Secret Movie Making Tips #1
Hi, My name is Travis Gordon and I'm currently editing my third feature-length film which I also wrote and directed, I also make short internet videos which have been seen over 500,000 times worldwide. I am always being asked for advice on how to make movies with questions ranging from writing to shooting to editing. Once a week, I'll write a blog answering one of YOUR questions (usually asked at my youtube channel username:tbonepearson or my website at http://www.wtsentertainment.com, but feel free to leave questions here too!).
QUESTION #1 : I've never made a movie/video before, should I buy a certain scriptwriting software to write the script?
ANSWER # 1: DON'T spend money on script writing programs! If you're making the movie with your own (or investors) money it can be in any format, as long as your actors can read it (Hey! Your the Boss!). Also, those scriptwriting programs are expensive (Final Draft $229) you'll need that money for equipment later [If you're rich, go for it, and if your rich, we should do lunch, I need another investor in an upcoming project! LOL! ;) ] Write it using whatever wordprocessing software is on your computer, notepad if need be, heck, even good old pen and paper! The most important thing is just to START WRITING AND STOP MAKING EXCUSES!!!!!! (Of course I'm saying that in the nicest possible way, sometimes the baby bird needs pushed from the tree to learn how to fly!)
Write a small script about something YOU would want to see (VERY IMPORTANT!!!), if you don't love the script you'll get bored of it really fast and the work you do on it will be a chore! Also keep in mind your resources, NO 500 soldiers approach the castle and battle their way inside, unless you're a millionaire (if you are, no joke, WE NEED TO TALK!) who can hire all the extras, or really good in computer animation and a LOT of time on your hands (YEARS). If you don't have any ideas for a script, write down all your resources (car, cottage, bicycle,etc.) on piece of paper before you start writing. Now write a story using all those things you have access to, once you get to filming you'll make it easy on yourself.
Once you're done your script give it to people (friends,family) to read and ask for advice on it, constructive criticism, not just "This Sucks!", that doesn't help you. Take all the advice and input and do another draft and then bounce that draft off more people. After your happy and people are saying "Hey, this doesn't suck as bad!", twelve more drafts and your ready to enter the exciting world of pre-production! (more on that next week) And to that rich person, this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership! Good Luck on your Script and see you next week!
Travis Gordon
www.wtsentertainment.com
Hi, My name is Travis Gordon and I'm currently editing my third feature-length film which I also wrote and directed, I also make short internet videos which have been seen over 500,000 times worldwide. I am always being asked for advice on how to make movies with questions ranging from writing to shooting to editing. Once a week, I'll write a blog answering one of YOUR questions (usually asked at my youtube channel username:tbonepearson or my website at http://www.wtsentertainment.com, but feel free to leave questions here too!).QUESTION #1 : I've never made a movie/video before, should I buy a certain scriptwriting software to write the script?
ANSWER # 1: DON'T spend money on script writing programs! If you're making the movie with your own (or investors) money it can be in any format, as long as your actors can read it (Hey! Your the Boss!). Also, those scriptwriting programs are expensive (Final Draft $229) you'll need that money for equipment later [If you're rich, go for it, and if your rich, we should do lunch, I need another investor in an upcoming project! LOL! ;) ] Write it using whatever wordprocessing software is on your computer, notepad if need be, heck, even good old pen and paper! The most important thing is just to START WRITING AND STOP MAKING EXCUSES!!!!!! (Of course I'm saying that in the nicest possible way, sometimes the baby bird needs pushed from the tree to learn how to fly!)
Write a small script about something YOU would want to see (VERY IMPORTANT!!!), if you don't love the script you'll get bored of it really fast and the work you do on it will be a chore! Also keep in mind your resources, NO 500 soldiers approach the castle and battle their way inside, unless you're a millionaire (if you are, no joke, WE NEED TO TALK!) who can hire all the extras, or really good in computer animation and a LOT of time on your hands (YEARS). If you don't have any ideas for a script, write down all your resources (car, cottage, bicycle,etc.) on piece of paper before you start writing. Now write a story using all those things you have access to, once you get to filming you'll make it easy on yourself.
Once you're done your script give it to people (friends,family) to read and ask for advice on it, constructive criticism, not just "This Sucks!", that doesn't help you. Take all the advice and input and do another draft and then bounce that draft off more people. After your happy and people are saying "Hey, this doesn't suck as bad!", twelve more drafts and your ready to enter the exciting world of pre-production! (more on that next week) And to that rich person, this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership! Good Luck on your Script and see you next week!
Travis Gordon
www.wtsentertainment.com
