field after taking the basic courses in college and working with other Engineers at the office. I know that my father would really be disappointed when I drop out (which I plan to do) but I need to do it. At first my grades were pretty good (A’s and a couple B’s) but after a couple years of it I started to slack off and got B’s, C’s and a D or two.
What’s Going on Now:
I decided that since I love story telling and had a wonderful time making videos as a kid that perhaps the film business would work for me. I love creating stories (mainly fantasy dealing with Norse Mythology) so perhaps screenwriting would work. But I decided I wanted to continue school but for a different degree, something that would help get me in the business. Ultimately I’d love to write my own work and direct it but I know how far off and difficult that could be.
My Question:
I still have the record of my bad grades from school, should I stick with my trainee position for a little longer and retake those classes to raise up my grades? Or should I try enrolling in one of the Film Art Schools? I don’t think I could be accepted in one of the better schools due to me grades. Also what schools should I consider? Since I want to get into directing and screenwriting what degree should I go for? I really don’t know how or where to start. Anyone with any real knowledge of how all of this works please help me out.
There are two schools here that deal with Film, one is the Portland Art Institute and the other is the Northwest Film Center School. The NW Film Center offers one course per quarter for near $1000 a course. Portland Art Institute of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Film and Video but for the whole degree it could cost about $85,000 total. That’s quite a bit of money for me, even if I got for a student loan. I dunno what to do and really could use the help.
There are lots of people in film who have degrees that are in no way linked to what they do. Most are below the line. Art Department, Construction, Props, etc.
You however want to be above the line as a Writer / Director. It’s pretty tough being one or the other it is doubly tough being both and doing it well. If you’re serious, you’ll cut the ties that bind and go for USC, UCLA or NYU. Not that those three are the best, they’re the ones that people know and they’re the ones that will get you the contacts and connections you need to succeed.
Personally, I’d say tough it out as an Engineer. Because if this was what you wanted to do (and I mean really wanted it), you’d have bitten the bullet, signed off on Daddy’s pride and done it anyway.
There’s no school to teach you how to write. Oh they can teach you the structure and the form but actually teaching you how to make it matter? That’s either in you or it isn’t.
Even here, you’re asking others to guide you to an answer, rather than researching it yourself. If you want an easy life with clear cut goals and levels to reach… Go for the engineering. Roads need to be built and stuff needs to be designed. If you want a future fraught with uncertainty, high stress, lack of acknowledgement and people trying to screw you over at every turn. Then by all means, a career in entertainment is for you.
Film School (Getting my foot in the door)?
First a brief history about me:
I’m in a training program that my father got me into a few years ago that would pay for my schooling so i can become and Engineer. I decided that I didn’t care for that field after taking the basic courses in college and working with other Engineers at the office. I know that my father would really be disappointed when I drop out (which I plan to do) but I need to do it. At first my grades were pretty good (A’s and a couple B’s) but after a couple years of it I started to slack off and got B’s, C’s and a D or two.
What’s Going on Now:
I decided that since I love story telling and had a wonderful time making videos as a kid that perhaps the film business would work for me. I love creating stories (mainly fantasy dealing with Norse Mythology) so perhaps screenwriting would work. But I decided I wanted to continue school but for a different degree, something that would help get me in the business. Ultimately I’d love to write my own work and direct it but I know how far off and difficult that could be.
My Question:
I still have the record of my bad grades from school, should I stick with my trainee position for a little longer and retake those classes to raise up my grades? Or should I try enrolling in one of the Film Art Schools? I don’t think I could be accepted in one of the better schools due to me grades. Also what schools should I consider? Since I want to get into directing and screenwriting what degree should I go for? I really don’t know how or where to start. Anyone with any real knowledge of how all of this works please help me out.
There are two schools here that deal with Film, one is the Portland Art Institute and the other is the Northwest Film Center School. The NW Film Center offers one course per quarter for near $1000 a course. Portland Art Institute of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Film and Video but for the whole degree it could cost about $85,000 total. That’s quite a bit of money for me, even if I got for a student loan. I dunno what to do and really could use the help.
Only three film schools are worthwhile: USC, UCLA, and NYU. Still getting accepted to anyone of these prestigious schools doesn’t guaranteed you’ll find a job once you have your diploma. Those three universities simply give you a better chance because of all of the connections you could possible make there. That said there are thousands of film grads clearing tables of dishes in Manhattan and putting dishes on tables. With an engineering degree, you are guaranteed to make a living. Film school, even if you are extremely talented it’s tough, hyper competitive tens of thousands chasing the same dream with only a handful succeeding. I know someone who was super bright and talented, today he works in the studio setups in hollywood. Otherwise, he’s a studio carpenter. Some dream.
How To Run A Faster 40 Yard Dash In 2 Easy Steps
For many high school and college football players, running a faster 40-yard dash is all that stands between them and moving up to the next level. No matter how solid a player’s on-field resume, a slow time in the 40 is sure to scare off scouts and recruiters. Here are two easy corrections you can make to your technique to get the most out of your body’s power and run your fastest 40-yard dash.
First, improve your starting position at the line. Many football players overlook their starting position and continue to make technical errors that hurt their 40 times. After all, you won’t be able to get off the line quickly if your initial positioning is all wrong.
