Student Filmmakers - June 2008 - (Page 33) find during dailies that you left the camera running for 10 minutes. Now you have a blurry shot of the set as crew members move in and out of frame. It’s an abstract artists dream, but your nightmare. Just be thankful you didn’t ruin any shots. I mean, just think what would have happened if you had stopped down on recording when you thought you were starting? Whew! that it takes a lot of work to get a show from pre-production to post. Time and again, however – especially on student films and non-professional productions – I’ve heard the phrase I dread the most: “Don’t worry, we’ll fix it in post.” Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Seriously. I wear it all the time. “We’ll fix it in post,” is probably the biggest cop out in filmmaking today. It career – and many of us will indeed make them. Each one can be a learning opportunity that will make you a better filmmaker, if only you pay attention when it happens. You shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to make a mistake. It’s not really about the fact that you made the mistake, but that you weren’t prepared to be in the situation you were in. You also should not be afraid to try new things, take advantage of new opportunities, or experiment with new techniques. The missteps you make in each situation will likely move you forward. By paying attention, being prepared, listening instead of talking, and using a little common sense, you’ll be able to take advantage of the situation when it presents itself. After all, where would we be if some pharmacist hadn’t accidentally mixed carbonated water Mistake #7: Forget to Write It Down I know you will. We all do. If you make this mistake once, hopefully it won’t happen again for your sake. But in a business where time is money, forgetting even what seems to be a menial task can cost big money. Just because you don’t think it’s important doesn’t mean it’s not. All you need to do is carry a small, cheap notebook and a pen with you in your pocket. Quickly write down all the tasks you have to do, and cross them off as you get them done. You’re not writing a book, just jotting down notes on everything from how much petty cash was in the box when you left, to what f-stop the lens was set to in the previous shot. You will be perpetually on the ball and constantly admired by your peers. not only insults the crew during shooting, but also the people who work in postproduction. It’s a poisonous attitude that belies a bigger problem in production: Lack of planning, discipline, vision, creativity, and skill. “Fix it in post” means someone wasn’t prepared. It’s passing the buck. Conclusion There are countless more mistakes everyone will make at least once in their with a syrup made from kola nuts and the leaves of the coca plant? Mistake #8: “We’ll Fix It In Post” Let’s face it, film sets are complicated, intimidating, somewhat mystical places. A multitude of operations occur nearly simultaneously all day, every day. Most times, the best laid plans are so intricate and complex that they can – and will – fall behind, or even fail. As a result, certain parts of the production tend to take a hit. As a producer, cameraman, and editor, I know June 2008 studentfilmmakers http://www.callboxlive.com
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