This morning (Wednesday 13th January) we are going to have a presentation from Hugh Mann of Let There be Light Productions. He is a director, and his presentation is going to be on pre-production.
Five questions I want to ask:
-What does your job involve?
Hugh's job mainly involves sitting in front of a computer 9-5, as 80% of being a filmmaker is the planning. It is really important because if you get the planning right, the actual filming goes smoothly, the finished product looks great and it doesn't take too long, saving money.
-What are some things to avoid as a filmmaker?
It is important to avoid "promising the world" - don't say yes to everything that your client asks for, because then you will try to do things that aren't your strong point and your production will be sub-standard as a result. You should say no to the things that you aren't good at, and be the "captain of the ship" by building a good team around you to help you. You should read up on the areas that you want to improve on and surround yourself with talented people.
-How do you make things realistic for your audience?
In order to make things realistic, you should have experience of the types of people you are going to be including in your production, because that way their dialogue will be realistic and sound genuine. It is no good having a 17 year-old write the script for a pensioner if they have no experience of what pensioners are like! A general rule is to say yes to things that you feel uncomfortable about - it is the only way to gain experience and knowledge of the world around you, making you a better filmmaker. You should also make sure that props are realistic for their surroundings.
-Who do you look up to?
Hugh says that he looks up to his parents, and generally people who have worked from the bottom to the top (rags-to-riches stories). He doesn't look up to celebrities, but instead has respect for people who have made themselves into something from a non-privileged background, like he himself has.
-How do you source actors?
Hugh says that the best way to source actors is to go to colleges and universities which run acting courses, as well as local theatres. There, you can find talented actors who might be willing to work for you for free, or for not much money, in order to gain more experience. Find the talent and sign them up, then keep them working for you. It is difficult to find talented actors who don't need to be paid a lot of money.
General notes:
-Keep morale high in the group at all times, appear relaxed (even if you're not), appear in control of the situation, and feed everyone. Be prepared to lie at times if you need to seem like you are in control!
-Always have a business card and have a portfolio e.g. YouTube.
-Production is 80% planning, 20% shooting.
-Get the client to sign things off before you go ahead, to make sure they agree to what you are going to do.
-Scripts, storyboards, animatics and even actors need approval / signing off from the client.
-Make sure that everyone involved has signed a consent form to appear in the production, to avoid catastrophe if there is a falling out in the group.
-Shot lists are important for everyone on the shoot so that everyone knows what to do and when, saving time and money.
-Keep camera and sound logs recording everything that is filmed / recorded, making the editor's job easier.
-Continuity is key, and differentiates between the amateurs and the professionals.
-If you didn't fill in health and safety documents, you are responsible for any injuries.
-Think fast and on your feet if something goes wrong - don't panic and find another solution.
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