I have been a filmmaker for over 10 years now and boy, has it been an adventure. I have had my ups and downs professionally and personally over the years. I’ve also worked with other filmmakers, which has been a pleasure, and seen many sets. Through careful observation and after reading many discussion panels, I realize that many filmmakers say things that are not exactly true when it comes to filmmaking. Here are 3 “lies” that some filmmakers tell budding filmmakers just starting.
You’re not making a movie if you don’t shoot with a RED Camera.
Now, I won’t deny that this happens with other cameras too. However, I read so many forums where filmmakers say this and discourage new filmmakers from even starting to make a film. “Camera Envy” seems to hold new filmmakers back from even starting a movie and sends them on an endless journey of finding the perfect camera to film their movie. News Flash, there is NO perfect camera! “This shot is too grainy and dark. I need a new camera with high ISO.” No, buy some lights. “My handheld shots are too shaky I need a new camera with IBIS.” Not necessarily, get a tripod. A movie isn’t as good as your camera. There is other equipment involved in making a film that could give your movie a “look”. Lights, set design, shot composition and art direction go a long way. As cliché as it sounds, the person behind the camera is more important than the camera. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with wanting to get a new camera because of those features, but don’t be held back from making a movie because your don’t have the camera you want.
I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker when I watched this “Oscar Nominated” or “Award winning” Movie.
I hear filmmakers say that they watched some Oscar nominated or award winning movie and that’s when they wanted to be a filmmaker. But as you talk further with them, you’ll find that they watched many movies, most far from Oscar or award winning worthy that really made them want to be a filmmaker. I almost feel like they believe they have to say this to other filmmakers to seem more intelligent. They don’t want anyone to find out the real moment they wanted to be a filmmaker was when they watched “the Toxic Avenger”. “No, no, no. When I watched “Stand and Deliver”, I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker.” Now I’m not saying that it’s not possible for that to actually be the reason for some, but most watched a really crappy movie by today’s standards and wanted to be a filmmaker. They watched a movie that seemed fun and that inspired them to want to do it. So… it’s ok to like “Batman V Superman” and that be the reason for YOU to want to be a filmmaker. (I laughed a little there.)
You have never seen “X” Movie?! You need to watch these movies to understand filmmaking.
Boy, I see this said a lot. Most filmmakers are film watchers but, filmmakers sometimes can be film snobs. They will make you feel less than a filmmaker if you have never seen this or that movie. The truth is you will watch the type of movies you are going to make. You don’t have to watch “Citizen Kane” if that’s not the type of movies you will make. If you want to make dramas, you will watch dramas and study everything about how they are made to prepare for your film. That goes for any other genre. You more than likely will make your way to the classics of that genre, but don’t worry if you haven’t seen “Gone with the wind” or “Schindler’s List”. You probably aren’t making that type of movie. Trust me there are a lot of movie with good cinematography techniques in the genre you love.
I hope this is helpful to you filmmakers out there. Don’t let others stop your filmmaking progress. Press forward to your goal and reap your reward. If you have any views that you might want to share leave a comment or even a question. I would love to hear your thoughts.
