How to Create an Experimental Film

While it might seem difficult to think of a fresh take on the experimental film, at least you won't have to worry about whether or not your film is a commercial success. An experimental, or avant-garde, film differs in its techniques and practices from mainstream or commercial films, so the point is to be original and to stimulate your audience by showing them the world in unexpected ways.

Instructions

1. Take the familiar tools of cinema, such as narrative, cinematography and chronology, and blend them in unexpected ways. Try for unique cinematographic effects like unusual camera angles and shifting, strange lighting. Feel free to use nontraditional plot lines that shift between multiple points of view or even double back on themselves.

2. Brainstorm by watching some of the classic experimental films, like David Lynch's "Eraserhead" or Jim Jarmusch's "Stranger than Paradise."

3. Study avant-garde art and fiction. Many film directors took their inspiration from the work of avant-garde painters and writers; for example, David Lynch found great inspiration in the work of Surrealists like Salvador Dali.

4. Plan, organize and shoot your film. Even though this is an experimental film, it still needs to be properly planned in advance. When you cast your film, consider casting bizarre or non-stereotypical actors for your roles.

5. Edit your film. This is another opportunity to introduce interesting and original effects to your film. All sorts of animation and special effects can be used here to give a surreal aspect to your film. You can also cut the film in such a way that breaks up the traditional linear plot structure, opening up possibilities for double-meanings and reverse chronology.