Table Of ContentNew York • London
Text © 2013 by Mark Brindle
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CONTENTS
Foreword
Introduction
The basics
Your equipment
Lights, camera, action!
Types of camera
Viewfinders and monitors
Lenses
Tripods and monopods
Steady your camera
Microphones
External recording devices
Lights and reflectors
Which computer?
Resolution and aspect ratios
Using your video camera
Composition
Handheld techniques
Tripod techniques
Depth of field
Shutter speed
Variable frame rates
Color balance
Exposure and ND
Picture styles
Natural light
Filters and matte boxes
Setting lights
Filming at night
Get the film look
Sound basics
Sound recording
Using external microphones
Recording dialogue
Your first film project
Pick your genre
A little planning
Cover your scene
Shooting to edit
Angles and positions
Monitoring audio
What the camera sees
Family videos
Filming action sports
Wildlife and nature
Filming live music
Wedding films
Filming an interview
Basic editing
Importing video clips
Cutting it together
Adding a soundtrack
Sharing your video
Advanced filmmaking
Pre-production
Developing a great story
Story structure
Story building blocks
Conflict, tension, suspense
Scriptwriting basics
Before the shoot
Planning and scheduling
Money! Money! Money!
Casting
Art, makeup and wardrobe
Location and insurance
Music and licensing
Preparing the set
The shoot
Film jobs explained
The director’s job
On set
Blocking and rehearsals
Setting up / turning round
The stage line
Eyelines and headroom
Camera rigging for cars
Focus-pulling basics
Special effects makeup
3D filmmaking
Chroma keying
Continuity and script supervision
Documentary filmmaking
Advanced editing
Non-linear editing software
Workstation and workflow
Importing your media
Synchronizing sound
Frame rate conversions
Transitions and cuts
Editing techniques
The sound edit
Sound clean-up
Sound effects and Foley
Using stock footage
Color grading
And roll credits…
Going live
Media-sharing websites
Burning to DVD
DVD authoring and Blu-ray
How to release your film
Glossary
Acknowledgments
The author
Foreword
Movies are a kind of magic. It follows that filmmakers are kind of
magicians too. We create grand illusions that entertain, that make us
laugh, and make us cry. And if you are reading this book, I suspect you
are already an illusionist in the making.
Since the invention of movies, expensive cameras and filmstock have
blocked so many filmmakers from producing their stories for the big
screen. That’s all changed now. The only limitation you face is “how big is
your imagination?” And what was previously the big screen, is now any
screen, from the one down at your local multiplex, to the small screen on
your phone.
We no longer need massive, big budgets and famous actors, nor posters
the size of houses. Through social media we can connect with other
filmmakers and actors, we can share knowledge and resources, as well
as connry.ect directly with audiences.
We are genuinely living through a cultural and industrial revolution the
likes of which the film business has never experienced.
And believe it or not, you are about to ride the crest of this exciting wave.
Over the years, I have made feature films, TV shows and even been
Oscars-shortlisted for a short film. Through the Guerilla Film Makers
Handbooks I wrote, I have interviewed literally hundreds of filmmakers
and if there is one thing that truly unites all of us, them, you and me, it is
the love of movies and the making of them.
The act of thinking up an idea, writing it, seeing it brought to life with
actors, light, design, music, editing…and finally presenting our flickering,
magical illusion to an audience is an amazing experience.
And if you are lucky and talented enough to create something that really
connects with people with thrills, laughter, tears, scares, reflection, even
world-changing ideas…then you are in for an amazing ride, and hopefully
a prosperous career too.
There are many hurdles ahead of you, but if you are resourceful I’m sure
you will find your way over, around, under, or through them. Know that at
each one you encounter, you’ll probably feel like there is no way forward.
Some will give up at this point. But you won’t. Keep going. Never stop.
Never give up.
If you dream big and never take no for an answer, then who knows, and I
might be seeing you at the Oscars one day soon.
Let the magic begin.
