11 KEY tips for a new filmmaker: The filmmaker's bible

How do I become a filmmaker? The question on all new starters minds. Here we help breakdown all the aspects and allow you to dig into each in greater detail. Scroll down to find out more.

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Becoming a filmmaker can actually be daunting, but the thought of it is actually the biggest hurdle. That’s why here at iFilmThings we look to help develop you and advise you on the best way to accomplish your filmmaking goals.

What does it take to be a filmmaker? Not much actually, you can even create a full feature-length film just on your iPhone, no joke! Check it out here: HERE

Below we give you 11 key tips to help you master the art of filmmaking.

Writing your script
Developing your script
Editing your footage
Colouring and Lumetri Scopes
Cameras
Character arc
Screenwriting
Framing
Increasing your brand value
Low to no budget projects
Composing

1. Writing your script

Writing the script is the cherry on the cake, the finale. First, you need in place your concept, an outline and finally a film treatment. Make sure you choose a suitable scriptwriting software as well, to ensure you correctly format your script and it makes the process as efficient as possible for yourself as a writer to free up creativity. Read our article below for an in depth analysis of scriptwriting.

2. Developing your script

What is a film treatment you ask? Well… A film treatment is essentially a piece of prose, which is more detailed than an outline and includes details of directorial style that an outline omits. This is usually used as the next step before you start to write your screenplay in full. Click below to read our breakdown on nailing your film treatment.

3. Editing your footage

There are multiple components to post production and one of these is to make your film look as polished as it possibly can. Here we explore the various methods of editing your footage to look as polished as possible. Pairing the correct background music, colouring and cropping. Find out more below:

4. Colouring and Lumetri Scopes

“Lumetri scopes” is one of the most important features in Adobe Premiere Pro. If you have a poorly lit room, an old monitor or light painted walls – this may distort your view. You may think you’ve colour corrected it, but actually, your original footage has been miscalibrated. This happens more often than you think. Below we have broken down each aspect of the Lumetri Scopes functionality.

5. Cameras

What makes a great entry-level DSLR camera?

Image quality
Lens
Usability
Adaptability
Speed
Manual controls
Oh… And the price.

Here we discuss the best camera’s for beginner filmmakers. We balance up the above components to ensure you are getting the correct camera. When starting filmmaking you don’t want to be grabbing a 4K Black magic camera as it’s such a huge starting investment, and you may find out that filmmaking isn’t for you, you may be just interested in screenwriting or post production.

6. Character arc:

There isn’t enough information around developing a character arc. It’s nowhere near as popular as planning the screenplay. Unfortunately, the character arc is extremely important and needs to have a plan put in place to flesh your character. It can help you build the story as well, sometimes you may have that exciting protagonist in your mind, but the story is far from fleshed out. Creating the character arc will help compliment the story arc.

7. Screenwriting

Screenwriting can be a complicated, mind boggling beast at times. We’ve all been there, overthinking the protagonist’s next move. Will he? Won’t she? Where next? Is this boring? Sometimes you need a refresher. A quick bit of info to spark a thought. Here we help you breakdown the best steps to writing your script and avoiding the wrath of WRITERS BLOCK.

READ MORE: Screenwriting tips for beginners

8. Framing

The framing in filmmaking is key to telling a story. It’s an integral part of filmmaking and having the correct shot lists is imperative to conveying your story with emotion and perspective. By having the correct shots set up the script in place you really do bring your script to life. We breakdown the framing angles below:

9. Increase your brand value

As well as having amazing ideas, cool prose, and an insane concept, increasing your brand value is key to being recognised and growing your career. You must also remember your audience. What do they want to see? What do they expect? Look at previous statistics and develop future ideas on that. Create a structure that works and always develop forward-thinking, exciting content.

10. Low to no budget projects

What is low budget filmmaking? “No budget filmmaking” is a term we hear a lot. But is it possible? Nearly. Here we discuss the top tips to producing your no budget film with the equipment you have to hand. It’s not impossible, just follow our steps below!

11. Composing

We break down the key metrics to finding yourself the best music library for your film career, looking into cost, quality and variety style as the key metrics. The libraries are broken down into multiple genres and easy to access background music. Click below to find out how you can select the right music for your movie and have the audience encapsulated by your work of art!

We hope this blog has been informative! Go follow us at @ifilmthings and subscribe to our newsletter below.