How To Make Your Very Own Blockbuster Film

The film industry has taken the world by storm! So much that people forget filmmaking can still be an amateur hobby. After all, even the biggest movie directors had to start somewhere, right? 

Media likes to make us think that all of our hobbies must be monetized to be worthwhile, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you want to make fun home movies by yourself or with friends do it! This is something everyone will enjoy.  

Here are some tips on how to get started making your own blockbuster film:

1. Get Good Lighting

As we’ve learned from Instagram Influencers: lighting, angles, and poses are everything! The “golden hour” lighting can do more for an image than any amount of photoshop or artificial light can. But natural lighting can only take us so far. 

Luckily, there are plenty of companies and devices that offer quality alternatives to natural lighting, which are almost as good as the real thing. Businesses like glls.com specialize in lighting for events and can help you get the perfect aesthetic for your scene. 

2. Get Quality Equipment

Before delving into the endlessly expensive world of filming equipment, ask yourself how deep you want to dive into this hobby. If this is just a casually fun side-project, you might be fine with a good tripod and editing software that comes with your phone.

If you are more committed to making this a long-term project, consider investing in a good camera and movie editing software. These are the two main pieces you’ll need to really make your movie look legitimate. 

3. Brainstorm Script Ideas

You can’t film anything without an idea first. Having a clear idea of the direction you want your movie to go in will help you flesh it out better when you start filming. While you can always make changes to your script, you don’t want to be in the mindset of “we’ll figure it out as we go”! This can cause plot-holes and incoherency.

If time and money are of no consequence to you, feel free to experiment with trial and error. If you’re hiring actors and renting lighting/filming equipment, you’ll want to make sure you have everything mapped out to the T before you start filming. 

4. Get A Feel for Your Movie Aesthetic

Think about what kind of vibe you want your movie to have. Do you want it to have a smooth, realistic look for a softer, more elegant movie? Or do you want a shaky, handheld feel for a scarier thriller movie?

Moreover, think about your set and where you want to film your movie. Your location and environment will have a lot to do with the look and feel as well. 

Don’t forget to consider costumes and period of aesthetics. What time period is your movie set during? Are your costumes, makeup, hair, and location in accordance with the feel you’re trying to create? 

Takeaways

Making a movie is no small task, even if it’s just for a fun side-hobby! It takes planning, preparation, creativity, patience, and a lot of trial and error.

Be prepared to be disappointed with your work at times. But know that the more you work at it, you’re sure to come out with a product you’re proud of. To try to mitigate as many foreseeable issues as possible, plan out as much of your process on paper as you can.

Decide where and when you want to film, who you’ll use, what you’ll say, all before you even press play, and you’ll have a more concise idea of where your movie is headed. Good luck!