3 years, 2 months ago
I have an outline for a screenplay. How could I turn it into a self-produced movie?
I would like develop a complete script and assemble a team to create the film. Without any film-school experience I don't know where to start. It's a fantastic story-line so I don't want to let this one go. Help!
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M$1 Answer
The first step would be recruiting your team; obviously some people with filmmaking experience and a passion for the craft is most desireable. I would suggest contacting schools in your area that have film departments. Get in touch with the department heads and let them know what your project is and what kind of people you need. Chances are, any film major student is chomping at the bit to get some experience in and have something for their college portfolio or resume. By doing this, you could easily find someone to help you write a full script, organize a crew, etc. And because they are students, they are still learning and aren't likely to try and snag control from you.
Another simple place to find help would be craigslist. I've seen numerous listings under 'Crew' in the 'Gigs' section where people are looking to produce a film but need a crew and other assistance in getting the project off the ground. Since I'm assuming you won't be offering monetary compensation for their work, make sure to note that this is volunteer work, but can be used for portfolios or resumes.
In regards to money, I'm guessing your budget at this point is $0, so from there you will either have to figure out a way to raise funds to finance your film, or do your best to produce the film on nothing (this is next to impossible to do). This is one area where working with film students may pay off; chances are they could have equipment already or could get it on loan from the school that they attend. However, if this doesn't seem like it's going to work, there are also places that rent out motion picture equipment, such as this one:
http://www.smsprod.com/
Chances are there is a company in your area that does something similar.
And if you have to rent equipment, your next step will be extremely important as well: CREATING A SCHEDULE. Obviously major motion pictures have schedules that they create for pre-production, filming, post-production, etc. It's a good idea to create a schedule, no matter how small your film might seem, because this is ultimately what you will have to center your budget on. In creating your film schedule, you will have to keep in mind rental rates, scheduling conflicts for your crew, and aspects of the film that may require certain timing for shots (night shots, weather shots, etc.) Going far over schedule can be a budget killer for any film, small or big.
Luckily, despite the fact that you don't have film-school experience, you can still produce a fantastic independent film. Quite frankly, I think film-school is a bit overrated at times..sure, there is technical instruction that is helpful to have, but a vision is a vision and as long as that's there, the potential to create something awesome is there.
So find your team, create a budget and a schedule, and work together, utilizing each person's strength and knowledge to help the process run smoothly. I don't doubt that you could easily find people to aid you in your film; everyone who is in this business is looking for something to break out or to add to their list of experience.
Good luck to you!
Another simple place to find help would be craigslist. I've seen numerous listings under 'Crew' in the 'Gigs' section where people are looking to produce a film but need a crew and other assistance in getting the project off the ground. Since I'm assuming you won't be offering monetary compensation for their work, make sure to note that this is volunteer work, but can be used for portfolios or resumes.
In regards to money, I'm guessing your budget at this point is $0, so from there you will either have to figure out a way to raise funds to finance your film, or do your best to produce the film on nothing (this is next to impossible to do). This is one area where working with film students may pay off; chances are they could have equipment already or could get it on loan from the school that they attend. However, if this doesn't seem like it's going to work, there are also places that rent out motion picture equipment, such as this one:
http://www.smsprod.com/
Chances are there is a company in your area that does something similar.
And if you have to rent equipment, your next step will be extremely important as well: CREATING A SCHEDULE. Obviously major motion pictures have schedules that they create for pre-production, filming, post-production, etc. It's a good idea to create a schedule, no matter how small your film might seem, because this is ultimately what you will have to center your budget on. In creating your film schedule, you will have to keep in mind rental rates, scheduling conflicts for your crew, and aspects of the film that may require certain timing for shots (night shots, weather shots, etc.) Going far over schedule can be a budget killer for any film, small or big.
Luckily, despite the fact that you don't have film-school experience, you can still produce a fantastic independent film. Quite frankly, I think film-school is a bit overrated at times..sure, there is technical instruction that is helpful to have, but a vision is a vision and as long as that's there, the potential to create something awesome is there.
So find your team, create a budget and a schedule, and work together, utilizing each person's strength and knowledge to help the process run smoothly. I don't doubt that you could easily find people to aid you in your film; everyone who is in this business is looking for something to break out or to add to their list of experience.
Good luck to you!
source(s):
Personal experience.
Personal experience.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Wow, what a great, thorough answer!!