Is anyone interested in making their own movies??

Celia Cyanide · Nov 14, 2006

I'm an actress, and I've done a lot of independent films. I've been gone from the boards for a while, and now I'm back, and I thought I would poke my head in here. I'm working on a screenplay right now, and I'm going to try to raise money to make it myself with a couple friends.

I was just wondering if most of you were trying to sell your screenplays, or if any of you had ever tried to make them yourself. What was your experience like? Do you find that the script is written differently, depending on whether or not you have to send it off to someone else?

icerose · Nov 14, 2006

I don't know the first thing about making a movie so heck no. I am trying to sell mine.

wordmonkey · Nov 14, 2006

I have toyed with the idea, but I just don't have the time.

I have written some spec stuff where I damn the budget and just write it, but I have also written a couple of projects on commission where I knew ahead of time that the project was lo/no-budget and wrote accordingly, or I talked extensively with the producer about what would and wouldn't be do-able and then worked around those restrictions.

The biggest difference I would guess is that one is written without any limitations in mind and is a true spec script. The others are closer to being shooting scripts (though technically not) and begin to take into account sets, actors, limited locations, production logistics, etc.

scripter1 · Nov 14, 2006

I'm writing

scripts to sell, for others to make.
BUT I wouldn't mind being in front of the camera a bit myself and I like the idea of being behind it someday.

I've directed and "starred" in a couple of plays for Church.

(when you're the writer it is easy to make yourself the star.)

[actually, it wasn't intentional, it just turned out that way.]

I've heard several writers on the boards say that the first draft they write for them, to get all the story out of their head, just the way they want it. And THEN they go back and rework to fit what the industry wants and for budget and stuff.

I'm kind of in the middle. I keep it all in the back of my mind and kind of write all around it.

BottomlessCup · Nov 14, 2006

Hey, Celia! Good to see ya.

I'm definitely going to try to make a movie. I've got a only-slightly-obsolete Canon XL-1 and some other fun toys. Once I get out of this stupid job and get to LA in January, I plan to try to put something together.

In two of the scripts I've written, I was careful to avoid expensive stuff like stunts and effects. I also tried to limit the number of characters and settings, which chew money. The contraints can be hard, but they also can be a fun challenge. (For instance, I wrote a twisty caper with the rules, "No guns and no cops." It's tough!)

I haven't made a short or anything yet, but I've goofed off with it plenty and I did some stuff for some friends who are in bands.

If you haven't read Lloyd Kaufman's books, "All I Needed to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger" and "Make Your Own Damn Movie!", you should. He's the Troma guy. His books are incredibly funny and the most down-to-earth, practical guides to no-budget moviemaking I've read. Definitely worth the read.

English Dave · Nov 14, 2006

Celia Cyanide said:
I'm an actress, and I've done a lot of independent films. I've been gone from the boards for a while, and now I'm back, and I thought I would poke my head in here. I'm working on a screenplay right now, and I'm going to try to raise money to make it myself with a couple friends.

I was just wondering if most of you were trying to sell your screenplays, or if any of you had ever tried to make them yourself. What was your experience like? Do you find that the script is written differently, depending on whether or not you have to send it off to someone else?

What's it about and are you hot?

DoubleIT · Nov 14, 2006

I write most of my stuff in mind for me to direct. I've writen/directed a bunch of shorts and hope to do a feature soon.

Are you in LA?

English Dave · Nov 14, 2006

DoubleIT said:
I write most of my stuff in mind for me to direct. I've writen/directed a bunch of shorts and hope to do a feature soon.

Are you in LA?

AKA are you hot?

TheRuleofThirds · Nov 14, 2006

The way I write depends on the idea. If it's an idea that could be produced for cheap, then I'd probably write the script under the notion that I might try to latch onto my church's XL-2 and actually get it made. If it's an idea that's pretty extravagant, requiring filming abroad, visual effects, etc. then obviously I'll write with the intention of buying quite a few manilla envelopes.

scottVee · Nov 14, 2006

Hi,

I write mostly shorts, some for other people, and some I shot myself. At the risk of stating the obvious, writing is just one of the dozens of skills involved in making films. Producing, directing, casting, staging, lighting, camera work, set/costume/etc design, film editing, audio editing, etc. So just knowing how to write doesn't mean that you can shoot a film yourself. In many ways, "Why don't you just shoot it yourself?" is almost an absurd question. The quick answer is ... "because I'm not 15 different people." Ah, but can you find and manage the 15 people? Then it becomes possible ... but can still blow up at any time.

I think we should all try a lot of different things, and see what we're good at. Filmmaking includes identifying the things we're not good at and building a network of people who can cover those gaps. My projects keep getting stuck in post, and I can slog through all the editing with some skill, but I've discovered that I'm sick of doing this part. Yet everyone who offers to help ends up flaking out or doing a crummy job. While the actors complain about it not being done yet. All part of the struggle.

Best wishes for all your projects. The problem solving and energy can be a great thing.