Before you can do anything else, you need to figure out which foot should go in front. The best way to do this is to stand with both feet together and have a teammate push you lightly in the back. Whichever foot you move first should be the back leg in your starting position.
Place your front foot right behind the starting line to get your center of gravity (usually around the navel area for most players) as close to the finish as possible. Taller players may need to leave a couple of inches between the foot and the line to feel comfortable.
Bend your back leg so the knee is close to the ground, almost touching the starting line. Place the hand on the side of your back leg on the ground and hold your other hand near the hip in a “ready” position.
The hips should be slightly higher than shoulder-level, even though this probably will feel uncomfortable. Many players start with their feet too far back because it feels better, but this severely limits your explosiveness off the line. The ideal starting position should feel cramped, as though their body is recoiling before exploding at the starting gun.
Now that you’ve got the correct position at the line, it’s time to work on the first step. A good first step is vital for a fast 40 yard dash time. Correcting the starting position usually also improves the first step because you’re starting closer to the line. You want your first step to cover as much distance as possible without sacrificing the proper body angle.
One easy way to practice the correct stride length is to tape off a circle where you want your foot to land on the first step. Measure the length of your femur (big bone in the thigh) and use that length as the starting point for where you will place your tape circle. Practice taking off from the line a few times and adjust the location of the circle until you find the best spot.
If your step is too short, your back foot is probably too far back in your starting position. Don’t step too far either or you won’t be able to drive with your legs and generate power. Ideally, you want your leg to be striking the ground at a 45 degree angle, not straight up and down. Hitting the ground with your leg perpendicular wastes most of your explosive force pushing you up into the air instead of forward toward the finish line.
If you can, have a friend or teammate film a few of your practice runs. It’s easy to check the details of your technique when you can slow things down or rewind the tape. It doesn’t have to be a high-quality recording for this purpose. A cell phone that can capture a few seconds of video should be all you need.
Practice these first two parts of the 40-yard dash and you’ll see your time improve without any extra workouts or running drills. Of course, you should still run and lift weights to get your absolute best time, but these quick adjustments will give you a great head start to running a faster 40-yard dash.
Katherine Keleher
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/how-to-run-a-faster-40-yard-dash-in-2-easy-steps-64835.html
Best Of Viral Video Film School: Crazy Online Communities
Host and “professor” Brett Erlich leads a hilarious how-to course highlighting the best, worst and weirdest internet groups that congregate online.
http://current.com/shows/infomania/viral-video-film-school/
VIEW more Viral Video film school & SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel here…
http://www.youtube.com/user/ViralVideoFilmSchool
Duration : 0:22:1
Transvestite Video in school?
I saw this video of some guy talking about showing this creepy cross dresser film in school where the sountrack is the polka dot bikini song. Why are they pushing travestites into the curriculum. If you want church and religion seperate than you can’t push transvestites in their place. To make matters worse it was young kids and the parents didn’t even know until one walked in.
In all probability the purpose of the film wasn’t to “push” transvestites onto anybody, but rather to educate young people that everybody isn’t alike in our society and just because someone is different, that doesn’t make them a bad person. Even law enforcement personnel are being trained and educated that transvestism (i.e. – crossdressing) isn’t a perversion as it was once believed to be, nor is it a crime.
Just as a matter of information for you, polls and surveys indicate that about 10% of the male population DO sometimes dress in the clothing usually associated with the opposite gender. Although the term ‘transvestite’ the LITERAL meaning for someone (male or female) who sometimes dresses in the clothing of the opposite gender, it is an outdated term and all too often is confused with the word transsexual. The two meanings are entirely different and worlds apart. Of that 10% who DO crossdress, 90% are totally heterosexual and have no intentions of ever being anything else. More and more the professional community is discovering that the propensity to be a crossdresser is something that a person is BORN with rather than something they make a conscious decision to do. It’s a means by which to give outward expression to an inward need. Compassionate people don’t poke fun of people who are born with physical differences that can be seen, but it’s a different story when it comes to the things some people are born with that can’t be seen. Before you decide to ‘put down’ crossdressers or others who may be different, try doing a little SERIOUS research on the subject and you’ll find that many of your personal friends are probably life-long crossdressers.
Is University of Advancing Technology (UAT) a good place to go for film school/digital media?
I want to study Film at UAT, was wondering if anyone has gone there or has knowledge of the schools degree’s/programs. I want to learn how to direct feature films. Heres the link of the course http://www.uat.edu/majors/digital_video.aspx
Star F,
UAT is a great place to study film and digital media. Our professors continue to work on short films while they are teaching and usually ask for help from their students.
Each year our students compete in the Phoenix 48hr Film Challenge. In past years, we have taken first place and have been nominated for film festivals.
If you want to talk to a student about UAT, you can go to www.uat.edu and click "Chat with a Student" at the bottom right and you will be able to live chat with one of our Student Ambassadors.
Best of Luck,
~Lane
Is it against the law for a high school to release a video tape filmed at lunch in a cafeteria?
It all depends. What is on the video tape? And who are they releasing it to?
If the video tape shows a fight, harassment, or any other form of criminal offense, yes, they can release it to the police for further investigation.
Now, to release a video tape for media purposes? I would imagine they need consent of the people in the video etc. and permission from the school district.