Low-budget filmmaking tip #93
If an effect demonstration is going to make noise, warn people ahead of time so they don’t freak out and think something’s gone wrong. Freaking out should be avoided. (thank you, Brian!)
Low-budget filmmaking tip #12
Get the script to the actors as soon as possible. Give them time to learn their lines. If they ask about their characters, talk with them and make sure they have all the character notes from the writer. The more they know, the better their performance will be.
If you can’t, then you’re just going to have to be patient with them as they learn their lines on-the-fly, while you remember to do it better next time.
Never blame them for not knowing their lines if they only received a copy of the script that morning.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #8
Rehearse scenes before shooting. If possible, at least a day ahead to give people a chance to work out the kinks, and if not, give them a few hours break between rehearsal and shooting. Actors need to work on their roles, sleep on ‘em, and dream a bit. It’s usually worth the effort.
We rehearsed all scenes from “The Statement of Randolph Carter” and I think it helped tremendously.
Although there was still one line that seemed to take, like, ninety-seven takes. I forget the line…
That said, I think I’d like to try a short where we set out with a goal, and then ask the actors to improv the whole scene. Might be an interesting exercise…
Low-budget filmmaking tip #2
Rehearse any physical effect or stunt. Film the rehearsals in case you need some handy pickup footage. If people are rehearsing a physical effect or stunt in costume, even better. After a half dozen rehearsals, you may find that you have the footage you need, with everyone relaxed and focused during shooting. But that’s just a bonus. Rehearse the crazy stuff regardless.
This means falls, tumbles, stumbles, rolls, and jumps.
Sometimes when you film the practices, you can get better energy from the shot than the actual take. Sometimes after practice, they can be tired.
Thank you Justin for this! I had forgotten who told it to me until I saw it in some behind-the-scenes footage from “Flesh of my Flesh”.