Note: this post has been sponsored by EditMentor. Chances are if you have worked on a film set or are starting out at film school, you may have heard someone mention Mise-en-Scène (meez-ahn-SEN). Assuming you don’t speak French, it may seem initially confusing as it translates to “placing on stage” […]
Pre-production
Explore Pre-production Blog Posts
A Short Guide on How to Write a Script in 6 Basic Steps
Note: this post has been sponsored by Mary O. Spears. A script or a screenplay is commonly used in the film industry. This is basically a piece of writing that narrates the movements, actions, expressions and dialogues of the movie characters in a certain format. Scripts can be original works […]
What is a Storyboard and Why Should you Use One?
Something you’ll realize quickly when you’re first starting to plan out your film’s storyline is how many moving parts go into your story. With so many ideas running around in your head, it can be difficult to see how all of these pieces will come together to form one cohesive […]
The Basics of Location Scouting
Because visuals are the basis of filmmaking, it is crucial that you are able to shoot on locations that not only fit your personal vision but can proudly bring your story to life on the big screen for others to see. This requires the knowledge necessary to scout locations. As […]
Should You Rent or Buy Film Equipment?
When producing a short film, it is imperative that you plan out your budget as clearly and precisely as possible, especially when it comes to your film equipment. Budgeting may sound like a scary endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. If you enter The Film Fund, you’re eligible to […]
How to Develop Your Short Film on a Budget
Making a short film has never been easier or more achievable. The technology, resources, and information available in the 21st century mean making a short film on a budget is completely within your grasp. Producing a film within the bounds of a tight budget may seem daunting at first, but […]
How Long is a Short Film?
When making a short film, you should follow this general rule: make your film as brief as possible without taking away from it. In the short film world, nothing is better than a work that keeps you engaged and can move you in mere minutes. Keep in Mind Time Restrictions […]
Why the Screenplay Format Works
If you think you’re ready to start writing your first screenplay, it’s important to remember that there’s a particular screenplay format that should be followed when writing your script. Let’s briefly go over what that form is. In his book Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting, Syd Field does an incredible job […]
Why is Production Design Important?
Production Design: the visual elements that go into making a film. Why is this important? Although it may seem obvious, something important to remember about film is that film is about what you can see. Even though a well developed idea and a well written script are both important, one […]
Achieving Stellar Production Design
Independent films are breaking through the film industry, yet they are much more difficult to create than one would initially believe. A strategy for creating a well made independent film is making sure that you are utilizing the strongest forms of production design you can. Let’s discuss some strategies for […]
What is Production Design?
Whether you’re making your first or your tenth film, it’s important to remember that there are various elements that go into making a film, ranging from budget, to themes and plots, to the visual elements of the film. Today, we’re going to focus on production design. According to studiobinder, ‘the […]
What Is A Mood Board and Are They Necessary For My Film?
You finished your script, your logline, and maybe even a script treatment. Does that mean you are ready to start pulling together a crew and start working toward production? Maybe not quite yet. When making your film, it’s important that you strive for a particular consistent look and feel. One […]