Every time I have embarked upon a major project, bee it a book, web initiative, festival or feature film, I choose not to engage with the enormity of the project until I am almost there. You see, if I think about it too much, I will conclude that it’s quite simply impossible. And in many […]
I wrote, directed and produced my self-funded debut feature ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ for under £10k (it’s a 1970s period film!) and then self-distributed in cinemas around the UK and the USA. That’s a very difficult eight year journey! It can be difficult to move on to your next projects so now I’m making a […]
Earlier this year I directed my first short film. I had always thought that making my first film would be similar to most other people’s first short film experience – it’d be small scale, probably filmed in or around my own house with just a few people to help out. More like a ‘practice and […]
In today’s connected, online world, filmmakers have to build and nurture their fan bases so that they always have a ready-made audience for their next film or crowdfunding campaign. But have you considered involving your followers directly in the making of your film? If not, you could be overlooking a valuable asset. In 2009 I […]
GFilm alum Lee Greenhough has just completed his recent short, post the previous Guerilla Filmmakers Masterclass and I asked him to share some of his insights so we can all learn from his experience. So it’s taken me just over 11 months to make my latest short film ‘Three Strikes’ and every time I make […]
Last week we did the final sound mix for ‘Be Heard’ at a top facility in central London, inside a state of the art dubbing theatre. I have been present at the mix of many films now, features and shorts, and there are certain patterns and things you can do to get the most from […]
AKA – What I learned on the Guerilla Filmmakers Masterclass that I used on set with my first feature film The Redeeming. I’ve taken Chris Jones’ Guerilla Filmmakers’ Masterclass twice – in 2011 and 2012. And you bet your bottom dollar I bought a ticket for this year’s last ever class the instant the announcement […]
Library music is a great resource for filmmakers. I am a huge fan of Audio Network with their simple and hugely cost effective pricing. I used them first (and extensively) on my Oscar shortlisted film ‘Gone Fishing’ (though not all music was Audio Network, but ALL was library music). However, one down side of library […]
Certified visionary / nutcase Melanie Light just completed her dark and disturbing short ‘The Herd’. I asked Mel to share her insights into how to get the most from the least when designing your own horror film. Over to @MisartressMel Share skills If you know anyone that makes props, works in graphic design or SFX […]
‘The cameras, lenses, cranes, batteries, tripods, drones… the ‘kit’… will not make you a great filmmaker.’ That was one core message I shared at BVE onstage yesterday, and if the organisers find out, it’s likely I will never be invited back! Taking action now, making stuff now, learning about story now, working with actors now… […]
Guest post by Sebastian Solberg Drones will and are already revolutionising filmmaking, allowing cash strapped filmmakers to achieve jaw dropping, cinematic results that have previously only been available to Hollywood productions. Watch the film above in HD. I’ve been working with drones on and off for a few years now but at the end of […]
Dave Reynolds, who you may recall from The Production Office, finally released his horror movies Zomblies on YouTube, and so I asked him to write me his top ten tips for shooting Zombie movies. You can watch the FULL MOVIE above too (remember to go full screen and switch to HD). Dave and his team […]
Is the title of your film killing its chances? Consider, the title for your film or script is the VERY FIRST thing most people will experience about it. The first question asked is usually ‘what’s it called?’ And like all first impressions, you want it to be a good one. As humans, we make immediate […]
If you want to make the most out of your limited resources, look at the locations you have and tailor your screenplay to match what is available. I learned a long time ago that moving a cast and crew from one location to another is akin to pushing an elephant up a hill. When scheduling […]
Attracting money ALWAYS begins with the question… WHY? Why on earth should I give YOU money as opposed to buying a car, building a patio, going on holiday, funding some inner city kids dancing project, investing in stocks and shares etc… you get the picture. And yet SO MANY film makers, myself included, rarely address […]
I love storyboarding. What I have found is that when people read a script, each person pictures it through the of their own experience and imagination. No matter how clear the writing, everyone has at best a slightly different version of the story in mind (at worst, wildly differing versions!). And so by moving from […]
Following last weeks post where I offered blog readers the contracts you could use on your film, I thought I would add a list of tips for contracts. I called it the ‘Top Ten’, but of course, like any contract negotiation, that expanded…! So it’s a top fourteen! You can read about the free film […]
