Filmmaking 101 Workshop Notes

Introduction

• Presenter: Craig Canet
• Co-Presenter: Tony from Creative Edge Productions
• Background: The festival has been running for 12 years.

The Significance of Storytelling

• Storytelling and Education: Highly recommended for teachers. It enhances memory and engagement.
• Facts vs. Stories: People remember facts better when they are told as part of a story.

Key Components of Filmmaking

Important Practices

• Ideas: Always jot down ideas immediately. Can be recorded on cell phones or notebooks.
• Story Structure: The three-act structure is essential, especially for Hollywood scripts (e.g., "Save the Cat").

From Idea to Script

• Story Development: Begin with a simple notion and let ideas evolve over time.
• Writing Treatments: Can range from a paragraph to 12-pages; essential for summarizing your story.
• Scriptwriting: Important to follow the correct format if you want to sell your script.

Writing Your Script

Basic Elements

• Slug Line: Sets the scene (EXT/INT, location, time of day).
• Actions: Descriptive but not overly detailed.
• Dialogue: Should be realistic and avoid sounding identical for all characters.

Advanced Tips

• Shooting Script vs. Basic Script: Shooting scripts are more detailed, including camera movements.
• Tools: Final Draft and Celtics (free software) for scriptwriting.

Production Phase

Utilizing Resources

• Access to Locations/Props: List and utilize items you have access to.
• Casting: Consider both friends and professional actors.
• Props & Costumes: Can be made DIY to save on budget.

Storyboarding and Pre-production

• Storyboarding: Essential for planning shots and scenes. Various formats can be used.
• Pre-production: Detailed planning saves time and money during production.

Filming Techniques

Camera and Composition

• Camera Choice: Not all cameras are created equal (dynamic range, resolution).
• Close-ups and Shots: Get close to subjects to tell the story effectively.
• 180 Degree Rule: Stay on one side of the line to maintain continuity.

Camera Motion

• Dolly Moves: Enhance dimension and emotion (e.g., Dolly In for realization, Dolly Out for isolation).

Audio

• Microphones: Use shotgun or lavalier mics for best sound.
• Tip: Get microphones close to the subject to improve audio quality.

Lighting

• Basic Setup: 3-point lighting (key, fill, backlight).
• Soft vs. Hard Lighting: Soft for happy scenes, hard for darker tones.
• Creating Mood: Use lighting to craft the scene’s tone.

Post-Production

Editing Techniques

• Role of Editing: Crucial for story and emotional flow.
• Rule of Six (Walter Murch):
  1. Emotion
  2. Story
  3. Rhythm
  4. Eye Trace
  5. 2D Plane
  6. 3D Space

Sound and Continuity

• Sound: Add room tone for continuity.
• J & L Cuts: Use for smoother transitions.

Software and Tools

• Free Tools: Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, Lightworks.
• Professional Tools: Adobe Premiere, Avid, Final Cut.
• Backup: Always backup your footage to avoid data loss.

Additional Resources

• Websites: NextWave DV, Video Copilot.
• Books: "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch, "The Eye is Quicker" by Richard Pepin.

Collaboration in Filmmaking

• Essential to work together with diverse skill sets to create a better film.
• Filmmaking is a collaborative process; everyone brings something important to the table.

Conclusion

• Summary: Plan thoroughly, utilize resources wisely, collaborate effectively, and focus on storytelling and emotion.
• Contact Info: Tony’s blog and YouTube channel NextWave DV for more tips and behind-the-scenes content.