If you have a desire, an interesting idea and a good camera, even on a mobile phone, you can shoot a real film without spending a penny. Invite your friends and family as actors, and free software from the Internet will help you prepare the script, edit the film.
Preparation and script
First, think over the future scenario, describe all the roles. Try to think through everything in as much detail as possible so that no questions arise during the filming. The viewer must be in constant tension, so avoid drawn-out scenes and dialogues.
Special programs, for example, Celtx, Adobe Story Free, free web applications - Storyteller from Amazon, Logline and others, will help to refine the script to a specific storyboard. With their help, you can prepare a resume, smooth out "sharp corners". It is convenient to use small pictures or photos for elaboration, denoting different elements of the film.
Find the necessary equipment for filming, first of all you need a video camera. You can use a smartphone camera with a set of necessary controls, a camera with the ability to shoot video.
Think about the lighting of the filming location, the quality of the shooting will largely depend on this. The room definitely needs additional light sources, for example, several table lamps with a guided lampshade or professional lamps for photography studios. There is no need to flood the whole scene with light - the main thing is to create a mood, to emphasize the necessary halftones and shadows.
Connect your imagination and use all available means for filming. For example, you can use a water bottle as a tripod, and a regular rope as a stabilizer. A good effect will be obtained by placing the camera on furniture with casters and slowly moving it across the floor.
If you plan to overlay your footage on a different background, shoot against a green screen. Some programs allow you to cut out other shades, for example, blue or black (while the actors should not be wearing clothes of the same color). Just hang a green solid color curtain on a wall or window and shoot in front of it.
Shooting a movie
Only invite actors when the props and technique are ready. They should familiarize themselves with their roles in advance, rehearse, choose clothes. Even shooting a small five-minute video will take, most likely, several hours, if not days - everything will depend on your organizational skills.
When the footage is shot, edit it. Free or paid software such as Sony Vegas, LightWorks, Screencasting, Pinnacle and others will help you with this. Take a close look at ready-made similar videos or films, try to repeat the approximate length and frequency of episodes, the alternation of portraits and general views.
