Top Filmmkaing Tips for Youth Films
So you’ve decided to enter one of our filmmaking competitions - that’s great! But don’t know where to start? Check out some of our tips below to help you out.
Script & Storyboard
Good planning for a film is vital to making it good. Don’t scrimp on your script as you can always cut things later in the edit but it’s much harder to add it back in! Planning makes group work go easier when you’re out shooting and helps to end arguments as you can refer to your storyboard or script. Remember if you have script to practise before you film!
Video Cameras
Many people worry about the quality of the film that they have, but don’t worry, what’s most important is how you use the equipment that you’ve got. So if you have a mobile phone, use it! If you have something better then go for it. Just remember these XXX things with whatever equipment you have:
Try to keep you shot steady (unless you’re going for a shaky look!). If you don’t have a tripod, then make yourself into one. Tuck your arms into your side and lean against a wall/bookcase/door etc. to help stabilise yourself.
Is everyone in frame? Make sure that you keep all those who are in the scene and talking in the frame, and make sure you don’t cut off their heads!
Familiarise yourself with different types of film angles and the reason of why you use them. The basics are a wide shot, mid shot, close up and extreme close up and here’s a link to something a bit more in-depth!
What noise is happening while you’re filming? Are you filming in a noisy classroom? Are there other people around having a conversation? Change your filming location to something quieter so your audience can hear what your actors are saying.
Move the camera close if speech (dialogue) is important. Most small cameras have a tiny in-built microphone that have a hard time picking up speech from a distance away. If you’re scene has important dialogue then think about changing your shot so that you’re closer and can hear your actors (perhaps a mid or close up shot is better?).
Editing
It’s one of the most important parts of the process but one that is often overlooked - if you have a good script, and spend some effort on your filming it will help you in the editing.
Most computers offer free editing software - MovieMaker, or Photos on PCs or iMovie on Mac - but if you want to try something different (and free) check out DaVinci Resolve.
Sound
Don’t for get sound and music! You can download some free sound effects from https://freesound.org/. iMovie includes some free music that you can use.
Good luck with your film and we can’t wait to see your entry! If you have any other tips that we’ve missed be sure to add them into the comments below.