Steps
1. 1
Choose your equipment, something that can record video. There are many choices. This process might take months or even years, but you have to keep looking. Make sure your video recorder works with your VCR or editing equipment.
2. 2
Learn a few features, and review how your recording device works. Learn how to start and stop recording, fast forward, rewind, playback, and anything else you might need. Save the special effects for your second or third project.
3. 3
Choose a subject -- what you want to make a film about. Remember, you'll need to complete the project. Think about who, what, and where you'll shoot. Form a basic idea for a story and if you're having trouble, read short stories for inspiration.
4. 4
Type out a script. Make sure to develop your characters with different personalities; your movie won't be interesting if everyone acts and talks the same.
5. 5
Draw out a storyboard, illustrating the shots you plan to use. Don't worry about following the storyboard perfectly. It's just a good idea to get your thoughts on paper and a great way to see if you can communicate an idea "visually" rather than needing the actors to verbally communicate the concept. The viewer is watching first and listening second.
6. 6
Find people who aren't busy and are willing to work hard on your film. Provide food for your crew. They'll appreciate it and be able to hang around longer.
7. 7
Shoot your footage. If you want to highlight your pet, you can shoot video of your pet eating, sleeping and playing and perhaps put it to music.
8. 8
Edit your film. Many cameras edit in limited ways and some have special effects. Learn how to "cut" pieces of your footage together and put music or speech over your video. Check your camera's manual or use a software package like iMovie to make your final cuts.
9. 9
One way is to use your VCR or DVD burner to make copies for friends and auditions. If your film is digital, you can also output your final edit to a readable format to send via email. Also if your film is in digital format you can upload to YouTube or another video sharing site. Check up with the website's video formats to see if you can upload your movie.
Tips
- Write a short idea of what you want to accomplish. It can be anything from a paragraph to a full script.
- Make your production choices based on necessities. If you're low budget, choose something that happens around you every day as your subject. Don't forget that you can use pictures and still shots for video, too.
- Remember your overall vision as you record your footage. Don't forget to record voice-overs (talking) and other sounds as part of you regular footage. You can always use the video or audio independently.
Warnings
- Be careful to check each setting on your recording device as you operate or you might miss the best shot. It's a good idea to review your footage after each "take".
- There are laws against using video of people and certain places without permission. Always ask the subject or the owner/operator of a building if it's ok to record them and be sure to tell them what it's for. For added protection, have them write it on paper when they give permission.
Things You'll Need
- Video camera and audio recorder
- Eager actors and actresses
- Editing software and computer
- Permission from your subjects/actors/background players
- An idea for your story
- Pen or pencil
- Fake scars just with red,blue,andblack eyeliner
