Posted by Michael Raben at 63.239.234.7 on May 25, 2001 at 12:59:23:
In Reply to: Questions on Filmmaking posted by Robert Voris on May 24, 2001 at 16:49:24:
: For example, do I need a lot of lighting equipment and such, or is the guerilla (read: amateur) style of camera work acceptable when the director actually IS an amateur...
As director, you're going to decide on the look and 'feel' of your film; just because you're an amateur doesn't mean the film has to look amateurish. As such, you'll probably want to do some experimenting with your camera at various locations and at different times of day. If none of your crew is experienced enough with the equipment to *know* the best way to get a shot, you'll need to practice to get it *right*. Once you figure out what you want visually and how to get it, you can plan accordingly on what equipment you'll need.
: what is the best way to get my film (which won't immediately be on film -I'm planning on getting it off my computer with a DVD burner) seen by distributors and film companies... should I send copies to them or try and get into some film festivals and hope they see the movie that way...
You've hit the two of the likeliest ways right on the head. In addition, you might consider using the internet in its various ways to build the hype, post trailers, market the film, etc. Being just outside of the greater LA area, surely you and your friends must have some friends of friends of friends of "somebody" whose assistant might take a look at your flick, once it's finished.
I'm going to add what I consider an important aside: you're asking some good questions, but your focus should be on the actual production itself and not on the non-film-related post-production activities. Film and video-making is not so much difficult as it is complicated. Pre-production is everything; you can put together an inventive story with interesting characters and shoot it accurately. Worry about THAT. Good work doesn't disappear; it's the shitty work that people ignore. Give them something truly entertaining and the work will get noticed, which will lead you to bigger opportunities.
Always,
Michael Raben