The filmmaking process is an act of storytelling as a visual medium. There are aspects of filmmaking that I always love to engage with and there are some parts to it that I’m not so strong at. Here are a few of them.
Pre-Production: Overall, not my strong suit…
This is the starting point of any production; the planning process. Coming up with ideas for projects such as short films are very difficult, at least for me. As an independent filmmaker, being constantly faced with limitations hinders my creativity such as gathering cast and crew, budgeting, and overall execution. Most of the time the ideas I come up with are ideas that can easily be executed with the proper resources and proper budgets of larger studios. Usually, I work with only a crew of a few people. I need to learn that when my creativity is hindered, do not let it hinder you completely.
The scripting process was also very difficult for me. The script serves as the basic skeletal structure of any sort of project you are working on. I’m currently taking an Intro to Screenwriting course at my university, which has tremendously helped me properly write scripts. My main project of the semester is writing a feature-length screenplay of 100 pages maximum. Avoiding limitations like I stated previously, it helps fully render my creative capacity and have fun writing and planning.
Out of the pre-production process, shot listing and storyboarding have to be my favorite parts. I consider myself a visual thinker so when it comes down to how I want particular shots or whole scenes to play out, I can envision it prior to shooting. Being able to see what I want to capture tremendously helps in the long run and is an exciting process.
Production: MY FAVORITE!
When the production phase rolls around, it’s go time! I’m typically the cinematographer of most of the projects I work on and love being able to control the camera. Working with different types of equipment like cameras, lenses, camera rigs is awesome, especially since a lot of the technology that goes into the production can be pricey and not toys you play with everyday. Though it can be a very stressful process, you are always working on your feet and often when things don’t go as planned, on the fly. The rush you get while trying to thoroughly work through all of the production is great and rewarding when it’s all finally over.
Post-Production: Putting the pieces together
Now we’ve entered the final phase, which is mostly the editing part. I love being able to put together the clips and adding sound. Most of the time it’s an experimental process for myself as I choose which clip or sound effect or song fits the best. It all depends on the mood of the project. It’s assuring when you find an element that fits just right.