How To Stop Rewriting And Start Filmmaking
The importance of having an awesome screenplay can’t be overstated. Your script is the blueprint for your film. And because your movie script …
budget
How To Break Down and Schedule Your No-Budget Movie
If you’re a first time feature filmmaker, you do not need a gazillion dollars to join the feature club. But you will need to learn how to replace money with ginormous creatively. And once your screenplay is complete, then the next step in the filmmaking process is your initial breakdown and schedule.
How Not To Get Screwed By Filmmaking Partners Who Suck
A long time ago, I worked on a short movie with a guy. Long story short, I found out the guy was being untruthful about money. He had hired one of my friends to build our movie website. When confronted, he told me some sort of story that was completely stupid and untruthful. Because he was a “friend,” I gave him the benefit of belief and dropped the subject.
How to Take Charge of Your Indie Filmmaking Projects
If this is your first feature, don’t feel bad if you cry. Most filmmakers either lose their temper or cry or both. If you have to cry or lose your temper, call a time out and take a walk. Go somewhere nobody can see you. There is no quicker way to lose credibility than losing your emotions on set—especially a low-budget set.
Three Ways To Cut Your Movie Budget (And Increase Production Value)
Coming up with an accurate film budget can be a sobering experience. You either find out that you need to raise more money or cut your budget entirely. And if you’re anything like most independent filmmakers, both options suck. But don’t worry. This article offers three ways to cut your movie budget (and increase production value).
How To Write A Screenplay You Can Produce (Yourself)
Listen. If you’re an ambitious writer, I’m going to tell you a secret. There is no better feeling in the world than the day you stop sending query letters and instead, you start producing your own work. For years and years, you have dreamed about seeing your work on the big screen. You know you’re good. So why ask for permission?
Free Filming Locations – How To Find The Perfect Spot & Save Money
Many filmmakers limit opportunities based on misguided beliefs. In order to make a feature film, many of these Hollywood hopefuls set their sights …
Film Production: 3 Tips To Avoid Crying On Set
You need to Create a Plan B for your movie. You need to cover your butt! This filmmaking article provides three tips to help you avoid crying on set.
Script Breakdown and Film Scheduling
Making a good movie starts with a good screenplay. And assuming you’ve written, or you control the rights to a fantastic script that you would like to produce, the next step creating a script breakdown and film scheduling.
How To Get Into Filmmaking Without Asking Permission
In my ongoing effort to highlight filmmakers who forgo excuses and take action to get movies seen and sold, I would like to …
Aspiring screenwriter: Go Hollywood or go indie?
Because I’ve written a few books about screenwriting I sometimes get questions from people just starting out on their careers. One query that has started coming up more often recently is whether it’s better to chase the Hollywood dream or get involved with indie films, including ones made for the web…
Movie Maker Challenge 2012
in the spirit of your own filmmaking success, I am going to offer you a Movie Maker Challenge for 2012 (Yeah, it might seem too early to set goals, but I think you’ll be OK…)
Canon DSLR Camera
As a filmmaker, if you’re interested in buying a Canon DSLR camera, I would go with the Canon T2i. If you have the budget to buy the Canon 5D Mark II – hold off…
How To Make 200K With Your Movie
Here is a great filmmaking article over at No Film School detailing how some no-budget filmmakers garnered over 200K by selling their movies on iTunes.
Filmmaking Goals for 2010
As a filmmaker, I assume your primary goal is to make movies. But as you know, making a movie requires many steps. So to plan your next movie as well as some of other big whoppers you wish to accomplish, I suggest breaking your goals into smaller and smaller chunks… And then finally break them into small enough chunks so you can include them in your list of daily tasks.
Extreme DV Interview with Rick Schmidt
Rick Schmidt has written, directed and produced over 20 features which have premiered at major national and international film festivals all over the world, including Sundance, Berlin and London. His best selling filmmaking how-to books, Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices and Extreme DV at Used-Car Prices have influenced countless up-and-coming filmmakers and many noted indies, including Kevin Smith and Vin Diesel. In this filmmaker interview with Filmmaking Stuff, Rick Schmidt offers filmmaking advice to up-and-coming filmmakers on how to go out and make a feature now!