Now that you have all been brainstorming your SUPERCALIFRAGILISTIC IDEA for your Mobile Screenfest entry the next step is PLANNING! This is where you have to put your producer’s hat on and think about all the bits and bobs that need to come together to make the film work. For example it’s all very well to imagine you want hectic car chases and gun battles, screaming dinosaurs or a full 400 person dance routine but you have to think about logistics – how exactly you’re going to pull it off with just your iphone, a lightbulb, a harmonica and 50c in your pocket.
There are several key factors to getting your film just right and working the way you want it:
Lighting/Sound/Music
How you will set the scene or entice the viewer with the lighting and sound? Will you use realistic sound effects, or music? Natural lighting and setting or exaggerated, extravagant, fantastical scenery? Think about if you will use recorded music and sound, or make up your own music and score. Think about how natural sound, dialogue and music will interact in your film. You will most likely need to rerecord your sound after you have filmed for a better result so remember to factor this in to your planning.
Location/Actors/Styling
Scout locations in your local area that you can use. Go there and do a test run on your phone – how did it look? How did it sound? Too dark? Too much background noise? Who is going to be your talent? Friends? Family? Strangers? Your dog? Yourself? Rifle through op shops for costuming and props and get creative with your sets.
The key is to be prepared as much as possible and you will get the best result. Try to think of every possible factor that will make the film the best it can be on screen. Once you think you’ve got it all sorted out, you’re ready for the next step – FILMING!
