Working With Actors/Actresses

Actors/actresses? Oh boy. Here we go. 'Get my tea ready for exactly 4 o'clock and at 121 degrees (F) (about 49 degrees C) and don't forget to massage my big toe.' Just kidding. However, I am sure that is kinda-of what Hollywood is like.

Working with performers is like dealing with little children. You have to spell out everything for them to get the acting that you need for the sake of the film. Not trying to be insulting to actors/actresses, but that is just how I see things from a director perspective.

Anyway, the best thing to remember is constant validation. Keep reminding your actors/actresses on set that they are doing a good job. Actually, remember that for your crew as well. If your actors/actresses or anyone on set makes a mistake, don't yell at them or assault them. It's unprofessional and childish.

Finally, be sure to feed your crew, do table reads with them, and avoid saying just 'more' and that's it. More what? You need to finish your sentence. Anyway, I have linked below a video made by RocketJump. That should help you.

Another YouTube Channel That Can Help

I don't really have much of a blog post this week. Everything has been rather hectic. Anyway, check out DSLRGuide! The most popular upload of his sitting at over 750,000 views! Check out Simon Cade!

Top 4 Movie Making Tutorial Resources

Is film school worth it? 

Yes and no. A huge advantage of going to film school is networking. Working with colleagues that have the same "goal" you do which is to work in Hollywood and have a big movie. However, the advantage of not going to film school is saving yourself a lot of $$$.

Personally, I don't think you need film school anymore. Perhaps in the past, but today I can find all I need through the Internet. So, what kind of resources are out there to help me become a good movie maker? Here is a list of 4 resources that can help you instead of film school:

Lynda Video Training & Tutorials

Lynda is quite possibly the best for video tutorials. The above is a trailer for Lynda. Try them out for a free trial!

RocketJump Film School

RocketJump is a more hip and cool approach to film making compared to Lynda. This was started by YouTube star Freddie Wong.

Film Riot

Film Riot is very much RocketJump, but they have been doing tutorials longer than RocketJump. Highly recommend Film Riot. 

You!

That's right. You. You can learn how to do video production all by yourself without having film school or the Internet. Just take a camera and start shooting! 

Laser Light Show: Editing

The above photo is the old style of editing using actual film strips! Anyway, editing. You finally have completed the production process and are now moving into the post-production process. Oh boy. This is the part of the process where everyone just wants to add crazy effects in order to make their movie cool.

Look, you're movie is going to be awful if you can't cut together a good sequence. Don't worry about the effects first, worry about the story first. If something doesn't add up in the footage that you got, then cut it or re-shoot it. Also, don't be afraid to be wrong. Stuff happens in movies that you didn't anticipate and that is okay. Frustrating, yes. But this stuff does happen.

Finally, don't go straight to Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or any other advanced movie making software without learning the basics: Windows Movie Maker or iMovie. I know that these are for amateurs, but please learn with them first and then move onto to bigger and better things. Don't forget to always save!