Page 77 - Exercise 1

Page 77 - Exercise 1

So, you want to make a film.

How do you do it?

1) You can make an excellent film with just a camcorder, but two other things can be useful. First, it isn’t easy to hold a camcorder still, so you get much better pictures if you put it on a tripod. A microphone is also a good idea. A camcorder has got its own microphone, but you can put a separate microphone closer to people so that you only get their voices.

Tip: Don’t move the camera quickly. People feel sick when they watch it.

2) Are you going to make an adventure film, a comedy, a horror film or a documentary? For any film it’s a good idea to write a script.

Tip: Keep the scenes short. People get bored quickly if scenes are too long.

3) For a story you need actors and actresses. Then you need a director (That’s probably you!) and a cameraperson. If you have a separate microphone, it’s a good idea to have a soundperson, too.

Tip: Be careful with animals in your film. They don’t always do what you want.

4) It’s easier to film indoors, because you can control things. However, you have to think carefully about lighting. You don’t usually have to think about lighting outdoors, but you have to think about noise, especially in a town.

Tip: The best weather for a film is when it’s dry but cloudy, because the light doesn’t change.

5) You’ve got your film, now you have to edit it. You need a computer for this. Choose the best scenes and put them together. You can also add music and titles.

Tip: Try to film each scene two or three times. You can then choose the best scene.

6) When your film is ready, you can put it on the Internet or you can make copies for your friends and family.

Tip: Why not have a film premiere? Invite your friends and family to watch the film and meet ‘the stars’.