= scott

Write_At_1st_Light · Nov 14, 2006

Celia Cyanide said:
I'm an actress, and I've done a lot of independent films. I've been gone from the boards for a while, and now I'm back, and I thought I would poke my head in here. I'm working on a screenplay right now, and I'm going to try to raise money to make it myself with a couple friends.

I was just wondering if most of you were trying to sell your screenplays, or if any of you had ever tried to make them yourself. What was your experience like? Do you find that the script is written differently, depending on whether or not you have to send it off to someone else?

Hi Celia -

And welcome to L.A. if you're not already here. You're SAG / AFTRA?

I've been in an indie prod (not as Indy, as a deputy sheriff), the big stuff only as background, but am absolutely writing my screenplays for the big screen, major distrib. Nothing less. I should be completing my 2nd script by year's end and I'll be pitching it after the holidays. It'll be an easier potential sell than the first, a much bigger potential moneymaker. Which, as you know, is all they care about here. Money money money.

The horrible thing about indie prods, to me anyway, is that hardly anyone ever sees them. So many made, so few seen. And some are really terrific flicks...

Mike The Mover · Nov 14, 2006

I don't have the money to produce a movie but I was thinking... If everyone who invests a chunk of money in stocks invested it in movies instead... It's a legit investment.

BottomlessCup · Nov 14, 2006

Mike The Mover said:
I don't have the money to produce a movie but I was thinking... If everyone who invests a chunk of money in stocks invested it in movies instead... It's a legit investment.

It can be a legitimate investment, but it has to be legitimized.

If you do the "shareholder" investment set-up, you actually have to file with the SEC in most cases. If you're getting outside cash from any source, you need a lawyer.

DrRita · Nov 15, 2006

Some investment companies are toying with the idea of adding film investments to their other investment opportunities. Could be a great opportunity.

We're working on a short currently. It's a blast.

As for making a feature, budget is always a consideration then the funds of course. But the key to making any money back is distribution. Anybody can make a movie but getting a distributor to pick it up isn't easy at all.

Celia Cyanide · Nov 15, 2006

BottomlessCup said:
If you haven't read Lloyd Kaufman's books, "All I Needed to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger" and "Make Your Own Damn Movie!", you should. He's the Troma guy. His books are incredibly funny and the most down-to-earth, practical guides to no-budget moviemaking I've read. Definitely worth the read.

I have not read the books, but I would like to. I have actually met Lloyd, and we have kept in touch over email. He called and asked me if I wanted a small role in his film, Poultrygeist, but that weekend I had a supporting role in another feature: http://monsterofphantomlake.com/ His books are on my must read list, because I want to make/act in independent/low budget movies, especially horror.

Write_At_1st_Light said:
The horrible thing about indie prods, to me anyway, is that hardly anyone ever sees them. So many made, so few seen. And some are really terrific flicks...

I agree completely. I think one major problem is that most people are not willing to take the time to watch a film that does not have a name actor. And even though I understand it, it kind of sucks. I try to give indie films with unknown actors a chance, because I've seen some that are pretty amazing. I think indie films without name actors that do well usually have something to offer that Hollywood doesn't.

In answer to your question, no I am not in LA. I live in Minneapolis. What a lot of people don't know is that there is a very rich film culture here in MN. I'm non-union, which works out pretty well here. I've only been doing this for a few years, but I've managed to do quite a lot. My imdb page is here: http://imdb.com/name/nm2097751/ (and perhaps that will answer English Dave's question??? :Shrug:

)

Thanks, everyone, for responding to my post! I like this board already. I'm meeting with two other actresses about the script, and then I'm going to work more on it. After that I might post a few pages for critique.

golfaddict68 · Nov 15, 2006

God, I wouldn't think of shooting my script on Video. yikes... you spend so much time on a script, so much love, why would you ever shoot it on video?

xhouseboy · Nov 15, 2006

Blair Witch - they even returned one of the video cameras after the shoot in order to keep production costs down.

28 Days Later - shot on digital video to give it the special feel they were trying to achieve.

Ridley Scott gave a recent interview about how he was toying with the idea of shooting an upcoming project on video.

odocoileus · Nov 15, 2006

golfaddict68 said:
God, I wouldn't think of shooting my script on Video. yikes... you spend so much time on a script, so much love, why would you ever shoot it on video?

These days, you fit the medium to the project. Some projects work better on video, some on 16, some on super 16, some on 35. Even super 8 has it's uses, especially for small screen exhibition.

Video probably enhanced the projects mentioned below. And video can give you a variety of different looks. Not better or worse than film, but different. One more set of tools in the toolbox.

Blair Witch - they even returned one of the video cameras after the shoot in order to keep production costs down.

28 Days Later - shot on digital video to give it the special feel they were trying to achieve.

Ridley Scott gave a recent interview about how he was toying with the idea of shooting an upcoming project on video.

