Yesterday I sat down to write the general concept of a music video I'd like to shoot and spent close to 8 hours today flushing it out in a treatment. And of course, this is only the start if I do get this filmed. I need a budget analyst, I need to scout locations, file the proper permits, cast, schedule the shoot, actually film it, edit the music video, etc. Let's not factor in the time it took for the band to write, produce, mix and master the song. Phew! It's exhausting just thinking about it. All for a video that would last 4 minutes.
It got me to thinking about just how much goes on behind the scenes that audiences don't see -- that "movie magic" -- and how I think it should be shared. If not to promote a greater appreciation of the artistry and hard work, to aid others looking to undertake similar tasks/projects.
My question for you Stage 32 creatives is: When given the option of a blog or a vlog, which would you choose to document your filmmaking process? Furthermore, have you ever done so before and how was your experience/audience's response?
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Ana- As a Screenwriter,Native New Yorker, and 3rd generation of a New York Show business family i can't offer any advice on what is better a Vlog or a Blog. However, that said I have learned over the last (2) years as a member of this vibrant creative community wherever possible to offer help:
I can suggest (2) books that could help 1) Reel to Deal by Dov SS Simmons. 2) 'BANKROLL' -'How to finance your independent film.
I wish you best of luck with this thread.. Since you only posted it 10 minutes ago and it is just 5:38 AM here in Manhattan I am sure as the day progresses and people wake up you will get the answers that will help. Cheers!
@Steven - Thank you for your suggestions. I will be sure to look into them! I had written the post so early because I was up that late!
You're welcome! I rarely sleep. The wee hours of a Manhattan Morn are the only hours it is quiet enough to get my screenplays written. Best wishes on your Blog vs. Log conundrum.
Lindbergh E Hollingsworth - I didn't mean to include behind the scenes in the video so much as a separate endeavor how some people vlog about their trip to the market on any given day (taking their audience with them). But this would have more... substance? I hate to put it like that so we'll say educational.
It's probably worth noting that I'm having an internal debate about whether or not I should start a site for myself and my work.
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Vlogs can get a bit tedious especially if the on camera person (or doing V.O.) isn't very good at being on camera, or worse, not speaking clearly (overuse of "it's like", "ah", "um") and communicating what needs to be communicated. Blogs can be good because if someone likes what's communicated they can re-read it a number of times or print and take with them. You can either chronicle the journey or take people with you on the journey so they learn how to do it (which means explaining things, how to overcoming obstacles). Two different things.
People I know who have put up blogs stopped after awhile. They ran out of steam, not enough content, or just gave up because it required them to go do something (which takes time) and then they have to write it up (more time).
Checkout other blogs/vlogs and see what works. Some of my favorite: Prolost.com (Stu Maschwitz, filmmaking, post-prod, color grading), Hurlblog (Hurlbutvisuals.com --- Shane Hurlbut, DP), Vashivisuals.com (Vashi Nedomansky, editor/post prod), Truby.com (story structures, and I love his breakdowns on movies), Filmriot (filmmaking videos with Ryan: http://www.youtube.com/filmriot)
(My previous post was quickly typed when at work. To much thought and no time)
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If you were writing, I'd suggest a blog; if you were acting/directing, I'd suggest a vlog. Given that you are basically producing, I'd suggest a blog with some video installments - much the way you are doing the project. Some things will translate better in written form, some recorded, and this way you can include both. WordPress and Blogger allow you to upload/attach videos, or you can just link to them in your text if you host them elsewhere. :)
Why do it? You got enough on the plate with the actual production.
Hire a "behind the scenes" 2nd Unit crew if you think your project is special.
Lindbergh E Hollingsworth -- I will take a look at those! I can understand how the blogs would lose steam because energy is focused elsewhere which is why I was considering vlogs because they tend to be more raw footage, very little editing. Kind of like an IG story that's permanent.
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@C Harris Lynn -- I used Wix before but I have heard good things about Wordpress. Thank you for the suggestion that I don't necessarily have to choose either or!