Pre- Production - The planning stage of Production
The Planning stage is crucial for any film. It is the stage where ideas are generated long before any film (video) footage is shot. Careful planning and analysis of elements of the plan will provide direction for all members of the film's production team - from idea development right through to the final edit of the film. Everyone needs to have a clear understanding of the intentions of the film and its characters. Pre-planning will provide the roadmap for everyone involved.
The Planning stage is crucial for any film. It is the stage where ideas are generated long before any film (video) footage is shot. Careful planning and analysis of elements of the plan will provide direction for all members of the film's production team - from idea development right through to the final edit of the film. Everyone needs to have a clear understanding of the intentions of the film and its characters. Pre-planning will provide the roadmap for everyone involved.
Generating Film Ideas
"The Story Idea"
This is a process of creative thinking and writing
The absolutely hardest part of being a filmmaker is telling a story that others want to watch. Where do great ideas come from? How can you begin the process of telling a great story through film? There are no shortcuts to coming up with ideas - it takes hard thinking and determination. But once you have4 "the idea" it is incredibly satisfying.
In this class you will eventually write a script for a short film (approx. 4 pages.)
So what will your short film be about? Where can you draw inspiration for your film story? Who will be the characters in your film? Why will others be interested in watching your film if it is produced.
There is no one answer - each of us are different and how and when ideas "come" to us also very different. But there are ideas that can be shared to help the idea generating process.
To begin we will be forming groups of 5 or 6 students to help get the creative ideas flowing. It will be difficult to begin - likely a lot of silence! Very much like writing a creative story and starting by staring at a blank piece of paper. A blank piece of paper and silence is hardly an inspiring start to generating ideas!!!
So here are some ideas based on the advice of other who are experienced in writing screenplays. I add some of my own ideas based on my experiences.
Bottomline, there is no secret or magic - it takes an inquisitive mind, collaboration and often far more "bad ideas" than good ones. But remember, there are no bad ideas - what may seem to be a bad idea can often lead to a much better idea and then be transformed into great ideas! But there is never a guarantee.
In my experience an coming up with ideas can be a painful experience. At other times I have inspired by the smallest thing and kernel of an idea can lead to a fully developed idea that becomes the final version.
It isn't easy - try try again - don't give up.
"The Story Idea"
This is a process of creative thinking and writing
The absolutely hardest part of being a filmmaker is telling a story that others want to watch. Where do great ideas come from? How can you begin the process of telling a great story through film? There are no shortcuts to coming up with ideas - it takes hard thinking and determination. But once you have4 "the idea" it is incredibly satisfying.
In this class you will eventually write a script for a short film (approx. 4 pages.)
So what will your short film be about? Where can you draw inspiration for your film story? Who will be the characters in your film? Why will others be interested in watching your film if it is produced.
There is no one answer - each of us are different and how and when ideas "come" to us also very different. But there are ideas that can be shared to help the idea generating process.
To begin we will be forming groups of 5 or 6 students to help get the creative ideas flowing. It will be difficult to begin - likely a lot of silence! Very much like writing a creative story and starting by staring at a blank piece of paper. A blank piece of paper and silence is hardly an inspiring start to generating ideas!!!
So here are some ideas based on the advice of other who are experienced in writing screenplays. I add some of my own ideas based on my experiences.
Bottomline, there is no secret or magic - it takes an inquisitive mind, collaboration and often far more "bad ideas" than good ones. But remember, there are no bad ideas - what may seem to be a bad idea can often lead to a much better idea and then be transformed into great ideas! But there is never a guarantee.
In my experience an coming up with ideas can be a painful experience. At other times I have inspired by the smallest thing and kernel of an idea can lead to a fully developed idea that becomes the final version.
It isn't easy - try try again - don't give up.
Brainstorming activity
Students are collaborating in small groups to help generate film ideas. It is much easier to generate ideas rather than staring at a "blank piece of paper." All students are expected to participate and each group will submit notes taken during the brainstorming session.
Brainstorming Norms:
Students are collaborating in small groups to help generate film ideas. It is much easier to generate ideas rather than staring at a "blank piece of paper." All students are expected to participate and each group will submit notes taken during the brainstorming session.
Brainstorming Norms:
- Every student will participate
- There is no such thing as a "bad idea' - all ideas can lead to a great idea
- Students as a group will come up with a minimum of 5 ideas that could be produced as a short film
- Students who do not participate should be "invited' by others to give their opinions/thoughts - some students are shy.
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Group Collaboration Objective:
Here are some ideas of how you might help get yourself into a creative mind frame:
Here are some ideas of how you might help get yourself into a creative mind frame:
- Pick a genre(s) - horror?, comedy, love story, drama
- There are no bad ideas - seemingly bad ideas could very well lead to "the idea"
- "Write it down" - Absolutely a must - if you don't write down even the smallest of ideas it will likely get lost in your thoughts
- Make it personal - what is current in your life? What is making you excited and happy? What is bothering you?
- Think outside our own "small worlds" - Expand your thinking past where you are in life, where you are physically and even
- Think characters - a little harder to do first time - but do you know of someone who is somehow unique that would be a great character in a film?
- Make a word map - Associate words and then associate words to ideas. Write down single words or phrases and make connections to ideas which will make connections to other ideas.
- Ask "what if..." - think beyond what is familiar. Think about possibilities vs. the expected
- Look around - what is going on in the world that is trending or getting attention in the news
- Listen and observe - Great ideas are often the result of being aware of what is going on around you.
- Social Media and Radio & TV can be a great source to get your mind thinking beyond what you know - but be appropriate
- Don't give up - inspiration for ideas can come from anywhere at any time -be embrace them