Some summer days just don't go by as quickly as others. You may find yourself bored sometimes, and a great way to attack boredom is to make things. One way to combat this is to create a movie! Making a movie generally happens in three parts, and we'll be there to guide you all along the way.
Step 1- Writing the Script
Before you start filming your movie, you most likely need some kind of script as a basis for the plot. If you wanted to skip this step, you could improvise your entire movie if you want. However, if that is not the way you wish to go about this, it would be suggested that you do write a script.
A script is a way for the actors to have lines or dialogue for the movie, with also some notes for the director on it. Before you start writing your script, you are going to need an idea of what is going on in your movie in the story. Is a teenage girl secretly an alien trying to hack the government? Is a man in a dystopian non-art society secretly drawing portraits of his dog and trying not to get caught? You decide what goes on in your movie, and you should have a general idea what is going on before you write a script.
Scripts generally look like this....
Butler: Sir, I am so sorry I ruined your new shirt with the-
Rich Man: Do you know how much this shirt cost me? I hope you know this is coming out of your paycheck!
(The angry Rich Man stomps out of the parlor, leaving the Butler to put away the ruined shirt)
Make your script as short or as long as you want, and make sure you have enough people to fill the parts that you are putting in your script. Some potential actors/actresses could be your family members, neighbors, and friends.
Step 2- Filming the Movie
Once you have all your actresses/actors and your script ready, it's time to put your words into film. If you have a good quality video phone, you could use that, but it's best to use a video camera. You don't necessarily need a tripod, but they are very handy to have. Costumes are also a fun way to really bring the script to life. You don't have to go all out, but it's nice to have a little costume.
Find a place to film, whether it be your backyard or a local public area, and gather your actresses and actors. Make sure you are filming your scenes in the places they correspond with in the script. It wouldn't make since to record a scene in the bathroom if the script says its supposed to take place in the park. Also, while it's okay for the actors/actresses to have their scripts on set, don't film with the characters reading from their scripts- it doesn't look very good. Also, make sure your characters speak clearly so that you will be able to hear them on video.
Once you are ready to film, make sure your characters are ready and yell "action!". Press record on the camera button, and if someone messes up, stop filming, but keep the footage. Keep doing the scene until everyone gets their lines right on it before moving on to the next scene. It may take a while, but don't give up! It will all pay off soon. When you are done filming, it's time to get into the final step!
Step 3- Editing the Footage
Chances are, by the time you are done filming, you will have a LOT of footage. Because of this, editing may seem like a large daunting task that can never be accomplished. Never fear.
You will need an editing software for this, most likely on a computer, but if you filmed on a smartphone with a camera, chances are you could find some video editing software on that. There is a Mac program called "iMovie", and a Windows version called "Windows Movie Maker". There are others out there, but these are the two main ones.
If you are using a camera to film, connect your camera to the computer, and download the files on the camera. If you don't know how to do that, don't be afraid to ask an adult. Go through all the footage you took, and for each scene, select the best take. Chances are, most of your videos will not be winners, but that's alright. On a timeline, put your scenes in order, and use transitions if possible to liven it up. Don't forget to include a title scene and a credits roll!
Good luck to you all, screenwriters, directors, and editors!
-Evil Ladybug
Step 1- Writing the Script
Before you start filming your movie, you most likely need some kind of script as a basis for the plot. If you wanted to skip this step, you could improvise your entire movie if you want. However, if that is not the way you wish to go about this, it would be suggested that you do write a script.
A script is a way for the actors to have lines or dialogue for the movie, with also some notes for the director on it. Before you start writing your script, you are going to need an idea of what is going on in your movie in the story. Is a teenage girl secretly an alien trying to hack the government? Is a man in a dystopian non-art society secretly drawing portraits of his dog and trying not to get caught? You decide what goes on in your movie, and you should have a general idea what is going on before you write a script.
Scripts generally look like this....
Butler: Sir, I am so sorry I ruined your new shirt with the-
Rich Man: Do you know how much this shirt cost me? I hope you know this is coming out of your paycheck!
(The angry Rich Man stomps out of the parlor, leaving the Butler to put away the ruined shirt)
Make your script as short or as long as you want, and make sure you have enough people to fill the parts that you are putting in your script. Some potential actors/actresses could be your family members, neighbors, and friends.
Step 2- Filming the Movie
Once you have all your actresses/actors and your script ready, it's time to put your words into film. If you have a good quality video phone, you could use that, but it's best to use a video camera. You don't necessarily need a tripod, but they are very handy to have. Costumes are also a fun way to really bring the script to life. You don't have to go all out, but it's nice to have a little costume.
Find a place to film, whether it be your backyard or a local public area, and gather your actresses and actors. Make sure you are filming your scenes in the places they correspond with in the script. It wouldn't make since to record a scene in the bathroom if the script says its supposed to take place in the park. Also, while it's okay for the actors/actresses to have their scripts on set, don't film with the characters reading from their scripts- it doesn't look very good. Also, make sure your characters speak clearly so that you will be able to hear them on video.
Once you are ready to film, make sure your characters are ready and yell "action!". Press record on the camera button, and if someone messes up, stop filming, but keep the footage. Keep doing the scene until everyone gets their lines right on it before moving on to the next scene. It may take a while, but don't give up! It will all pay off soon. When you are done filming, it's time to get into the final step!
Step 3- Editing the Footage
Chances are, by the time you are done filming, you will have a LOT of footage. Because of this, editing may seem like a large daunting task that can never be accomplished. Never fear.
You will need an editing software for this, most likely on a computer, but if you filmed on a smartphone with a camera, chances are you could find some video editing software on that. There is a Mac program called "iMovie", and a Windows version called "Windows Movie Maker". There are others out there, but these are the two main ones.
If you are using a camera to film, connect your camera to the computer, and download the files on the camera. If you don't know how to do that, don't be afraid to ask an adult. Go through all the footage you took, and for each scene, select the best take. Chances are, most of your videos will not be winners, but that's alright. On a timeline, put your scenes in order, and use transitions if possible to liven it up. Don't forget to include a title scene and a credits roll!
Good luck to you all, screenwriters, directors, and editors!
-Evil Ladybug