Triune is working on our next short film, which is a thriller called “TELL” and will prove to be our longest and most challenging film yet. So we thought it would be great to do production blogs cataloging how we accomplish a film with such low resources. But rather then guessing on the topics you’d like to see, or the questions you’d like answered, we thought it be best to just leave that up to you. So we’ve started this blog and we’d like to invite you guys to leave a question you’d like see answered or a certain job you’d like to see covered more closely. Anything from pre to post production, just start posting it up and we will do our best to answer all your questions.
Also check out our MySpace and YouTube.
-Ryan
36 Responses:
Who all is involved and what's their thoughts on the project?
Reading, some info about your film makes me wonder; is this finally a feature length movie? Also, assuming that this is a horror type movie. You might want to try making scary moments happen abruptly and at which point you would think, Taylor I guess his name is, is safe from revenge. Unlike basic films, where they have suspense, and make it predictable and some what, boring. I think you should have some scary moments with suspense through, so it's not repetitive? Well, can't wait for more info.
I think in the making of this movie you should make it feel as though you are with the main charater and care about what happens to him, like with the strangers they did excellent from that stand point. Also if anyone wants to know how to make fake blood for movies:
How to Make Fake Blood
Other than breaking into your local blood bank, here’s an effective way to make realistic fake blood...
Making fake blood can be tricky, if you want it to look realistic. There is nothing worse than seeing a
film when the actor looks like they have been covered in tomato ketchup. This will make the blood
look realistic.
Ingredients:
Clear Corn Syrup
Water
10 drops red food coloring (you may need to experiment with the drops)
3 drops blue food coloring
Corn starch
Pinch of Cocoa
Zip Lock Baggie
Procedure:
In a Zip Lock Baggie add 4 tablespoons of the corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons of water.
Add the food coloring and mix the blood by gently shaking.
Add 3 teaspoons of CORN STARCH to your mixture, and gently mix it all again..
Add 1 teaspoons of COCOA to your mixture, and gently mix it all again.
NOTE: You may need to add small amounts of the ingredients and experiment until you feel gets you
the best "blood like" consistancy.
NOTE: You must be aware that this mixture may temorarily stain skin, and may permanently stain
clothes. Because of the use of natural sugar in the corn syrup, this fake blood will not keep long. You
can extend its shelf life by simply storing the blood in a refrigerator.
nice done! I am also doing a movie that is the biggest thing we have ever done. it's a horror movie! so i hope i will get some tips and ideas from you guys!
Great tip Sheppdawg!
Since the first blog is going to be about the script, something I've always wanted to know is how a professional script is written? Thanks :)
Thanks! Okay so here's my question, I know it's possible to make a green screen but how do you add the background/effects?
This is a great idea and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of the film.
are you going to be showing any lighting tips?
Sheppdawg,
First you'll want to know what you'll be using as a BG, that way you can match lighting.
Lighting is also a HUGE factor in keying. Make sure the green screen is evenly lit with correct exposure and white balance. Also, keep your talent five feet or more from the screen if you can. Then to add a bit of separation, throw a nice backlight on the subject to get a better outline.
Once you have your green screen footage you need to take it into an fx program such as After Effects. Most editing software (Final Cut, Adobe Premiere) will have the tools you need as well. Go into your effects tab, then "Keying". From there you'd have a wide choice of options; I always use the "Color Key" because you can select the shade you want to start with. After that it is a matter of tweaking the options until you get it as close as you can.
Hope that helps,
Ryan
Anonymous said...
"are you going to be showing any lighting tips?"
Yes, we will be talking about lighting in episode 4 or 5 and then again during the filming blogs. We will also show color correcting in the post production episodes.
Ryan
OK, so, I have a problem with my films: they suck. And it's not because I suck or anything, but it's because, since I have no friends who are also interested in film-making, my actors are my family and I'm the only camera guy. I have three available cameras, and I usually put two of them on tripods at strategic places, but it doesn't feel the same. Are there any tricks at all that I can use to make the camerawork look good, even with the limited personnel?
