Wednesday, June 1, 2011

No more heavy equipment

Films are one of the most effective media forms in the world. They fuse audio and video together into one wonderful art form.
Making a film is not very hard anymore, with the advent of new and improved technology. It is possible to shoot a high definition film on a shoestring budget, thanks to increased production, and subsequently, reduced prices. Even the cellphones of today are equipped with decent camera technology. As a matter of fact, there are movie festivals around the globe which accept only those movies or short films recorded on mobile devices. Earlier, film making was about the equipment. Now, thanks to technology, it’s only the vision that counts.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Hollywood classical style of film-making

Hollywood classical style of film-making is a type of film-making which is not offbeat - classical style of film-making is rich in narrative structure. Classical film-makers are a signature on smooth and elegant films. Classical style of film-making is classy and synchronized, almost perfect. People go on with the flow of the film, without any breaks or jerks. The technical aspects of a film including sound, camera manipulation and editing techniques are elements which must be used judiciously and don't call any attention to themselves. Classical style of film-making was popular in America between 1910-1960.

Most film-makers have been influenced by this school of film making, including the world famous Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The basic definition of filmmaking - a very popular art form.

Filmmaking is the art of making motion pictures and the person who makes them is known as the filmmaker. Film is considered to be an important art form, a source of popular entertainment and a powerful method for educating — or indoctrinating — citizens.

Filmmaking is rhythm, instinct, emotion, psychology, art- and it draws from the total talent of one person, the filmmaker, who collaborates with the others to create a cumulative sensory event...There is no common pattern for how long it takes to become an filmmaker. However, making an independent film takes talent, ambition, knowledge, salesmanship, persistence, and a bit of luck doesn't hurt either.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

What Film Making is All About

Many consider film making today as an engrossing way of making money, and of course, loads of fame. Big stars, bigger names, biggest budgets ever, and an enormous amount of fame associated with the same. However, that is not really true.
What people truly and really do through film making is expressing their inner thoughts and feelings. Cameron expresses imagination, Nolan expresses some amazing ideas and thinking, Tarantino expresses style and creativity. If you try and think of it, the known film makers of the world always have some common element in all their films. That is the simplest and the most basic proof of what film making is all about: an expression of the character of a person.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Steps in Making Films

Steps in Making Films: A lot has been done on that movie you have just watched in big screen or in the comfort of your home.
A movie needs an idea. The idea is developed into a story which is written down by the producer in the movie development stage.
The script is the taken to the pre-production stage where the budget is drawn, an office created and members selected to spear head its production.
A storyboard is made and production starts immediately. Actors take part in their roles as editing follows.
Post production takes shape with distribution, marketing, advertising and selling is intensified.

Monday, March 7, 2011

History of Warner Brothers Cartoons

History of Warner Brothers Cartoons: Warner's cartoons started out quietly in 1930, first as a stand-alone venture owned by Leon Schlesinger. For 3 years, Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising made some cartoon musicals for Schlesinger. The first Looney Tunes cartoon came in 1931 with Bosko. Then came Merrie Melodies, which were animated alongside contemporary jazz tunes.

Contract conflicts caused the two to part from Schlesinger in 1933. This led to hiring Jack King and Friz Freleng, who animated Buddy. The years after Harman and Ising left were a period of drab cartoons. Then came Tex Avery and the Termite Terrace, an animation unit that went fast, irreverent and insane. Warner Bros acquired Schlesinger's gig in 1944, and along came Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and a slew of other famous characters.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Film Budgeting: Prepare for the Unexpected By Including the Unexpected in Your Film Budget

When you set out to make a film, and you are facing the budget, that little thing that controls everything about the film, the first and probably only things that you think of are the film crew's salaries, all the equipment, and location costs. Sure these are important to keep track of in your budgeting, but the problem is that if you are aware of these costs, you can control them. But, it's the unseen costs that can derail your film, even the seemingly trivial costs.

Some examples of unseen, trivial costs are damage to rental equipment. Or late fees for those rentals. To prepare for these, stick close to your time schedule, and put people in charge of your rented equipment who will take very good care of it.

An often overlooked cost involves location shooting. Filmmakers can't just shoot anywhere and everywhere they choose. If they think this way, there will be fines that will upset your budget. Location permits and fees should make up at least 10% of your film budget.

Everything is relative, especially with film budgets. This means that, if you have a large budget, you should also plan for an equally large unplanned expenses line item. It doesn't mean that you need to spend all the money allocated here. It means that if you are careful, you can save a lot of money.

Independent filmmakers, those who especially work with no money budgets, are used to treating their equipment with kid gloves and dealing with unexpected costs. If you are not an independent, and you actually have a budget, you should still think as if you working with a zero dollar budget. Keeping watch constantly over your expenses will help keep costs down through awareness of spending. Know your limitations and stay within them. Spend money set up for the unexpected on only the unexpected costs, because if you spend it elsewhere, it won't be around when you do need it.