Filmmaking Priorities for Good Storytellers
Smartphone filmmaking priorities so you can focus on your story.
Amongst all the important things there are equally important things.
In my podcast, I have the privilege of chatting it up with some intelligent, experienced and incredible professionals in the film industry. The most intriguing thing happens during most of my discussions when we begin to share how important certain things are for our community to make (and make more) films using smartphone cameras.
We stress the importance of audio, for example, “It’s more important than video!” we say. But of course the video is very important in a “video.” And of course, if you don’t have good actors your characters’ performance will suffer and devalue your story’s interpretation. In other words, bad acting turns the best films into B rated movies.
I thought I’d share a bit about how you can find good actors because there’s a myth that “good” is somehow related to fame.
The first place I go to for resources as an alumni, is the college where I graduated. Especially since my work is related to my degree. Schools have drama class, acting class, theater class, etc.
It’s hard to imagine, but there are a few places online with a good reputation to register as a filmmaker, crew, actor, producer, etc. You can connect with others who are also looking to connect with people like you who share the same interests.
It’s hard to believe this but, if you can talk to someone in person, you’ll up your chance for a positive outcome.
I enjoy interacting with people. There’s an exchange of communication and opportunities to share stories. When you share stories face-to-face, the communication is different.
The psyche in storytelling through film.
Filmmaking uses all sorts of psychology and science in its storytelling technique. You know how you clenched your teeth during that scene? Know why you felt those words cut through you like the protagonist did?
Everything you hear and see has a purpose. Even things that happened by chance during production, are chosen during post because they work. That choice of what to include and not include, is a constant cycle until it’s finalized.
Imagine that you’ve spent $12,000.00 on a low budget feature film shot with a smartphone. You have a crew of three. You have a cast of seven, including extras. You’re editing because you’re a good editor. You begin to piece things together in the editor—and this is when you die inside. Tragically.
You realize something you didn’t get during production—the performance between two principal actors is off by quite a bit.
With a bigger crew and larger budget where the stakes are high, a director has a lot to juggle. But the main job of the director is working with actors to bring your story to life. Which means, unless the actors are really good and can direct themselves, the film will lack a major element—a good story.
With a smaller budget, a smaller crew…if it’s really bad, start over with better actors. A crew of three it’s doable and you’ve already had a good set rehearsal for the crew with equipment, right? You don’t spend your entire budget in the production anyways. You spend most of it in post and that includes film festival submissions, some travel to some of the festivals, etc.
If the acting is not terrible and prominent in every scene, you can re-shoot a few scenes.
But do you know which is the best way to avoid it all together? Cast good actors and don’t rush it.
On my podcast’s “Fade In To Film” bi-weekly program, we shared a walk-thru on making a feature film with a smartphone. Panelists were Levi Austin Morris, Jason Rivera and Ryan McDonald. We discussed why you do which things first, what those things are, and we touch on some great tips on the how. Listen to episode 165.
One thing seems as important as the other until you break them down.
What I like to do is to break things down into timelines. A timeline to accomplish the best audio and a timeline to get the best video, while keeping tabs on how important the audio is.
You can see the timelines begin to run almost equally parallel to one another as you get to the completion of your project.
But once you’re on set, you can quote me on this:
Work with people who trust you, and trust them.
A good story is a good story.
How many times have you heard your favorite story told by your mom, or your dad, or a babysitter? Which one told it better? Which one was most entertaining or simply the best?
Things we create are as good as our ability to create them. And it’s the case with storytelling.
On one hand, filmmaking brings a story to life unlike any other medium. It uses different media and it can connect us through our stories on another level. It can play with our heart strings, it can help you understand things, like how other people in other cultures express pain differently.
Making films comes with an opportunity to make a profound change in someone’s life. The power of one.
Let’s go into 2024 with a renewed sense of the power we all hold with how we express ourselves, our words, our actions, and a sense of humanity unified.
Don’t miss the international film festival where all films are shot with smartphones for the 13th Edition April 26-28.
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