Film tips and advice

Here are a few tips to help improve the quality of your work.

1. Think about the camera work. I have included some interesting and creative camera shots from film openings below. You need to really consider framing and ensure that everything you show on screen is there for a reason.

2. You must think about the craft of the edit. Which techniques will you use? Are you going for a continuity edit, flashback or fragmented narrative?

3, Introducing a narrative. A key part of this task is to introduce a narrative and character. Remember, the camera is the eye of the audience. YOU decide what you want to reveal about the protagonist/antagonist and at which point in the opening. Your opening must leave enough enigma to engage the audience. You must give clues as to what the narrative may entail.

4. The inclusion of titles. This is an essential part of the task and they should not be placed on the film as an after thought. Consider how you will integrate titles effectively. Select an appropriate font. Follow institutional conventions.

5. Sound. Any dialogue must be clearly heard and understood by the audience. Diegetic sound must be successfully mixed with non diegetic sounds. DO NOT simply make a sound track in Garageband and hope for the best! The best sound tracks will be those which enhance and underscore the action appropriately. Meaning in film is made of 50% sound so it is key that you spend time on this element.

6. Reflect your chosen genre. Your product must look like the film genre it is meant to reflect. Think carefully about the choice of mise and scene and conventions you choose to follow.