Technologi

With the cost of cameras and editing software reduced in recent years it has become a lot easier for student filmmakers to create their own work. However it is not just the technology that is important when creating films. Being aware of the language of film and knowing the practical aspects of filmmaking will make it easier when it comes to doing your work.

The first thing to think about is the kind of film you want to do. For some people they may wish to work in a specific genre in the future. At an early stage it can be difficult to do certain genres. For example period pieces are often difficult due to the need for authenticity while science fiction can often require a large budget.

Admittedly the downside of this ease of access is that there is more films and video out there. With video upload websites there are a lot for people to watch. This is why the fundamentals of learning how to shoot a film and how to edit it properly become more important than ever in order to stand out from the crowd.

The truth is that the best directors are often passionate about film themselves. A good example was the French New Wave of the Sixties. Influential directors such as Jean Luc Goddard learned their craft by studying and critiquing other filmmakers before then using that knowledge to apply it to their own movies to create a distinct visual language that took those influences and created something new.

While watching a film hundreds of times may not be necessary it is still a good idea to watch with a critical eye. Think about why a scene is effective. As well as lighting, camera work and other practical elements look at the actors and how expressive they are. In some cases a look or a gesture can be as effective as pages of dialogue.

This is why making a short film is often a good first step for students wanting to learn. It gives you the chance to experiment and develop a style. Inevitably at first people tend to base their style on their favourite filmmakers before gradually learning their own individual work.

This is crucial because theory alone is not enough. While it is important to study hard you have to think about what you do between semesters. Building up experience and working on your projects will give you a showreel that can then allow you to get more work.

In simple terms being student filmmakers does not begin and end with the course you work on. It is worth looking online to find various accredited local courses as well as more information about who runs them and how much is theory and practise. This will allow you to find the ideal school to help you develop your skills and prepare you when it comes to creating your own masterpieces.