This is the first week of the PreProduction Module. This is the class where we learn how things work, how to really make
a film. I know I sound kind of bummed out by all the details raining
down on us, but that was me speaking from the gut level. After so many
weeks of practical classes, the change to straight classroom
instruction was a shock, and the depth of the information was
overwhelming. This stuff is dense and deep, but also greatly
appreciated.
J.P. Ouellette is our instructor, a director, producer and a great storyteller. His knowledge of the planning process that goes into preparing and shooting a film is outstanding. This is the first time
in the program that we've gotten any amount of this kind of information. At first it seemed formidable, but we're starting to ease into a comfortable learning position. It makes us realize how big a responsibility it is to make a movie. It also makes the process more real and attainable.
PreProduction - What is it?
It's all the planning that goes into a movie before you shout action.
Budgeting, casting, scheduling, contracts, rentals, location scouting,
storyboarding, shot lists and more. It's a lot to get through in 3
weeks, but at our current rate, we'll hear it all.
In episode #41, I listed a number of Screenplay sites Here's two more links with lists of additional sites, TopTenLinks and Lew Hunter.
You can learn a lot about scriptwriting by reading scripts. Remember
that every type of production, TV, movie and so on, has their own
preferred format for scripts, and those are always evolving. It's a
good idea, if you write, to check up on blogs that talk about
scriptwriting.
Copyright
issues are really important and because I'm way out of my depth in this
area, I only mention it in passing. You will find a lot of interesting
info in David Battino's podcast on public domain music
in episode #16 of his podcast at O'Reilly.com. Anyone involved in
producing a movie should take the time to learn more about copyright
restrictions so you don't end up losing time or money in court.
Production
Note - In the beginning I spoke about the audio settings for this and
last episode. I also boosted the amplitude to raise the volume of the
quieter parts. Thanks to Dennis for helping me understand the
compression process. I know it was a struggle, but I did get a lot of
what you were saying.
