One of my favorite games of all time. Still waiting for that live action adaptation… Until then we have passionate fans like Jared Potter creating brilliant short films like this:
TUTS+ PREMIUM: PRODUCING GREAT VIDEO COURSE REVIEW
Are you an aspiring filmmaker gearing up to produce your first short film? Looking for a crash course on the basics of shooting something that looks and sounds professional? Tuts+ along with Hello Studios just released a new course called Producing Great Video. What sets this course apart from others online is the practical approach they took to the material.
The team actually took the time to create a short film called ‘The Laptop Conspiracy’ and then take you through it’s creation step by step. They’ve provided over 50 videos covering chapters including writing, practical planning, camera, lighting, audio, post production and everything in between.
When I produced my first short film, I was blown away by how much paperwork, budgeting and planning was required. Contracts need to be signed, auditions need to be organized and talented crew members need to come on board. All that and more comes even before you start thinking about things like cameras, lights and sound equipment. It was intimidating to say the least. (But fun)
When you’re on set, you want all the elements in place so you can focus on telling a good story. THAT’S THE KEY.
Producing Great Video is a great place to start if you’re new to the indie world because it breaks things down into well designed and easy to understand chapters. Each video provides the basic information you need to get your production moving in the right direction. Beyond the basics, Producing Great Video is full of great tips and things to remember before ‘action’ is yelled for the first time on set.
It’s also a great reminder to keep the basics in mind when you’re producing a video. Attention to detail goes a long way if you want to create something convincing and entertaining. As someone who has produced videos and MADE some of these mistakes in the past, I can’t stress enough how important the basics are.
Short films and videos have evolved so much in the last few years. People not only have access to better cameras but they have a ton of options to promote their work online. Sites like YouTube and Vimeo are full of fantastic productions that are getting thousands of views daily.
With millions of videos uploaded every day, you need to stand out and Producing Great Video is a perfect first step on the road to achieving that goal. Match this course with a great story and the dedication to pull it all together and you’ll be well on your way to producing great videos in no time.
A Monthly Membership is definitely worthwhile because it also grants you access to huge library of courses, tutorials and more.
Still Motion is gearing up to launch SMAPP. A new iOS app for filmmakers.
“SMAPP was designed to not only make the filmmaking process easier, but also to help the filmmaker really understand the decisions they are making. Learning this craft can be intimidating and there are so many tools that we often don’t even realize we have, or we don’t fully understand how to best use to tell our story effectively. SMAPP was created to make all of filmmaking more approachable and to empower the filmmaker to tell relevant and meaningful stories, their stories, with more confidence than ever before.” stillmotion
In addition to tips, the Still Motion team will also include highly informative tutorials. I think it’s fantastic to hear practical, real world advice from people who are out there shooting everyday. If you’re just diving in to the world of filmmaking, explore Still Motion’s website and give SMAPP a try when it’s released.
Is your screenwriting website listed? Email me at jason@17west.ca immediately.
FASTER PRODUCTIONS: STRANDED
“Stranded is a melancholic coastal based drama which is equally visually striking with an extremely bold colour scheme – a violent man, his disabled brother, an estranged middle aged mother, her teenage daughter, a troubled man in his late 50s and a flamboyant pensioner sunning herself alone on the beach. All 6 people will find themselves – emotionally or physically – stranded.”
The film was directed by Luther Bhogal-Jones. The filmmaker also has a blog with extensive behind the scenes information on the entire production process. It’s a really interesting read.
ArcLight is back in this edition of The Post with another insightful interview. This time producer Tucker Tooley (Mirror, Mirror) talks about the film industry and how he worked his way to the top.
Do you have a project you’d like to see promoted on The Athletic Nerd? Email me jason@17west.ca.
Did I mention I love using Flipboard for the iPad? It’s become my favorite way to read my Twitter feed instead of skimming it. Here are a few screenwriting articles from around the web:
SeeFlick.com is a new video site that hosts a variety of contests for cash prizes throughout the year. If you’re over the age of 15 and an American resident, check out their site immediately. The competitions are free to enter and range from Short Film contests twice a year to satires based on news stories and cultural events.
They have just announced The Race To The White House competition.
Independentfilms.com is partnering with the Monaco Charity Film Festival to host the first film festival in a virtual world.
This will undoubtedly be a truly unique distribution experience for independent filmmakers. Setting the festival in an online world completely accessible across multiple platforms including mobile devices will allow content to be delivered and shared like never before.
“This year we are integrating the Monaco Charity Film Festival into a virtual, 3D world accessible anywhere there is internet access. The “virtual” festival will premiere the same time as the physical festival and will cross publicize submissions from Independentfilms.com and the Monaco Charity Film Festival. “
Check out this FAQ for more information including submission info and keep checking independentfilms.com for updates.
