Getting Started in Filmmaking, From Beginning to End

If you’re looking to start making some films, you may already possess a lot of the things you need to get started. If you’ve got some sort of camera, a computer, and some basic video editing software then you’re probably all set. If you want to really get serious though, it’ll take some investment. Check out this list of different things you need to start making your films appear more professional.

Software

Many computers come standard with some basic video editing software. This is good if you’re interested in making low-budget films for your personal use, but if you’re serious about filmmaking then you need to upgrade to something better. Investing in a program like Final Cut Pro will let you edit things you never had the opportunity to before. With all the different kinds of effects you can use, you’ll find a program like Final Cut Pro is a great investment.

Good software will also let you edit the music and scores in your films. This is great because you can get all your free music downloads @ www.kazagold.com and edit them as you see fit. You’ll see that the things you can do with good video editing software are essentially endless. Investing in a program like Adobe After Effects will give you access to insane visual effects. You’ll be surprised at what you can create.

Camera

Surprisingly, you’ll find that you can find a great quality camera that you can use to create awesome videos for cheap. Search some local websites in your area for a used camera, but if you’re looking for a new high definition camera you’ll still be able to find one that doesn’t break your budget. Depending on what it is that you’re filming, a GoPro camera might be a good choice. GoPro cameras are very rugged and can be taken under water and through extreme conditions. There’s no need to invest in a camera that you won’t need, so choose a cheaper yet higher quality model if that’s all you need.

Marketing Tools

If you believe your film is of high enough quality that you want to share it and possibly enter it in film festivals, you’ll need tools to market it. There are lots of ways to do this, some that cost lots of money and some that are free.

First off, you should create a captivating trailer for your film using your video editing software. Make sure the trailer has information on the website for your film, which you should also create. There are plenty of websites that cater to independent filmmakers, so search around to find one that fits what you need (including your budget). After creating the trailer and your website, use social media to market your film. Create a Facebook for your film and have all of your friends “Like” the page, and encourage them to share your trailer. The more buzz you can create, the better.

Image credit: http://www.enfew.com/

*sponsored post

Your Hearts a Mess by Gotye (Portable Film Festival animation)

The Portable Film Festival has this animation of my current favourite song 'Your Hearts a Mess'. The Portable Film Festival is a great place to watch all kinds of films from around the world.

I think Gotye is great. I just learnt that he's from Australia and in an article I read about him, he listed Kate Bush's 'Cloudbursting' in his top 10, so I think I'm a fan. Check out his blog.

Kate Bush Under Review

This British documentary about Kate Bush, was a series of interviews with both the artist and four 'experts' as well as partial clips of her more recognised songs. She came across in the interviews as humble and I enjoyed watching my favourite artist speak about her work over the years. I find her music endlessly facinating and moving.

This film will be shown at the MIFF again. Check the program for details. Parts of it are also available on Youtube.

Tropfest Channel

Nine MSN and Tropfest have a site where you can watch this years films online. Watch the winning film "Marry Me" a love story. I liked it.

The Junior Tropfest winner is also accessible on this site.

Entries are open for Tropfest 2009.

Noise

Noise is tense. It's Australian and I liked it a lot. I liked it at the start when I realised it was made in Melbourne. Then the characters made me really intrigued. I thought I knew who was good and bad, then I was confused. Mostly I was surprised and that's what I always like in a film. I want those refreshing surprises in my entertainment. Those glimpses of the ordinary that seem honest if somewhat unattractive.

There are some really interesting scenes, like the conversations between the fiance of one of the victims and the policeman. The film revealed the characters quite thoughtfully and I was frequently startled by the action of the film, the twists and turns of the plot, the emotion shown by the male characters, the language used and the heavy smoking. There was actually a really clear shot of a brand of cigarettes at one point and this surprised me as well. I would love to know what the cigarette company paid for that advertising.

Tinnitus is horrible and if you've never had that annoying ringing in your ears, check out this film to get an idea of how harsh it is.

This film was a 2007 official selection Sundance Film Festival. It was popular,the following are a random sample of positive reviews Stale Popcorn, Aint it Cool and Applebox.