I always shoot a one camera set-up. The only time I would use more than one is if it were a very dramatic exchange between characters or a one take or loose it shot. (car crash, explosion, etc..) It's best in my opinion to go with one camera for all your coverage, that way your image will be at it's highest quality. (lighting for three cameras is WAY harder than for one.) And lighting is one of the most important things when it comes to making your film look great, right along with good composition choices, set design and color correction.
We have lighting and storyboarding episodes coming, and are trying to give as much info we can in those.
Ryan
Ok... I'm not exactly a film maker, but a few friends and I record certain things along the lines of stunts and small comedical skits and things of that nature. I was wondering what kind of editing software you guys use (As being the one who edits the videos into a final project) and what kind of recording equipment do you use (costs, types of cameras, anything along those llines). This information would be extremly handy for us. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to ask for assistance, and I hope the movie turns out well for you.
Oh, what I use for editing sense I make short virtually no budget films is Windows movie maker and Ulead!
We use Final Cut Pro-
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/492017-REG/Apple_MA886Z_A_Final_Cut_Studio_2.html
But if you don't have the budget for that you can go with this-
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/532311-REG/Apple_MB278Z_A_Final_Cut_Express_4.html
And if you have a PC go with this-
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487919-REG/Adobe_25520528_Premiere_Pro_CS3_Video.html
But again, if your budget is low here is the alternative-
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/530197-REG/Adobe_25530467_Premiere_Elements_4_Video.html
As far as cameras. We currently use the Canon XL-H1 -($8,500). But most of the films you'd see on or youtube site are shot on the Canon XL2-($3,500) Other good cameras to look into are the Panasonic AG series, and The Sony EX1 cameras.
BHphoto.com is a great place to seach for all that.
Ryan
I'm just wondering from previous work that i've seen of yours if you ever use a 35mm adapter with your cameras? how do you achieve that great film look?
I've tried shooting at 24p with a jvc hdv camera and color correcting till there's no tomorrow, but I can't get it to look like "fillm". what do you suggest?
Thanks for the question. But no I have never used a 35mm adapter. We hope to with TELL but so far the budget hasn't permitted it.
When it comes to getting the "Film look" there are six things that I find to be most important-
1.) Always shoot 24p (which you've already said you have.)
2.) LIGHTING! Controlled lighting is Actually (in my opinion) the most important on this list. With a clear idea of color and contrast it is amazing what you can do.
3.) Use a higher shutter setting then normal. Don't go crazy, 75 will do it.
4.) Good composition. (Try to stay away from wide shots as much as you can unless you're shooting HD. Keep in mind Fore, Mid and Background. Having those elements in your shot gives depth and adds interest.
5.)The location. Stay away from flat walls, empty rooms and white. Again think DEPTH. If you can't get an interesting location keep to tight shots.
6.) Color correction. The key to good color correction starts with good lighting. Without good lighting, all the color correction in the world wont help you.
We will have episodes going deeper into all these points, but I hope this helps some.
Ryan
I have a question. My friends and I love to make videos for youtube. Currently, I have a Flip Video Ultra as my video camera. I love it ,but it has poor sound. CAn you recommend a camera that is not really expensive and good for kids under 15?
P.S. If you can recommend a USB camera that would be great because i don't know how to do anything with other cameras like VHS.
Hey Adam. It all depends on what you budget is. Canon is one of my favorite companies and you can never go wrong with Sony. But without knowing what price rang your looking at, I really can't suggest something specific.
Ryan
Im going to be a senior in high school and I make shorts on a sony HD digital handycam with a 40 GB hard drive. Pretty soon Im going to start shooting a new short for my film portfolio to send to various film schools Im applying to. I have the same problem with my camera in terms of poor sound quality and because of this Ive decided to make the movie I submit a silent film. For future reference, Id like to know if theres any way to hook up a better microphone to my camera and/or any other ways to get better sound quality without having to buy a different camera. The 1080 picture quality is perfect so I have no reason to complain about the camera except for its limited sound capabilities.
Thanks a lot for letting us ask questions! Can't wait to see TELL; I hope you have fun making it!
Ryan, I'm lookin in the $200 to $350 range
Adam,
Check out below. Here are a couple of options in your price range.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=537997&is=REG&si=spec#goto_itemInfo
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/539207-REG/Canon_2485B001_ZR_950_MiniDV_Camcorder.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/537779-REG/JVC_GR_D870_GR_D870_MiniDV_Camcorder.html
Hope it helps.
