New Year's filming resolutions - 1

1. IDEAS - Be adventurous! Why don’t I use an unusual slant on EVERYDAY SUBJECTS?

2. PLANNING - Script and Story Board. Oh dear! I never seem to ind enough TIME!

3. EQUIPMENT - I always forget something! Must remember: CLAPPER BOARD, FULLY-CHARGED SPARE BATTERIES, ADAPTERS, LEADS, EXTRA TAPES, MICROPHONES. Whoops! CAMCORDER.

4. SHOOTING - Think Editing! So easy to forget:
CUTAWAYS! / CUTAWAYS ! I CUTAWAYS!

5. CAMERA - Shots must be ROCK STEADY. Oh, where’s my tripod? That’s a wobbly pan! Must use a table or wall, in dire emergency.

6. LIGHTING - I must not assume, “IT WILL DO”. I will not believe “Makers Claims” of low-light sensitivity. It is no more of an advantage than fast film, giving a grainy

USE EXTRA LIGHTS AND REFLECTORS.
7. CONTINUITY - Delegate someone with EAGLE EYES. Then blame them if mistakes slip through!

8. DRAMAS Audition actors: LOCAL AMATEUR GROUPS are a good source.

9. INDOOR LOCATIONS Check electric sockets available and position of windows - ie changing light.

10. OUTDOOR LOCATIONS -
PERMISSION - I’ve seen some angry farmers!
NOISE SOURCES - Those blooming aeroplanes!
TRAFFIC - Vehicles get in the way!
ACCESS, PARKING etc.

11. EDITING - If in doubt, CUT IT OUT.

12. COMPETITIONS - I will not get mad when judges can’t see the “POINT”, “GENIUS,” or “SHEER BEAUTY” of my enic