David Worth lists what indie filmmakers must do first: a great script, an outstanding cast and crew, the right locations, available light and a tech scout.
(I’m really speaking more to the independent filmmakers than the mega budget productions because those films all come with a host of studio, agency and production company musts already built into that system.)
As for the indies: FIRST: You must write or somehow acquire an amazing compelling and thrilling script! That does not have the need for: expensive stars, distant locations, or an excessive amount of special effects or CGIs! Until that’s been accomplished: nobody should have a job!
SECOND: You must locate an outstanding cast! Whether they are first-timers or have a little experience or are theatrically trained, they all have to be so charismatic that you and your audience simply cannot take your eyes off of them!
THIRD: You must surround yourself with an extraordinary creative team! You must cast your crew even more carefully than your cast! Because they have to be with you for all day every day! For the long haul and the late hours: body and soul!
FOURTH: Location! Location! Location!
Utilize natural locations that come with “the right look” and textures already aged into them by time itself!
FIFTH: Available and practical light! You must utilize available light and have practical lights built into your sets or locations. This is the most production-friendly and actor-friendly way to work because you can shoot in any direction at any time! Remember: If it was good enough for Stanley Kubrick, it’s certainly good enough for you!
SIXTH: The tech scout! Take every key crew member from the ADs to transpo and the grips and do a walk and talk through of every scene on every set or location. That’s the only way you’ll discover if you’ve overlooked any important details!
SEVENTH: You must pre-visualize your production! Use the camera and/or video on your iPhone to walk and talk with your cast: every scene, and every location! The simplest way to do this is the Hitchcock method: Storyboards! But instead of tediously drawing them, use your iPhone to do a still photograph of every set up!
This should complete your pre-production and now you’re ready for all of the triumph and tragedy of the s–t hitting the fan during production! And believe me, it will hit the fan! Why? Because in filmmaking Murphy’s Law is always in effect! In other words: If something totally unexpected, soul crushing, budget busting or schedule breaking can happen: it will happen!
All you can do is roll with the punches, go over, under, around or through each obstacle, treat every challenge as an opportunity, improvise based on all of your prep and always remember that “It’s only a movie!” and all you have to do is: Breathe in, breathe out and ZEN that f—-r into post production!
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