Ten More Things a Producer/Director Must Know
Prepare Yourself so You're Ready When the Big Moment Comes
Unfortunately, there's not much information available to prepare anyone for the rigors of shooting a feature film - or any kind of film for that matter. Having the right mind set and ample preparation time will pay off for you later. Here are some of the basics that a new film-maker should know - and you'll find some additional information for filmmakers here.
1. Understand that while you’re shooting, you are the most vulnerable. There are a lot of people out there who would rather see you fail than succeed. Any problem which might halt production must be given attention - anything else can wait. Keep your defenses up at all times and remember that after shooting is completed your life will return to normal.
2. Prepare yourself both mentally and physically well before you begin shooting. Think of yourself as a long distance runner who knows there will be plenty of time to rest and celebrate after the marathon is completed. If you feel tired, the whole cast and crew will feel tired too. Be strong and save the celebrating for the wrap party.
3. Remind yourself everyday that it takes the same amount of effort to make a good film as it does to make a bad one and you are NOT going to make one of the bad ones.
4. To a distributor or financier, “passion” often describes a filmmaker who can be easily ripped-off because they’re so dedicated and focused on making their film. It’s good to be passionate, but be smart too. Because you and your film are the same thing you can never really care about your film unless you care about yourself too.
5. Never sacrifice your creative vision. You got where you are because of that vision - because what you wanted to say was important to you. When times get tough refuse to abandon your vision or compromise your story or production values.
6. Make all spending decisions based only on “production value.” That is, will spending ten dollars on something deliver twenty dollars of value on the screen. Reject any production expenditure that doesn't double the investment you make.
7. Become an amateur shrink! Learn to recognize the signs of insecurity and jealousy in your cast and crew. Understand that you’re the one person who can help them most of all. Reassure the insecure, and relax the jealous ones.
8. Think ahead, way ahead. While the crew is re-setting the lights and camera, concentrate on the next scene, the next set, or the next location. Never arrive on-set without a shot list and the first several hours of work already mapped out.
9. You can never spend too much time in pre-production. Plan on a minimum of three to four days in pre-production for every day spent shooting.
10. Filmmaking is a collaborative process. One person doesn’t make a film, but hundreds of people do. Encourage your key cast and crew members to come to you with their suggestions. One day you’ll be out of ideas and you’ll need theirs.
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