Ryan
Hey Anonymous,
I'm not sure which model of Sony you have, but I'm guessing it doesn't have an XLR input. If that is the case you might have a 1/8 line-in input. If you do, then you should be able to get the following and record much better audio.
AUDIO CABLE -
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/133645-REG/Comprehensive_XLRJ_MP_25EXF_Mini_Male_to_3_Pin.html
MIC -
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421938-REG/Audio_Technica_AT897BK_AT_897_Shotgun_Microphone.html
-or-
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421938-REG/Audio_Technica_AT897BK_AT_897_Shotgun_Microphone.html
If you don't have a line-in input then there isn't anything else you can do short of using a DAT or something of the like. But at that point you might as well just get a new camera.
Hope that helps,
Ryan
OK, so I've been making short films lately, usually action, and I've run across one of many problems. I have no source for props. For example, as far as guns go, I have to get the toy guns at the dollar store and spray paint them black. Then I put the sound fx on the computer, and I'm done. But it doesn't have that same look. It there a certain, cheap source of props that you guys use? (Especially one that will not burn through my pocketbook)
thanks Ryan!
Hey Daniel,
The best source I've found for cheap realistic looking guns is Airsoft-
http://www.airsoft.com/
Other than that... e-bay is the no-budget filmmaker's God send!
Hope this helped,
Ryan
first of all, I think your movies are amazingly awesome, but I'm not really into the filming technique in that one movie "Armistice". I know moving the camera around will make the movie seem more intense, but it's just over exaggerated with the camera shaking too much. Make it less jerky. Aweome videos though!
thanks for the tips on the "film" look, i'm gonna try that! Kick ass videos!
Good luck with you next production.
Ok.
What are your suggestions for say a car wreck or explosion?
Is there any way at all to accomplish that cheaply?
Also, what would be some easy ways to get locations?
Hi its me again really good idea about the explosions! I have another question that might be a important one:
I have no idea what to do about slitting someones throat? I see it in movies how the blood ethier squirts or runs down the neck. Do they use dummys for that. Please let me a virtually no budget film maker and others learn how to do that.
The Coen Brothers said in an interview that 80 to 90 percent of the directoral decisions are made in preproduction. I co-created a movie and conceptualized a trilogy with a guy that is currently claiming my characters (with their exact names as originally conceived) as his own. He now has what is reported to be around 50 million for the second movie - of which he will make two more by defining the original movie as a prequel.
How do you think I should respond when he releases the movie and the movie becomes successful?
And, what do you think of filmmakers that steal other's stories and claim them as their own?
"I co-created a movie and conceptualized a trilogy with a guy that is currently claiming my characters (with their exact names as originally conceived) as his own."
-Unless you have proof to your contribution, there is really nothing you can do. Also, it depends on how much you contributed. Was it just ideas for characters? or the entire story?
"How do you think I should respond when he releases the movie and the movie becomes successful?"
-If you have proof to your involvement, don't wait till the film is released. Approach the production company right away. If it were me, I would ask for compensation and a credit. (The credit being the most important.)
"And, what do you think of filmmakers that steal other's stories and claim them as their own?"
-I don't think very much of thieves. I don't understand stealing, all credit should be give to whom deserves it.
Ryan
Thanks for the advice Ryan!
I have proof. Just not the money to prosecute it legally yet.
The analogy to creation contribution would be if George Lucas stole his idea of the Force, but came with Luke Skywalker. What would Star Wars be without the concept of the Force?(Answer: A laser-sword fight movie with shallow plot.)
Postscript: Thanks, and good response time Rich!
Hey. I'm really interested in screenwriting, so I went searching for screenwriting software on the web. I found this thing called Celtx, on celtx.com (I think) It's a great software and FREE, and I think that it could be very useful to anyone else interested in screenwriting.
Hey Ryan!
I've read that you've used canon XL2 camera to shoot your movies. I did use this camera for a few projects also. I did notice that the widescreen format of your films are wider than the usual 16:9 aspect ratio, and more like cinema widescreen. My question is, do you perform any kind of croping during editing to make the film wider?
By the way, I'm a french canadian, I hope my english is not too bad :)
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