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Digital Video Production Guide
We have compiled these pages for those who wish to learn about the art of Digital Video Production.
We have included useful web resources and some helpful hints to get you
started. Content in these pages is provided by CD-writer.com Ltd and is based
on our opinion only and should not be considered as legal advice.
By using these resources and introductory tips
for Digital Video Production we hope you will develop your skills and gain
the necessary knowledge to start producing your own material. We are here to
help and inform you as best we can.
The world of Digital Video Production is
growing and changing rapidly everyday. With new technologies comes cheaper,
easier and faster ways to produce your Digital Video Production. Stay up to
date and in the know with the CD-writer.com Digital Video Production pages. We will be updating the Digital Video
Production pages regularly, with more information and links to try to
help you get to the most out of today’s digital world. If you have any
questions, please go to our forum page and post your query.
Questions and Answers
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| I don't have an idea, what should I do? |
Thinking of an initial idea on which to base your script can be tricky. Most good ideas arrive spontaneously, and can not be forced. If you find yourself with "writer's block", try this simple exercise to get your creativity going again.
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| How do I write a script? |
Turning your ideas into a working script is a challenging process. There are many rules and guidelines you must follow to make your script both interesting and practical. Learning how to write a working script can't just be done overnight, it will take many hours of practise. To find out where to start, and for other script writing information see:
www.scriptfactory.co.uk or;
www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom
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| What are storyboards? |
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Storyboards are essentially your idea of what your film will look like once it is completed. Every second of film contains 24 frames, 24 individual pictures that when played at the correct speed give the impression of a moving image. Your storyboards should represent some of these frames, either scene changes, camera movements or changes in action/plot.
Click here for a storyboard example.
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| I can't get funding, what should I do? |
Keep trying! If your script was rejected by a funding agency, ask them why. Listen to any suggestions they may have and ammend your script accordingly. They will be looking for something unique, original and entertaining. Keep that in mind when ammending your script.
If after all your best efforts you still can't get funding, perhaps see if you can arrange your own personal budget. Buy your own Mini DV camera, such as the JVC GR-D33 MiniDV Digital Camcorder or borrow one from a friend.
Use your imagination to think your way around any budget problems. You will most likely have to make certain sacrifices to produce your film. Although this is not ideal, it will keep costs to a minimum.
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| I can't find any Cast or Crew, where do I look?
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It is likely you will find cast or crew through the websites mentioned in Step 5 of the Digital Filmmaking Pre-production section. However if you can not, perhaps due to budget reasons, try other avenues. Perhaps find where your local Performing Arts centre is, or check in any local universities for drama/performing courses. Use posters to advertise auditions for your film in these areas, and perhaps ask the university if it is possible to hold auditions in one of their studios. You may be surprised by the response.
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| Location, Location, Location |
The familiar phrase "Location, Location, Location' was created to emphasise the importance of correctly choosing the location that best suits your story. This is one of the more crucial areas of the film making progress. Even if your story is ficticious and 'make-believe', you want the audience to believe it might just exist. Before filming ANYWHERE on location, make sure you have permission of the land/building owner to film there. If you are unsure, check with your local council.
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| I don't understand, what exactly is a shooting script? |
A shooting script is an aid to the director, breaking down scenes and sequences in the order then need to be filmed.
For some people it is hard to grasp why the end of a film may be filmed before the beginning. The shooting schedule is based on availability of cast, crew, location, effects and many other aspects. Some directors will choose to schedule the more complicated shots at the beginning of filming, or vice-versa.
The difference between your shooting script and your script is essentially this: Its layout.
Example: One of your actors, who appears in 3 small scenes scattered throughout your film, is only available for one days shooting. The shooting script would have all the scenes for that actor filmed in that one day, no matter where they may appear in the story.
Click here for an example of the shooting script.
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| How much time do I need to film? |
Time management is important when you need to stick to a tight schedule. At first it is difficult to guage how long you will need to complete a certain scene, or how many minutes of usable footage you can get from a 12 hour shoot.
For your first shoot make your best guess at how much you can fit into one day, then half it. Take into account time for setting up lighting, adjusting sound levels, pausing shooting for passing cars/planes, multiple takes, multiple camera angles, changing locations. All of these are worth devoting more time too, especially if you wish to do them correctly and professionally.
For most telvision series, they expect to get roughly 2-5 minutes of usable footage per every 12 hour shoot! This should give you an idea of how much attention is required.
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| How do you write a call sheet? |
I feel in this instance it is best to learn by example. Below is an example of how a call sheet may look, and the kind of detail it would contain.
Click here for the Call Sheet example. |
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