Whether you're an amateur filmmaker or a professional, there's one element that significantly increases the quality of your craft: pre-production. It's not just about shooting; it's about creating and controlling the entire process. This guide is specifically designed for solo filmmakers. While the process for production companies can be more complex, this guide provides a solid foundation to build upon. Here's how you can effectively use pre-production for your next film project.
Preparation
Before you start shooting, you need to have a clear idea of what your film is about and what its purpose is. Is it to entertain, educate, show, compare, or document something?
Once you've decided on your film's purpose and main idea, it's time to do some research. Look up other films that have been made on a similar topic. Maybe someone has already made something similar, and you'll need to pivot.
Visualize Your Idea
Next, create a moodboard to visualize your film's aesthetic and mood. This will help you understand the film's look and feel. You can also create a storyboard to help visualize the narrative. Remember, this is a rough guide and can change throughout the production process.
Organizing Your Film Project
Once you have a clear idea of your film's concept and visual aesthetics, it's time to organize the practical aspects of your film. This is where a tool like Milanote comes in handy. It allows you to collect notes, images, videos, tasks, and more—all in one place.
You can create a board for each of your film's main elements: script, locations, crew, casting, and budget. You can also add a checklist to keep track of what you've done and what still needs to be done.
Casting
If your film is a narrative piece, casting is an essential part of pre-production. Working with non-actors can be a viable option, but hiring professional actors who know how to project emotions can really elevate your work and add production value. When casting, consider not only an actor’s talent but also their suitability for the role and their chemistry with the rest of the cast.
Location Scouting
When you know what locations you need for your film, go out and find the actual places. Use tools like Google Maps in satellite mode to scout locations remotely. Once you've found potential locations, do a tech scout visit. This will help you prepare for the actual shooting day and avoid potential problems.
Storyboarding and Shot List
Storyboarding is an essential part of the pre-production process. Even if you're not the best artist, simple stick figure drawings can help communicate your vision. Once your storyboard is complete, create a shot list. This will serve as a guide during the shooting process, ensuring you don't forget any important shots.
Final Thoughts
Pre-production might seem like a lot of work, but it's a crucial part of the filmmaking process, especially for solo filmmakers. It helps you organize your thoughts, plan your shots, and prepare for potential challenges. So next time you have a film project, don't skip the pre-production phase. It could be the difference between a good film and a great one.
