1-Day Bootcamp: First-Time Filmmakers Intensive Workshop

Just Do It
 It’s a lot of work — but
a ton of fun.
 It’s the start of a
journey — not the end
of just one.
 It’s easier than you
think — when you have
the right team.

Your Filmmaking Role
Pick two at most…
 Screenwriter
 Director
 Producer
Too many hats will ruin your experience
and, most likely, the film project. Director
and producer are important full-time
roles.

Respect Your Crew & Cast
 Be prepared.
 Be on time.
 Make informed decisions.
 Compensate them.
Particularly if everyone’s a volunteer, make
sure you feed and treat them well.

Development: Story
 Plot points
 Strong characters
 Build-up
 Climax
 Think visually

Development: Screenplay
 Script coverage (check your ego)
 Production limits
 Prioritize
 Copyrights

Development: Screenplay
 Acts
 Segments
 Scenes
 Shots
 Takes

Pre-Production: Shooting Plan
 Envision the whole film.
 List the shots.
 Don’t overlook transitions.
 Storyboard everything (even if it’s only
with stick figures).

Pre-Production: Shot Types
Work with storyboard to plan out…
1.Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)
2.Very Wide Shot (VWS)
3.Wide Shot (WS)
4.Mid Shot (MS)
5.Medium Close-Up (MCU)
6.Close-Up (CU)
7.Extreme Close-Up (ECU)

Develop production script with needed or
desired shots…
1.Cut-In
2.Cut-Away (CA)
3.Two-Shot
4.Over the Shoulder Shot (OSS)
5.Noddy Shot
6.Point of View Shot (POV)
7.Weather / Panorama

EWS
Establishing Shot
VWS
Subject Barely
Visible

WS
Full subject
MS
Partial view
implies whole

MCU
Intermediate CU
CU
Highlight a major
portion

ECU
Extreme detail
Cut-In
Alternative part of
subject

Cutaway
Non-subject
Two-Shot
Mid-shot framing

Framing: Rule of Thirds
Avoid centering the
shot—unless you
have a reason.

Framing: Empty Spaces
Leading Room
Space to move.
Looking Room.
Stare into the
space.
[Limit Headroom]

No Reverse Shots?
180° Rule
Break with caution

Pre-Production: Camera Moves
Work with your cinematographer to plan
out camera movements:
1.Pan
2.Tilt
3.Tracking Shot
4.Following
5.Zoom

Pre-Production: Scheduling
Take into account…
 Time between shots – to give direction,
move the camera, rechecking lighting, etc.
 Time between scenes – to set up the new
scene, set lighting, prep actors, etc.
 Time between locations – to move
everything and everyone, set up new
scene, set lighting, etc.

Pre-Production: Scheduling
Scheduling rules of thumb:
Maximum two (2) locations per day
Site change: 20-30 minutes to pack/unpack
Scene set-up: 30-45 minutes
Shot change: 10-15 minutes

Pre-Production: Budget
 Craft/Catering – ~$25/person per day
 Permits & Insurance
 Equipment
 Supplies
 Core Crew Members

Sample 1 (2-day shoot)
 Catering - $600
 Cinematography - $400
 Lights - $300
 Sound - $400
 Make-up - $200
 Miscellaneous - $250

Sample 2 (Scorpion & Frog)
 Catering - $250
 Cinematography - $0
 Lights - $0
 Sound - $150
 Make-up - $75
 Supplies - $100

Pre-Production: Cast
 Bad casting has ruined millions of films!
 Save and effective audition space
 Casting call
 Audition management
 Casting director
 SAG requirements

Pre-Production: Crew
 Producer
 Director
 Assistant Director
 Casting Director
 Location Agent/Manager
 Director of Photography (DP)
 Art Director

Pre-Production: Crew
 DP and Camera Assist
 Location Sound Mixer & Boom Operator
 Gaffer & Grip
 Script Supervisor
 Production Manager & Assistants
 Make-up Artist

Pre-Production: Location
 The Power of the Cheat
 Permit requirements
 Sound problems
 Power needs
 Cast and crew needs

Pre-Production: Preparations
 Shooting script
 Lock down locations
 Rehearsals
 Production meetings
 Scheduling

Pre-Production: Tools
 Celtx.com
 Google Docs
 Contracts & Forms
 Email
 Checklist

Pre-Production: Contracts
 Crew deal memo
 Talent release
 Screenplay release
 Location release
 SAG forms

Production: Countdown
 Food and supplies
 Confirm crew, cast and locations
 Transportation
 Resist unnecessary changes
 Get some sleep

Production: Supply Tips
 First-aid kit
 Batteries
 Tapes (masking, duct, miniDV)
 Extension cables
 Gloves
 Gels and scrims

Production: Team Effort
 Let specialists do their work
 Focus on your job
 Enable crew and cast to do their best

Post-Production: Crew
 Film Editor
 Film Scoring
 Sound Editor
 Special Effects

Post-Production: Distribution
 DVD copies
 Film festivals – withoutabox.com
 YouTube
 Move on

Remember: Just Do It
 It’s a lot of work — but
a ton of fun.
 It’s the start of a
journey — not the end
of just one.
 It’s easier than you
think — when you have
the right team.

1-Day Bootcamp: First-Time Filmmakers Intensive Workshop

1-Day Bootcamp: First-Time Filmmakers Intensive Workshop

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1-Day Bootcamp: First-Time Filmmakers Intensive Workshop