Celia Cyanide · Nov 15, 2006

golfaddict68 said:
God, I wouldn't think of shooting my script on Video. yikes... you spend so much time on a script, so much love, why would you ever shoot it on video?

It depends on the project. As others have mentioned, some project work better on video. And with recent technology, you can make it look like film in post-production. You get the same appearance, but it doesn't cost nearly as much.

I actually did a student film a few years back, and the majority had to be shot on film stock, because that was part of the assignment. The directors shot some on video, just because it was cheaper. They said that if they had the choice, they would have shot it all on video. When I watch it, I can't tell which is which, because they did such a good job with lighting. Not that I'm an expert, but I am probably better informed than the average viewer.

And it goes without saying that sometimes you shoot your film on video because the other option is not seeing it made at all.

billythrilly7th · Nov 15, 2006

Celia Cyanide said:
I'm an actress, and I've done a lot of independent films. I've been gone from the boards for a while, and now I'm back, and I thought I would poke my head in here. I'm working on a screenplay right now, and I'm going to try to raise money to make it myself with a couple friends.

I was just wondering if most of you were trying to sell your screenplays, or if any of you had ever tried to make them yourself. What was your experience like? Do you find that the script is written differently, depending on whether or not you have to send it off to someone else?

There are certain movies I write for the big spec sale and certain movies I write to make myself. I definitely write the ones that I would make myself differently. They have a more Albert Brooksian, Woody Allen independent comedy feel to them. The ones I write for the big spec sale are full high concept summer or Christmas tentpole movies.

I made one of my own scripts a few years back.

Best and worst and greatest and most grueling experience of my life.

I'm still tired.

But I thank god I have my movie in hand.

Good luck.

billythrilly7th · Nov 15, 2006

golfaddict68 said:
God, I wouldn't think of shooting my script on Video. yikes... you spend so much time on a script, so much love, why would you ever shoot it on video?

Shoot in video. Put it through a FilmLook type program if you want.

Looks great.

BottomlessCup · Nov 15, 2006

billythrilly7th said:
Shoot in video. Put it through a FilmLook type program if you want.

Looks great.

Magic Bullet Suite makes it look awesome.

Obscene render times, but it's worth it.

golfaddict68 · Nov 15, 2006

maybe technology is catching up. I don't know. I'm an actor/editor/writer. I cut on Avid and have cut features in all formats, and the video is trouble in my opinion, unless, as has been pointed out, it serves the story. Like that flick "Open Water" it worked for that movie, but the dialog scenes in the beginning of the film look and feel terrible to me. YUCK! I hate video. I'm a purist to a fault. I just think film "feels" different, and it should, it's an actual physical representation of reality, not an interpreted image through electronics... I can feel that when I watch it. It is getting better though, I admit.

As an editor I've taken a "film" shot on video and done the old "Cine Look" and more recently I put a "film" through Magic Bullet Suite and I must say that suite is impressive, some very good looks and filters in it but it does not substitute for good old fashion film with a great DP in my opinion. HD is a whole different deal... I just saw the old XL-1 and XL-2 and it makes me cringe. Thinking of all these people on the set, working their butts off and there's this little video camera catching the actors pouring their hearts out. It's kinda like the reverse of the Native American's not wanting to be photographed because it "stole their soul"... I think video is incappable of recording a soul.... therefore it should only be used to shoot Native American documentaries

Beemer · Nov 16, 2006

Shooting your own "film" on video is a great way to learn what filmmaking is all about. Put aside thoughts of making money at it when you start. It is easy to put together a crew, but real talent is scarce. Make sure everyone is fed well, at least.

Some of the respondents here assume you are trying to produce the same sort of movie that a large studio can make. If that is your immediate goal, then either stick to writing on spec or learn how to finance a movie. It starts with a great script.

Celia Cyanide · Nov 16, 2006

billythrilly7th said:
I made one of my own scripts a few years back.

That's awesome, billy! Did you ever do anything with it? Is it online, or on imdb?

Beemer said:
Shooting your own "film" on video is a great way to learn what filmmaking is all about.

I really agree on that. When you're learning, it's sometimes a good idea not to use film stock unless you have to. I've known many people who see their first movie as a learning experience, and they are rather glad they didn't have to spend a ton of money on it.

I acted in a movie by some guys who had never made a movie, or gone to film school. They just decided to shoot a movie on video, and we just found a distributer!

golfaddict68 said:
it's an actual physical representation of reality, not an interpreted image through electronics...

I guess I don't really see movies that way at all. I do think they are a succession of images, not an actual representation of reality. As an actor, I don't see what I'm doing as representation of reality, either. I'm creating something. But maybe I misunderstand what you mean.

Over all, I just like the fact that people can choose to write screenplays for Hollywood, or take ideas that don't appeal to Hollywood and make them for themselves, without spending millions.

Is anyone interested in making their own movies??

Celia Cyanide

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icerose

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wordmonkey

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BottomlessCup

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TheRuleofThirds

practical experience, FTW

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