I started this list a long time ago it hasn't been updated in a while, so
I'm going to post what I have and update it as I go. I have to admit I used
to be real protective of this information, basically its a list of random
tips for myself, or notes about filmmaking...
TIMS RULES OF FILM:
-Good opening sets the mood of the film - like 007.
-When in a room or area with people in in BG when the camera is more than
5ft away people must walk between camera and subject, otherwise it will feel
stagey.
-Cut only when you have to.
-Cutting is more free when action increases.
-Remember the character (actor) is the subject, don't cut to shots of other
stuff... Like holding a book, unless its very important or absolutely
necessary.
-Do storyboards but be prepared to throw them away.
-Think through every single moment, every second, exactly what will happen
in the film before you begin.
-Proper casting is HUGE.
-Make sure your talent is well informed, they need to know exactly what is
going on, tell them this is where we are starting, you will do this, we
will finish here. Otherwise they will be insecure and probably ruin your
take by ending too soon or stopping and asking do I need to keep going? or
what do I do now?
-Phrases or concepts seem to be easier for talent to grasp.
-You cant fix a bad actor.
-Know the beginning, middle and end of your film and each scene.
-If you are in doubt about any part of the story it will show.
-No excuse for making the same mistake twice.
-Trust your audience, but pretend they need to be explained everything.
-Don't forget the importance of entrances.
-Keep cameras rolling when doing another take.
-Take talent aside when directing and coach them and befriend them, its
better to direct them in private.
-Earn the trust of your talent, and he will take you anywhere.
-Storyboards are important to show that a lot of thought and attention has
been given this film for the cast and crew.
-Camera movement personally is mandatory on most shots even if its just
small amounts.
-When showing an object of importance a zoom is typical (see MI-2, typical
of Woo)
-The stronger your story the worse it can be made (Blair Witch)
-When building a protagonist and antagonist make sure the final conflict is
directly between them (Cold Mountain) and not with minor characters.
-A cool shot is not necessarily appropriate, example key turning in chamber
(CSI like shot) in Panic Room.
-The stronger and smarter the antagonist the better the protagonist (panic
room)
-Stay in your genre (do what your good at)
-A crew that is willing to try anything is worth more than a professional
crew.
-Directing while camera is rolling is sometimes extremely helpful, its bad
for audio though.
-Directorial style of James Cameron is to have perfectly choreographed shots
so that 2 actions occur at once. (T2)
-Restraint is the key element when shooting.
-The higher the Action the more cutting.
-Dialogue can be shot many ways, sometimes a 2 shot is all you need,
sometimes CU's are key.
-The difference with TV movies and Film movies is the use of CU's. In TV all
is CU's, in Film you work into a CU.
-Combination shots are very effective, hand to face pan/tilt (X-files, T2)
-The moment a logical character acts outside of common sense or logic, that
is the moment the audience disconnects.
-Bad dialogue is always bad.
-Rack focus and shallow depth of field creates a stronger film look.
-Film has a lot to do with showing things differently from what your used to
seeing, yet not.
-If the camera dies, battery dies, you didn't record, whatever, don't cut
them because you'll ruin your momentum, just wait till the take is done and
say that was almost right lets do it again this time...
Okay this is a random tip:
