Films Are a Record of Our Imagination
Filmmaking is more than just capturing moments on screen; it’s a gateway to expressing your innermost thoughts, dreams, and fears. But for many, the idea of creating a film can be daunting. Whether it’s the fear of not having the right equipment or not knowing where to start, these concerns often hold us back from exploring our creative potential. However, it’s time to break free from these limitations and dive headfirst into the world of filmmaking.
Embrace Your Inner Child
Think back to a time when imagination knew no bounds, when playing make-believe with friends was the highlight of your day. Creating a film allows you to tap into that same sense of wonder and creativity. It’s an opportunity to let loose, have fun, and bring your wildest ideas to life. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to filmmaking – only endless possibilities waiting to be explored.
Make Memories with Friends and Family
Some of the best memories are made when we collaborate with the people we care about. Back in the 8th grade, my buddies Keith Wells and Keith Visser stumbled upon a camcorder and a stash of wigs. Being big horror fans, we decided to make our own Friday the 13th movie. Our plot was little more than a bunch of disconnected murders strung together with zero plot or character development.
We had zero clue about editing or post-production, so we did everything in-camera. If we goofed up, we just did it again or sometimes kept the mess-ups because they added to the fun. Like, figuring out how to fake cutting off someone’s head, which was the highlight of the film and one of the hardest laughs my friends and family ever had – we raised a machete, stop recording, show the victim screaming, stop recording, show the plastic knife swing, stop recording, then stick a styrofoam head in a shirt and chop it off. It was cheesy as heck, but we loved it and even as I write this it brings a smile to face.
I’ve been on plenty of professional sets since then, but nothing beats the pure joy we had making our own Friday the 13th. There’s something special about creating with friends and family. It’s like you’re leaving a piece of yourselves in that film, something you can laugh about and relive together over and over. If you make enough films instead of watching home movies, you can have your own film festival.
So, if you’ve ever thought about making a movie, just do it. You don’t need fancy equipment or a perfect plan – just grab a camera, gather your crew, and see where the adventure takes you. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. It’s also a really great alternative or addition to your normal holiday events.
Tools to Help You Get Started
Fortunately, the barriers to entry for filmmaking have never been lower, thanks to advancements in technology. With just a smartphone and a few key tools, you can bring your cinematic vision to life. Apps like Splice make editing a breeze, while resources like ChatGPT can help you craft compelling stories and generate film ideas. And don’t forget to take advantage of your smartphone’s camera capabilities – with a little know-how, you can capture stunning footage that rivals professional productions.
Example Resources to Kickstart Your Filmmaking Journey
- Editing on Your Smartphone: Check out tutorials on powerful editing tools like Splice to learn how to polish your footage and add special effects.
- Maximize Your Smartphone’s Camera: Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, there are countless tutorials available to help you master your smartphone’s camera settings and capture cinematic shots.
Transforming Your Idea into a Compelling Plot
Crafting a story doesn’t have to be intimidating. Remember, every great plot boils down to a simple formula: a character in pursuit of a goal. Take inspiration from your favorite movies and put your own spin on familiar themes. Whether it’s wizards, monsters, or superheroes, there’s no shortage of ideas to explore. And don’t worry about being completely original – your unique perspective will shine through in every frame.
| Beat | Description |
|---|---|
| Once Upon A Time | Exposition, introduce the hero. Once Upon A Time, there was a plumber named Mario. |
| And Every Day | Exposition, introduce what your character wants by showing what they do. And Every Day, Mario would work in the sewers with his brother Luigi, secretly wishing he could do something more than unclogging drains and pipes. |
| Until One Day | Something happens that puts our heroes(s) on their quest. Until One Day, Mario and Luigi got sucked down a magic drain pipe and found themselves in the Magic Kingdom. |
| Because of That | Things get bad. Because Mario ended up in the Mushroom Kingdom, he met the beautiful and enchanting Princess Toadstool, and fell in love. |
| Because of That | Things get worse. Because Mario fell in love, when Bowser attacked and his army of Koopa Troopas and kidnapped Princess Toadstool, and turned the inhabitants of the Mushroom Kingdom into bricks and horsehair plants, he had to rescue her because only a plumber with Mario’s skills would be able to navigate the complex underground pipe systems where Bowser was hiding. |
| Because of That | Things get worst. Because Mario had to rescue her, he had to travel across the entire mushroom kingdom fighting entire armies and mini-bosses; along the way, he changed and learned how to smash bricks using mushrooms, shoot fire using flowers, and become invincible using stars. Still, after traveling across 7 worlds and 5 bonus worlds, alas, his princess was in another castle. |
| Until Finally | The final battle, the climax, the do or die moment where the hero wins or loses it all in the final showdown. Until Finally, Mario found himself face to face with Bowser; after dodging flame after flame, hammer, after hammer, he jumped over his head, grabbing the glowing ax and cutting the bridge supports and Bowser fell into a lake of lava. |
| And Every Day Since Then | The new normal, now that our hero has transformed from ordinary person to hero and saved the day, rescued the girl, what is his life like now? And every day since then, Mario lived happily ever after as prince, with the beautiful princess toadstool, and he never unclogged another drain again. |
Conclusion
Filmmaking is a journey of self-expression, collaboration, and discovery. So don’t let fear hold you back from embracing your inner filmmaker. With the right tools, a dash of creativity, and the support of your friends and family, you can create something truly magical. Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about the joy of sharing your vision with the world. So grab your smartphone, gather your loved ones, and let the filmmaking adventure begin!
