This summer I wrote a pretty decent script titled “Technical Support” that my brothers and I planned to film for the Louisiana Film Prize. Though I supported them every step of the way, unfortunately they had to film without me. While coaching them through the process, (I am the brains behind the operation no matter what they may say) I figured I would put together a small list of things for any aspiring filmmakers to keep in mind as they embark on their first film.
1. Start with a great script
This will make things a helluva lot easier. Write 10 drafts if you have to, even if it’s just a seven page script. You want things as tight and precise as possible. No “just because” words. No details that don’t belong or don’t add to the story. No empty dialogue that doesn't flow or sound natural. After all, this is the very base of your film, the blueprint if you will. If the script sucks, the film (most likely) will too. So take your time, write it well and cut the bull out early.
2. Plan, plan, plan . . .
If you ignore every other rule, please follow this one. If my brothers learned one thing without having me with them to clean up their messes and double check their choices, it was that they should have planned more. They made it out alive and the rough cut is pretty dope if I do say so myself, but we all agreed it could have been even better had they been more prepared. So?
Plan everything.
Your shoot dates, your location, your shot list, food, bathroom breaks. Everything. Buy a calendar, use the one on your phone. Whatever it takes, plan every minute of every day because even though you’re not in Hollywood yet, time is still money! So make sure you use it wisely by planning ahead.
3 . . . But don’t expect to be able to control everything
Remember that stuff will happen that will be completely out of your control, and it can either make or break your film. For example, in the middle of filming our short film, one of our props unexpectedly broke. It was undoubtedly annoying to my brothers, but they found a way to add it into the film that fit PERFECTLY. Like seriously, I was staring at the screen thinking why the heck didn’t I think of that when I was writing the script! So plan, but prepare for some things to be out of your control that can either take your film to the next level or kill it, depending on how you choose to deal with it.
4. Be kind to your cast and crew
This one is probably the easiest to do, because it simply involves being a good person. If someone took the time out of their day (or week) to help you film, give you a location or even be in your film, just be kind to them. It’s the right thing to do and they, as well as other people you haven't met yet, will be more willing to work with you in the future. Provide your actors with lots of water and food. Treat your crew to dinner. And most importantly, make sure the schedule works for everyone involved. They are volunteering, so you don’t have the luxury to demand their presence with money. Pick dates that work for everyone, communicate any changes and treat them with respect. No one HAS to help you, so be grateful they do.
5. Remember to have fun
Filming a movie in the hot Louisiana sun in the dead of summer has to be on the top 10 list of most uncomfortable things to do. Ever. However, nobody tells you how much fun it actually is. When you take a step back and realize everything will not be perfect, even if you had all the money and the best actors and crew, you tend to relax and enjoy the movie making process. It’s exciting to watch the actor you chose become the character you wrote, to see your brother blossom as a director right before your eyes and hear yours words (if you wrote the script) spoken on screen. Though I wasn’t able to be a part of the entire filming process, just hearing my brothers' stories and seeing their eyes light up showed me that though it was a stressful, hot mess, they really enjoyed filming. So remember why you love films while you’re making yours because it will get tough and if you don’t stop to enjoy it, you’ll miss out on the best part.
Here is the link to the teaser of our very first short film, “Technical Support.” It will be debuting this summer at the Louisiana Film Prize Festival in Shreveport. Though it took a lot of hard work, in both pre and post production, my brothers and I are extremely proud of it and can’t wait to share it with everyone!
