beginner in film-making and need help

[Eagle41]

i just finished the script to a horror movie that i want to film soon.All i have is a 8mm panasonic camera($450).If you could answer these questions for me, i will appreciate it lots.
1. How can i get this movie to sell?
2.how can i pay off my cast (10 people) when the want money, but i need money too.
3. can i sell my movie on any kind of VHS tape(i mean is there any law saying i cant)
4. whats the best way to edit 8mm
5.i want the actors voices to be clear, how can i do that.
6.how can i add music to my video.
i know its alot but im a ametur in need.

[brugh128]

I`m no expert but I`ll tell you what I`ve learned......
1.That is the oldest question in the book.I would enter the movie in film festivals.With any luck some big-wig will pick it up.
2.Paying off the cast.Well,you could get a local shop to donate.Example,in my current venture ther is a scene in a resturant.When I talked to the owner he agreed to pay a small amount for "advertising" in the film.
3.I`m not sure.I think you can in the U.S..But in the U.K. it might be a diferent story.
4.I edit directly from the camera to vhs.If you have the money you could rent a editing suite or buy editing software for your computer.
5.Build or buy a boom mike.A lapel mike comes in handy too.
6.Music may be added during editing or after.I have a 4-channel mixer that I use during and after editing to add dialoge and music.

I hope this helps!!


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So,you wanna make a movie?

[stop_thief]

brugh128 knows what he's talking about...but
I would highly recommend you FORGET about selling your movies at such an early stage. Learn how to make movies first, learn the ropes, play the game and only then will your chances of actually making decent money off your productions be realistic.

[Littlerich]

Right... Well....

1. As brugh128 said, use Film festivals. Again, don't worry about selling your movie until you make it... You can't sell something unless you have a product...

2. FORGET paying actors.
Offer them an alternative. (A meal each day of filming, plus a credit in the titles and a copy of the finished tape usually works)...
This is a LOT cheaper than "Paying" actors.
And if you DO make any money, THEN you pay your actors.

3. Again, don't worry about sales UNTIL you have finished the film.
BUT, I don't think there is a law that states what format you have to sell your film on.

4. The BEST way to edit 8mm is to use a computer. Alright, this CAN be expensive, but if you find a production house that'd let you use the equipment yourself, I'm sure you could get a good enough deal on it.

5. Make sure you have a good mic when you are doing your filming. You might want to record on a digital format seperatly (Use a Mini Disc to do this if poss). You'll have to sync up the sound later, but it will be easier if you use a computer. If you need to, re-record your audio.

6. Again, you can add music to your film using a computer, but TRY TO USE UNCOPY-RIGHTED MUSIC. (It will save you LOADS of money with regards to licences).

I hope this helps.
If you need any help, you can E-mail me for more information.

Good luck!



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Little Rich.
http://go.to/littlerich
www.rmsgraffix.freeserve.co.uk
[email protected]

[FR02]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Eagle41:
i
1. How can i get this movie to sell?
I agree with everyone else here. Get your finished product first, then get it into the festivals. You have to be seen before you can sell.

2.how can i pay off my cast (10 people) when the want money, but i need money too.
You don't. 98% of all actors are out of work anyway, and if you feed them and shelter them and as Rich said, a copy of the film and credit, then they should be happy enough. It is, after all, another line on their resume.


3. can i sell my movie on any kind of VHS tape(i mean is there any law saying i cant)
Not that I know of, but I am the other side of the planet, and unsure of your regulations.

4. whats the best way to edit 8mm
Computer. Know your friends Someone once told me that the film industry is built on favours, and while not completely true, it is pretty close to the mark. Again, on low udget, people know that the money has to go into the production and you will be amazed at how many people will want to help you.

5.i want the actors voices to be clear, how can i do that.
Get a sound recordist. I've found that so many new filmmakers tend to overlook things like sound. Dialogue, atmos, wild sounds are all important. You can never underestimate the power of good sound.

6.how can i add music to my video.
Your editor should be able to lay in sound. You may be able to get someone to record some for you on dat which could then be mixed into the soundtrack in editing. Check out the local music scene; there is a lot of talent out there waiting to be discovered - you may be just the person they need to help them. Regarding copyright and things like that, if you can get a local muso to provide you with some original music, then you can usually get them to sign a release allowing you the rights to the music for the purposes of the film and it's screenings. Royalties to be discussed later when you have sold your film.
i know its alot but im a ametur in need.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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"So, you've come back in time from the future...." Damon Dark

[This message has been edited by FR02 (edited March 17, 2000).]

[foolmaster]

Wow, u can cut and paste, good for u