OK. So, if you really want to make movies, here is the best way. It’s cheap, it’s fun, and it’s a learning experience. It is NOT however, easy, or convenient. But, it is the way I do it.
First, write a sceenplay. A decent screenplay that has a decent story. Since you’re going to produce it, and direct it, don’t worry about its format. If you want the proper format, I suggest you read a few screenplays online. I go to scriptbuddy.com. There, you can set up an account, and format your screenplays with the utmost ease, because the site formats it for you.
Now that you have your screenplay, hand it out to some friends, and ask their honest opinions on it. Polish it if you need to. Otherwise, start looking for production help. I post ads on craigslist.com, and I go to colleges for their film students. Most of them will work for free, but I like to pay them based on a percentage of royalties known as "deferred pay". You will need some production assistants, grips, and of course, cameramen. Most cameramen who have decent cameras will bring their own gear, in which, they get production credit (i.e. lights, booms, mics, cameras, tapes), and will get extra % on royalties.
Now at this point, you haven’t spent one dime, and you have a whole crew ready to go at your fingertips. Now you need actors. I personally go to colleges for theatre students, acting classes, or again, craigslist. Offer them deferred pay as well. Most, again, will work for free, though.
Now that you have everyone you need, get all your props you need. You might have to dish out a few dollars, or write a screenplay that will need no props. After that, make a shooting schedule, but here’s the tricky part. You might have to do it around everyone else’s regular schedule, because let’s face it… you’re not paying them yet. I have heard other ways though. Like, "make the schedule your way, and if they really want to be a part of it, they will." or some crap like that. Basically, you have two choices, you can schedule it so everyone is happy, or you can schedule it so you’re happy, and let everyone else fall into play.
Depending on your script, you will need a film permit. If you’re shooting in a city on public property, you need a permit. If it’s in the county, or private property, you don’t. Acquiring permits is easy, and most of them are free, unless you live in L.A., Chicago, or New York. They charge a fee. Check out your city’s film commission office. You can find them online, or go to your town hall.
Once you have your permit, unless you didn’t need one, you can start the filming process. This is where all the learning is done. Check back with my other articles on being a film director for tips, guides, and overall advice on the subject matter.
