20 Things I learnt in independent film making
by Praveen Prasanna
Short film director Praveen has summed up his 20 most important points based on his experience directing his current short film. In addition to the ones listed below, do you have anything else to add to this list, contribute below in comments section?
Vision and Focus
1.) Make stories that comes from your heart or choose concepts that attracts you. That is why it is termed as Independent Film-making.
2.) Your vision makes the film, rest all are mere procedures.
3.) 75% of things will not work out as planned, expect the best but always prepare for the worst
Try to control your negativity in sets if things did not go well.
4.) Master the art of guerilla style film making. It will help you in outdoors for candid shots
5.) Do not be overly concerned about the technical aspects.
Story-telling and Script
6.) Your script should not bore even if you run through 1000 times.
7.) Set the pace and rhythm for your story.
8.) When you explain the story to the editor or musician, tell in 3 way format - Narration + Dialogue + Camera Angles
Short Film Shooting & Post-Production
9.) Try to make use of the neck strap of your DSLR camera to give some spontaneity and gives you flexibility since you don't need a tripod or a dolly.
10.) Learn how to handle lighting. Both natural and indoors. Don't always shoot indoor.
11.) Always shoot in neutral color or Cinestyle profile. It gives more flexibility for color correction in post.
12.) 50mm lens are the best for close up conversation shots. They are pretty cheap.
13.) Get to know the basics of using light-room, premiere and the digital terms in SLR film-making.
14.) Take extra care on the Dubbing part. When used appropriately, Voice-over gives life to the acting sometimes.
15.) Editing table can change your movie better or worse. Make sure to work with a strong editor.
Logistics
16.) Never take too many gears otherwise you will miss to concentrate on the scene details. Take minimum 2 batteries.
17.) Feed your team properly.
Be Curious
18.) Manage social media to the fullest for getting the word out and staying connected. If you want to take advice from experts, follow other indie short-film makers on Twitter.
19.) Subscribe for a film-making forum.
20.) Watch more films and not necessarily short-films.
About the author (Praveen Prasanna) :
I have a background in IT and a recent pass outs from college with a great passion in theatrical arts. I am working with my team on a short film titled Iniyellam Sugamae. It is my debut directorial short film based on good content and a demanding theme with much more professional elements. The movie shooting is complete with it rough cut editing done and currently in post-production stages.