Would it be better to make a few shorts before aiming at a full-blown feature, if only to build up a resume? Or should I go for a feature first? Or is there really no one way playbook to do this?
Screenwriting : Shorts instead of Pants by Tony Ray
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5 people like this
I made six shorts as writer/director before attempting full length scripts. The simplicity of plot and shorter character arcs in a short helps with the craft. It also translates to storyboarding, crew needs, and practice with budget.
3 people like this
I wrote both but, I'm planning to self-produce some shorts to learn the ropes. When I have more experience I'd like to write/produce a feature.
P.S your post title reads way better in the UK :-)
4 people like this
Crawl before you walk theory. Same as any craft. I learn how to edit by doing wedding videos.
2 people like this
Lay the groundwork and get involved with short subject films first. But if you feel that you've got a solid feature story in you, then there's no stopping you from going ahead with it. I worked on several short films before diving into a feature film which I co-wrote and co-directed. All the best to you.
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Bryn...I don't know when George Lucas said that....but if that were the case today, then filmmakers whose past/last films didn't do well (box office-wise) wouldn't get the chance to make another film.
Fortunately, that's not the case today, and many studio execs, exec producers/producers, and finance people recognize talent when they see it, and regardless of past box-office (or any grosses) success..
2 people like this
You must make some short films. You will learn writing from the process.
It will improve your dialogue. It will improve ability to tell story.
1 person likes this
Make something to make it. Short, Feature, whatever. Just make it. I suspect the rest, if done well, takes care of itself.
I would start with postcard shorts. Then shorts. Then Feature. Even if you have the money for feature, and a great idea, its best to suss totally the practicality of life on set before serious money in the mix. A film is collaboration of skills, whether big studio or budget Indie. Find people you can work with and who are on the same page. The right idea with the wrong people never cuts the mustard.
Holy gee wilikers Batman! I didn't know I would get so many responses so fast!!! =)
Thank you all for the answers. Truly, it's all helping me figure this business out.
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The reason I say make some shorts is you learn some super valuable things.
It is far better to have a Night Scene in doors if you can. It is cheaper and you can control the environment. I learnt that on "The change in me" https://youtu.be/EjX96oYyp7s the traffic going over the bridge was something I didn't think about. Plus the changing light as the moon crossed the sky.
Plus I figured out that two camera shooting is okay and not that hard to cut together. But is needed so much if you are improvising - Blood Brother https://youtu.be/jcy6SbxfkXI Plus having the different shooting concepts. Handheld for the crazy and locked down for the person begging for their life. I now know I'd probably have a third camera, longer lens to get some close over shoulder.
I have got myself the new Blackmagic Pocket 4k. Which is fun. I'll be making more shorts to practice what I have learnt.