Surrey Border Film & Video Makers
Important points to remember when film making
Story board
Very useful for visualising rough diagrams of the shot order.
Strong opening shots
Capture your audience from the start!
Keep to the point
of the story or documentary.
Framing
Watch space above heads - keep to minimum. Have your main character looking into the frame from one side or t he other, left or right. Use the rule of thirds, although these rules can, at times, be broken according to your own judgement.
Close-ups and BCUs
These give an intimate and ‘live’ feel. In practice, the guide
lines advise not to follow a BCU by a BCU.
But, there again, it is permissible to use your judgement. in some cases - say, a man and a woman in close conversation or two people talking furtively etc.
Cut Aways
These are of great value in the edit stage and will make the film more interesting. There is nothing more boring than static shots. Avoid too many gimmicky shots. They perhaps look good in still photography, but will distract from the story or subject.
Editing
Editing should flow and appear seamless to the viewer. Keep it
short - discard shots not vital to the film. Allow a good run in and out
when shooting, especially before and after panning, to help the editor!
END SHOTS These should be dramatic or poignant. We all find
interesting an unexpected twist at the end.
Music or Sound Track
One has to think long and hard to find something that blends and is not overwhelming. It is most important to avoid using very well-known and dramatic classical music that stands on its own as an individual work of art. This diverts attention from the film’s subject. That is not to say you can never use classical music!
Titles and Captions
Allow time for slow readers (read them through twice, quickly, as a good guide). Don’t overwhelm your audience with such a Great: spectacular type of opening title that will only serve to give greater expectations than is justified.
John and his wife Joan joined Surrey Borders circa 1991, bringing a strong new talent and expertise to the club that resulted in an enthusiasm for making club films and entering competitions as never before. John was a great writer and his stories became great films, winning Gold awards for The Gold Medallion and Paula, and others. John was energetic, painting for art exhibitions, making props for the next project, writing his book and gleaning data to eventually finalise the book of his family tree, and last but not least, operating the “confounded” computer that held it all together. He was a very talented fun loving man, who will always be remembered by the club and his family.
Who are we in this film/movie/video club? We make films, videos and movies and meet on the first Friday of the month to answer members questions and to discuss ongoing club projects. Well known film makers, judges and film professionals are often our speakers for the evening. We welcome visitors and new members interested in film and video, and there is no need to own digital cameras or camcorders and no need for previous experience, as we happily provide mentors for beginners. Surrey Border meetings start at 7:45pm and end just after 10:00pm with a refreshment break at around 9:00pm. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to the monthly meetings which are on the first Friday of each month (and the first visit is free). Our meetings are held in our new contemporary hall in St Joan's Centre which is in the grounds of St Joan's church in Tilford Road, near the station in Farnham. The hall has a large car park and is within easy reach of Guildford, Farnborough, Fleet, Bordon etc. In Surrey and Hampshire. Read more about us here.
Our interests We have a good mix of interests amongst members include script writing, acting, directing, technical and artistic and all agree that ideas and skills are more important than equipment as shown by there being fewer cameras and camcorders than members. Some get more enjoyment in viewing and discussing the films produced by others and just being part of the community. There are those who wouldn't wish to ever hold a camera or camcorder while some like to help in filming but don't own their own camcorder. Of course there are always those with the latest high definition wizz bang up to date cameras, camcorders, microphones and gadgets and the lovely thing is that they are always happy to demonstrate both equipment and techniques to others. For anyone thinking of buying a camera or camcorder advice is always on hand. We have almost equal numbers of members with PC and Mac computers. We regularly put on courses, tutorials and training sessions in the light of the current interests and needs of members. Individuals with particular problems typically have one to one help.
Site updated 07 September 2010 . To comment on this website email: