Dial Filmmaking: Capturing The Vision - Part 2
Some of the most beautiful moments on film are captured by fate. Capturing a moment means embracing all of the moving elements of any environment.
Just like any artist, a filmmaker must always be open to the idea of their canvas constantly changing. An idea, like a script, is needed for the direction of the project but ultimately the canvas itself must capture the moment.
When I share the details of how we make our films for Dial, people are often very surprised. Our films are shot with a borrowed camera and a few friends, with our shooting never lasting longer than an hour. I believe that you can have an incredibly high standard of design and execution of a product while adhering to the constraints of few or limited resources.
Here are a few pointers for filming something to be proud of on a shoestring budget.
Use the resources around you. Often people may be unaware of what resources they have around them at limited to no cost. From a friend who has a quality camera or mic to a neighbor who has a cool car or property, resources exist within your network. The challenge soon becomes finding a way to utilize and leverage that network for your project.
2. Let The Moment Capture You
Be aware. Moments are always moving. Lighting, sounds, and actions are always changing. Scripts are needed for the direction of your project and as an important starting point to the day. But be open and willing to move and evolve your vision. Don’t fight the idea of going off-script. Instead embrace the spontaneity and just start rolling.
On our shoot, we let the moment capture us. While shooting at a park, we went completely off script and embraced a man artistically creating bubbles. We never created a story around him or his work, yet instead embraced the spontaneity and just started rolling with our actors improving.
You would be amazed at what people are willing to do if asked. Compiling a list of your resources, just like the idea of being scrappy, is critical in being able to leverage and utilize your community in the process of creating your film. Asking for help is the first step. People want to see you succeed and will often do what is asked of them, within reason.
4. Take Time To Get It Right
Filmmaking takes time. Achieving your vision takes even longer. Accepting and embracing the idea that your vision will change throughout the creative process will help you master your project. Embracing the state of adaption to capture the moment will help you to create a more meaningful project.
5. Take Care Of Your Cast and Crew
Most likely, any actors or crew members helping out on your project are there to support you. To be a part of the filmmaking process in any role is a tremendous asset as a filmmaker - without their help the project would stall.
Take care of those people by treating them well, thanking them for their time and making sure they are aware of how much their help means to you. If you have the resources, buy lunch or pay for any travel expenses. Making sure that they realize how much their time and help matters to your project is beneficial to both parties.
Written on March 25, 2016 by
Bill Herling
