Filmmaking Tips

I was having a look for some good tips for making a successful film, and I did find this, but I'm not quite sure I'll manage the beard... BUT I found a rather useful website (which you'll find in my links list over on the right :D), with tips under 9 headings - script, pre-production, casting, rehearsals, equipment, production, directing, keeping everyone happy, and editing. So there's quite a lot to choose a top 10 from, but I've given it a go..

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* TOP 10 FILMMAKING TIPS *

1. Script - get to know your characters; make up a backstory for them. Whether or not it features in the film is irrelevant.
2. Pre-production - do location scouting, and do a location recce to make sure everything's fine before filming day.
3. Casting - when auditioning your actors, get them to read a monologue or a scene from your script twice. The second time, give them direction on how to read it. See if they follow your directions; if they don't, they probably won't on set either.
4. Rehearsals - if you have a limited rehearsal schedule, go for the most difficult scenes to film, such as those with lots of movement or long shots [as in time, not distance].
5. Equipment - always have the appropriate emergency equipment!!: extra battery, tape cleaner, lens cleaner, AC adapter etc.
6. Production - a lot of time is spent moving around between sets, so once the camera, mic, and lighting is set up, shoot everything with that setup then before moving on.
7. Production - avoid shooting with audio outside around any day where there is likely to be some kind of background noise, e.g. Guy Fawkes Night when there will be lots of fireworks, and if you have to, keep the takes short.
8. Directing - when things go wrong (which they will) don't lose your cool; the cast & crew look to the director to keep everything together. Think of a backup plan and do that, and when you make a mistake, admit it.
9. Keeping everyone happy - always have food and drink on the set that accomodates everyone, & take lunch breaks on longer days.
10. Editing - don't edit alone; if you edit by yourself and don't allow feedback along the way, your film may look great to you but the audience might hate it. Make sure the people helping you edit aren't afraid to point out things they think could be done better, as the movie is ultimately better through compromise.