This example of how to make an extreme sports mobile movie may help
with the planning, preparation and production of your film
The three stages of making a mobile phone movie are:
- Pre-Production
- Production
- Post-Production
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MOBILE MOVIE PRE-PRODUCTION
Casting - choose a hero or a central figure to make
the movie about. Consider the following in choosing your mobile movie
star:
• Do you have access to this person for interviewing?
• What extreme sport(s) are you going to incorporate?
• What are the interesting visuals about your hero's story?
• Make an initial assessment of the risks to crew and stunt people
• What do other people have to say about your hero?
• Is this person interesting to look at and listen to?
• Will the film work on the small screen of mobile phones?
• What locations will be part of this movie?
Mobile Movie Film style - What style of extreme sports
film do you want to make?
• Documentary
• Experimental
• Animation
• Narrative
Writing a script - keep it simple.
• Outline the main points you are interested in.
• Make a list of questions.
• Structure the beginning, middle and end.
• Write, re-write and re-write some more.
• Test the script and get feedback.
Get a mobile movie crew - keep it basic (one person can
do many positions).
• Director
• Producer
• Camera Person
• Sound Person (Production and Post-Production)
• Editor
Make a schedule - 5 P's: planning and preparation prevent
piss-poor performance!
• Set filming dates.
• Work with a deadline and stick to it.
• Plan plenty of time for editing and drinking
Location scouting
• Choose an interesting Location - You hear it
all the time: Location Location Location! It is true. An interesting background
for your scenes and interviews can really make your movie stand apart.
Take your time to visit many locations. Be determined to find something
unusual and interesting.
• Listen to the Sound - When location scouting,
ALWAYS listen to the ambient noise in the location. Sometimes great locations
don't get picked because they are next to a train track, airport, or freeway.
Seriously, it won't work. LISTEN at different times of the day to know
what to expect.
• Watch the Light - Visit the location during the
time of day you plan to shoot. Be sure to notice the position of the sun
and where there are shadows. Spend some time at the location watching
and listening.
• Location is a Character - The best movies find
ways to introduce the locations as if they were characters themselves
with changing moods that reflect the moods of the characters in the story
• Beware - Beaches are beautiful, but VERY difficult
for any dialogue because of the sound of the ocean. Generally, use beaches
for scenes and shots that don't require dialogue.
MOBILE MOVIE PRODUCTION
Production gear - choosing the right equipment. What
you will need:
• Script
• Video camera
• Lights (optional)
• Sound equipment
Production days
• Have a shot list and a plan
• Make call sheets
• Be on time
• Plan for set-up and take-down of equipment
• Prepare to feed the cast and crew
• Have back-up plans for outside locations
POST-PRODUCTION
Equipment
• Computer with Non-Linear Editing Software
• Two recommended programs are Avid XpressDV and Final Cut Pro.
• Tutorials to learn how to use the software.
Make a Post-Production schedule for picture and sound editing.
Picture Editing
• First assembly edit
• First cut
• Final cut
• Picture lock
Sound Editing
• Recommended software: Pro-tools
• MUST have rights to all music
• Create original music with Soundtrack software
• Mix all the sound elements
Links - Here's a useful list of links to help you with
your media project.
• Avid
Video Editing Products
• Avid Xpress
Pro
• Apple Final Cut
Express
• Apple iMovie HD
• Final
Cut Pro
SUBMIT YOUR EXTREME SPORTS
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