How to start making independent films

So you believe you have what it takes to start making the next great film? Truth is it's nearly impossible to pull off a good film on your own. Maybe you wrote the screenplay, planned out your storyboard, and bought your equipment; but there is always plenty more to worry about. Hopefully these pointers will help you with your masterpiece.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Manpower
• A complete story
• Script (unless improv or documentary)
• Camera(s)
• Computer
• Editing Software
• Sound Equipment
• Lighting Equipment
• Talent

1. A story is key. Before you even get wrapped up in actors, money, and expensive equipment, make sure that you have the skeleton of your project. Don't even start to think about filming until you have a finished story. Getting ahead of yourself is the worst mistake of most who are excited to begin filming.
2. After you have written out your story, it's time to write again. It needs to be adapted to what's called a screenplay. This will make it translatable to screen by giving important directions to actors and crew, as well as establish dialogue and character arcs.
3. Once you are absolutely sure that you want to make the film, the best thing to do is have a group of people who are interested in helping you out. Friends who have a similar interest is always great, but designated roles are important. Avoid stepping on eachothers toes. The creative process doesn’t prosper from conflict.
4. Here is a step that is a big expenditure. Equipment. There are two ways to go about obtaining the right equipment. The first option is renting what you need. The second, of course, is buying the equipment. Renting is cheaper, however there are several cons. There are no warranties, and you will end up paying more for any damages. The rented equipment’s major downfall is that it is used, and may not work to the best of it’s ability. Buying equipment will help you avoid all of this, and you will be getting exactly what you want. It is more expensive however.
5. What equipment will you need? A good camera is the most important thing you could use. Don't get caught up in too much technical information when you’re just starting out. It is important to know your lenses, and frames per second so do some research. You can find videos for most high-end model cameras on youtube. Simply type in the model you’re thinking of purchasing. For example, a Canon XL2. The site will have videos of test footage from that specific camera. Most high-end cameras come in packs with necessary equipment. It should include things like a zoom lens, microphone, etc. Expect to spend somewhere in the ballpark of 2,000 dollars on a good camera.
6. Next you'll need a computer with good editing software. When your film is in post-production, this is where everything comes together. It allows you to shoot out of sequence and put it in order after the fact, as well as cut scenes together, add transitions, add music, and so on. The most popular programs out now are Final Cut Pro, and Vegas 8. A good computer and program will also be in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 dollars. Once again, do some research and find what’s right for you.
7. Sound is extremely important. The microphones on some high quality cameras are excellent, but extra equipment is always a good idea. Look for moderately priced audio bundles online. Sites will usually have audio samples for the specific products you are looking at.
8. Don't go crazy on lighting. Natural light is overlooked quite frequently. Lighting is relatively inexpensive, so be frugal when looking for the right equipment. Your best bet to keep cost down is to buy moderately priced lighting bundles, and be creative with what you have. It may help your films find a style that’s all your own.
9. Hiring actors isn't easy. First they need to look the part. Second, they need to act the part, and most of all, they need to be compensated. If your friends are horrible actors, or have been in too many of your films; it’s probably time to outsource. Actors always need work, so the best thing to do is be upfront. If you can’t pay them monetarily, let them know. There are other ways they can be compensated. For example, a good deal is a copy of the final cut of the film. This will be a good point of reference for them to have as hard evidence of their talents. It is cheap, and everyone stays happy. Food is also something to compensate with. Keep your cast fed while shooting. It will help.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay within your means. If you need to start out small in order to go big, then do so. Patience is something that isn't mentioned very much in hollywood. Regardless of what you hear on television, success does not happen over night. If you want to pursue film making, practice your craft, and go bigger over time. These are all just suggestions. A good story won't cost a thing to create, and that is the foundation of a great film.
• make sure you research!! It's the most important thing you can do. No one likes to be taken advantage of. Read more than this article before diving in!