Digital Vision TV

7 Things you need to shoot a film

Excerpt from my upcoming book, “How to shoot a movie in 30 days: Guerilla Filmmaking Guide”

So you want to be a filmmaker or director but have you no idea of how to get started? I grew up as a cultural sponge, soaking up classic films such as Boyz in the Hood, Malcolm x, Coming to America, E.T., and Scarface just to name a few. My favorite movie to date is American Beauty starring Kevin Spacey. I always wanted to be mentioned or compared to the great African American filmmakers such as Spike Lee, John Singleton and Melvin Van Peebles. I knew back in the day at the young age of 10 that I wanted to be a filmmaker and direct my own movies. In 2010, I was able to make my dream a reality and direct/produce my first short film, Blood in my Mouth. In order to make a short or feature film there are 7 essential things I feel you will need to get started. Missing one of these components is like trying to win the lottery without any numbers. After you get these things in order it is pretty much, Lights, Camera, Action!

Checkout Beezy Tarantino’s list of 7 essential things required to shoot your 1st film:

1. Director
2. Camera man
3. A script or screenplay
4. A good Editor
5. Cast/ characters
6. Crew
7. Location. Location. Location

#Beezy Tarantino (director, Blood in my Mouth 2010)

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10 Things Every Filmmaker Needs

1. Good Smart Phone/ Android
I use my iPad, which is great for sending emails & checking social networks.

2. Good Laptop
I’m a Mac so i use an apple MacBook w/photoshop & final cut but you can utilize any good laptop wit a good battery and pro editing sofware such as avid, to start your film career.

3. Website/ email address
Get a site that has your contact info, about me/bio section, your reel/portfolio and your current projects.

4. Business Cards
Biz cards should be a mini-poster about yourself.

5. Build a social network
In this day and age a 5 year old can create a twitter or Facebook… Social networks along with popular video sites like YouTube & vimeo allow indie filmmakers to have access to the world. Take advantage.

6. A good camera
Flip cameras start at $199 and they record in HD. If u want a more cinematic look on a budget try one of the canon dslr’s: 7d, 5d, rebel t2i, rebel t3i or a nikon that shoots 1080i. If you want a big budget look, shoot your film on a Red Camera.

7. Insider Info
Get insider tips on relevant industry info from filmmaking blogs.

8. Networking
Your network iz your net worth.

9. Pitching/sales skills
Selling your script or idea is similar to being a car salesman, if you don’t believe in your script no one else will. As a director you also have to be able to pitch your idea to actors, so they believe in your project.

10. Training
Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect. The only way to learn how to shoot films is to go out their and do it. Simple as that. Reach out to potential mentors but never stop shooting & creating projects. Happy Filmmaking!

-Beezy Tarantino (director)
www.gwopuniversity.blogspot.com