Setting up our 48 team

We'll be distributing this to our team shortly - any feedback on it? Also, please check out Debbie's questions for writers and see if anything's missing. ***************************** 48 FILM CONTEST INSTRUCTIONS Making a short film is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work. Making a short film in 48 hours is a crazy amount of fun and work. The advice in this document should help you to have a successful weekend. Before the 48 • Sign up members of the team. Actors, director, camera operator, sound, lighting, hair, makeup, editor, crew. • Print out location, actor and music release forms. • Start collecting non-copyright music to use in the film. • Get to know the equipment and locations you’ll be using. • Assign roles to team members. Make sure people understand their roles. • Collect in team fees ($10 per person to help cover entrance fee, catering, tapes etc) • Register and pay on the 48 hour website • Complete permission slips for all team members ROLES Director – in charge of the film Producer – chief organiser Writer – writes the script Actor – lead actors, supporting cast, extras Camera – there may be 2 cameras going at a time Sound – holding/setting up boom mic, checking sound Set – helping set up locations Hair and Makeup – for boys and girls Costume – finding/giving feedback on Runner/Assistant – helping with lots of stuff Editor – capturing footage, assembling the film What a director needs to do: • Know the script well – what its intent is, where the beats are • Have a clear view of how you want the film to turn out. This includes the look, feel, pace, sound and impact of the film. • Control the team during filming, giving people firm instructions on what they should be doing NOW and what they will be doing NEXT • During filming communicate with the camera operator, telling them what needs to be achieved with each shot (shot type, what its purpose is etc) • Give the actors instructions on blocking (where to go), acting, keeping going even if a mistake is made etc. • Give the actors feedback after each take to enhance performances • Call Action and Cut at the beginning and end of each take • Be the team leader What a producer needs to do: • Work closely with the director • Have all the paperwork on hand • Get release forms for all actors, locations, music etc • Find some non-copyright music for use in the film, get release forms • Try to anticipate what will be needed for the film What a writer needs to do: • Include all mandatory ingredients • Keep it simple • Write for your actors – have them play close to type • Listen to the other writers, make sure they hear your ideas • Be creative, but be mindful of the practicalities of filming (don’t write in too many explosions) • Keep the enthusiasm high • Be polite to other writers, be willing to compromise, be critical What an actor needs to do: • Try to learn your lines as quickly as possible • Practise • Keep going even if you make a mistake • Be willing to look silly if the script requires it • Be considerate of other actors • Listen to the director • Bring a lot of energy to every shot, from the first to the last • Don’t look at the camera unless you’re told to What a camera operator needs to do: • Know the script well – what its intent is, where the beats are • Talk to the director about what’s required for each shot • Know the camera, how to operate it, how to use manual settings if needed • Make sure the shot is in focus • Make sure the shot is well framed – head room, talking space, well chosen angle • Listen to the director for when to begin and end shots • Tell the director at the end of a take if there was a technical problem What a sound person needs to do: • Keep your ears open during the shoot – planes overhead, electrical noises, people outside talking etc. • Plug the mic into the camera and get the mic as close to the actors as possible (without being in shot) • Hold the mic/boom pole very steady (using a mic stand can be good) • Check the footage for sound as often as possible What a set person needs to do: • Listen to the director for what each location needs to look like • Have an eye for detail – what’s in the background of the shot, what colours are on screen • Be willing to move stuff around, scout for locations • Remember how things were before, so they can be put back  What a hair and makeup person needs to do: • Have some makeup on hand • Be OK with getting in people’s personal space • Listen to the director for what characters need to look like • Take a look at how makeup looks on screen. Even ‘no makeup’ girl characters usually have eyeliner and a bit of lippy  What a costume person needs to do: • Listen to the director for what characters need to look like • Give actors feedback on how their costumes look, and how they could better • Help people find the costume items they need – raid the costume cupboard, txt people, go to the costume hire place What a runner/assistant needs to do: • Listen to the director for what they need • Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to help • Be prepared to help out in any way – it will be hugely appreciated • Have a watch and cellphone so you can stay in touch What an editor needs to do: • Capture the footage • Listen to the director as to which takes were best • Keep your eyes peeled for problems – boom in shot, actors looking at the camera, continuity etc • Assemble a rough cut ASAP • Save often, and output a rough cut ASAP