Creative Content Creation Flashcards
Try to come up with a great idea that works in a few minutes. Keep the concept simple and focused. A good logline can help you focus your idea and keep you from wandering too far off course.
Story
Come up with a story that can believably occur in a very short amount of time, even ten minutes. Your actual film’s running time doesn’t need to be that long, but you will be able to dramatize shorter events in a more grounded way.
Story
Cast carefully. Some actors may be more
comfortable with ample rehearsal time, so
make sure they know the time restrictions of your shoot.
Actors
Let your actor know what their objective in each scene is.
directing your actors
Allow your actors to contribute. If they’re
inventive, give them a chance to improvise.
Shoot takes with alternate lines of dialogue. This can be especially effective in comedies.
Actors
Make sure you and your actor are on the same page about their character and their motivations. If you disagree, take a few minutes to discuss, listen, and compromise.
directing your actors
Be there for your actor. While some actors may prefer to do things their own way, most seek and thrive on direction, even if it’s just pointing them the right way, metaphorically speaking.
directing your actors
Or literally speaking! Blocking is very important not just for your framing but for the intensity of the scene itself. Work with your actors to find the right blocking for each scene–what feels right for them
and what looks best for the camera.
directing your actors
How to help Actors
Script-reading
How to help Actors
Acting workshop
Make sure your schedules are detailed out to the minute and remember that communication between cast and crew is key. By having everyone’s contact information and by communicating clearly where everyone is expected to be and when, you can avoid unnecessary delays in production. Give them directions and expected travel times to the set.
Producing
Organize your days so you can shoot several scenes in one day. If you have multiple locations, select the key location for the day and then find your other locations in the
immediate area. Moving locations can be a killer and waste tons of time. Try to group scenes together that use the same cast members and costumes. Be efficient in your
scheduling and don’t be afraid to shoot out of order or out of sequence.
Producing
Put together an inexpensive but effective
equipment list. Your story won’t be improved with more pixels, but you also don’t want your camera breaking down in the middle of your shoot. Test all the gear before you leave for the set.
Equipment
Make sure all batteries and other accessories are charged before the shoot, and spares are being charged during the shoot. Remember, with only three days to shoot, every minute counts and every
delay needs to be avoided at all costs.
Equipment
Don’t be afraid of using natural lights and don’t be afraid if not everything is lit and bright. Often enough, beauty lies in the darkness. Silhouettes, high contrast, backlighting, and dramatic shadows
can create a very dynamic and powerful
cinematographic look.
Cinematography
