Art of Silence

 Art of Silence

As we all know that a film takes us to another world, whether it is realistic or not. As an audience you devote yourself to the film, and for a moment feel that whatever you are watching in front of you is true. For a film maker to make the audience go into the depth of the film, it should be very important that every element are used in the right place, at the right time. Use of dialogues in a film is very necessary for delivering the message directly to the audience, but can words really make you reach to the emotions which is shown on screen? In reality sometimes as an individual when we feel some kind of emotion, which is difficult to deliver through words, 'silence' plays a role which helps to understand the particular feeling. In my point of view, in the reel life the art of silence should surely be involved at the places which is needed. Sometimes there are overloaded dialogues which might be annoying, or might look fake as well. It is very essential as a film maker to put the essence of reality into the reel for the film to touch the audience. The feelings are non tangible, and the viewer's should feel the same way the film is portraying.

The silent part can be supported with a soothing background score as well. With the help of the music playing behind, it will add more color into the particular scene. The use of silence can also create various kind of emotions such as, sad, or romance, and even fear. In the horror films, where music is known as the pivotal role, the silence also is very vital, as if the audience will just see the visual for the moment, and not know what will happen ahead making them indulged for watching the film. In the old era, where sound had not existed people used to make silent film, which were also successful as well. Right now, it can be both ways, but as a film maker it's very important to know how to synchronize both the music, and silence, and also understand where it is necessary to put the dialogues, and not make it over used. A successful film maker are the ones who also understand the 'Art of Silence'.

The Grey Character- A Hero or a Villain?

The Grey Character- A Hero or a Villain?

While writing a story we will mostly first set the characteristics, and behavior of the protagonist who will be either in a negative role, or the hero of the film with his/her co-star. But there will also be a character because of which the film's curiosity will increase, and that will be the 'Grey Character'. Basically this character will be playing both a positive, and a negative one. In my point of view, this particular character makes the audience stick onto their seats until the climax is revealed. Making the character sketch of this particular character can also be a challenging task as well, because if there will be the hint of the climax in between of the film through him/her, then the film will not work as the way it will be expected to be. While it is challenging I personally find it very interesting as well creating a character having both good, and bad qualities in different time of the film.

The Grey Character might at start bring a white cloud of happiness to the protagonist's life, and then later on black cloud sorrowfulness, or it can be vise versa as well. That is why it is a mixture of both, and it's known as the grey character. The fun part is that this particular person can be played in any kind of role, either the mentor or sometimes even the protagonist of the film! These kind of characters are needed to be created in the genres like suspense, as he/she will be the main punch of the movie the viewer's will be watching. The 'twists' in the plot of the movie are also brought by this kind of character. To create this character you have to get into the shoes of the audience, and judge your film just like them. Go into the depth of the story, and make sure that the suspense won't be revealed in between of the film as well. If you have seen 'Harry Potter' the director was very witty to create 'Snape' where at the end of the sequence it was revealed that he was protecting the protagonist;  'Harry', which left almost all of our mouths open. There is a fixed hero, and a fixed villain of the film, but the most interesting role which is either in the support of the hero or villain is 'The Grey Character' of the film.

Title - Words designed for representing the film

Title - Words designed for representing the film

A film takes you to another world if it is either fiction or on non-fiction, executed by a particular team, with lot's of hard work. As a film maker giving birth to a story, and planning to grow it up by the stages of film making is just not enough until, and unless the film has an interesting 'title'. When a mother gives birth to a child, the whole family contributes giving a name to the baby, as it will represent him/her. It is same for a film, as the title of the film will be the eye catchy part to grasp the viewer's attention to go, and watch the film. In my point of view, giving your film a title is equally a very tough job. However most film has the 'title' by the name of the protagonist of the story, and that will also be tricky when it comes to naming the character something very unique. The title should be very different, and also at the same time represent the movie. The most challenging part while choosing the title is that putting the main punch of the film into just limited words. It can also be supported with a tag line, which helps derive the film title even more. If you read newspapers, as a reader you go through the headlines, and according to that further read the news right? I personally feel that the less word your title has the more impact it gives to the look of the film. Most importantly it should be able to synchronize with the poster of the film, as at the end of the day that still image will be judged by the audience about the film. Mostly the film title also represents the genre of the film. It also makes people very judgmental. There are sometimes films which have title making the audience unable to either guess the plot, or understand what will the film be about. For example, if it will be the story of a girl with a box named woddy, and the title of the film will be just 'Woddy', then the people would start wondering what will the story be about. This sometimes also helps in making the people eager to know about the story of the film.
As a film maker you should make sure that your film title will make the audience keen to watch the film, and also the title will support, and help represent the film made by your team. Because at the end of the day, the words are designed for representing the film.

Being a 'Creative' Cinematographer

Being a ‘Creative’ Cinematographer

During making a film the role of a cinematographer is also a very essential part for the success of a film. As we all know that a cinematographer is the one who makes the film look more appealing on screen, and gives justice to the screenplay as well. Without him/her obviously the team would be incomplete. The director, and the cinematographer are ones who are dependent upon the outcome of the visual approach of the film. He/she also makes the story look real, and helps the actor/actress’s hard work look successful on screen. Basically a cinematographer’s job is not only to press the record button, but also contribute his/her creativity. You see, until, and unless the cinematographer will not be creative, then the understanding level related to the film’s story, or the director or writer’s idea will go in vain. The cinematographer should be creative enough to understand the depth of film to create a much better composition. During the shooting script, he/she also should make the film look the best during planning it. As a cinematographer you should also be very keen to make the frame look much better than it is planned, and improvise on the weak points as well.Contributing some of the creative ideas related to the film will help your team also to make the film look much better. Being a cinematographer, and having the knowledge of the camera is just not enough in my point of view. To understand something, having the knowledge and idea about that particular topic is essential as well. So unless, and until you are not creative enough to understand the situation, and scene then the shot will not be taken the way it should be. Make the camera also the character of the film. The camera in your hand is the eye to the people to watch the plot which is being created. As a cinematographer make yourself go in depth of that particular scene, so that the angels, and frame set by you will help the emotions reach the audience.
Being a 'Creative' cinematographer is much better than just ‘Being a cinematographer’. Have the capability of going in depth of the film is much better than just looking at the plan, and following what’s written by shooting it blindly. Take the initiative to contribute things such as by understanding the genre, and making the shot look much better by putting your point of view, but make sure it will not come in between what the director wants. Do best what you can, as you are also a part of the film.

Thoughts & Feelings – Before entering the film industry

Thoughts & Feelings – Before entering the film industry

As an individual whenever you dream to achieve a particular platform which you want to reach there are various distinct kinds of thoughts, and feelings which arises into your head. These can be both negative, as well as positive. In this particular post I will go a bit personnel which will be related to the thoughts and feelings which I get for entering the industry and making a film in the future. This also can be generalized, as almost all of you who are planning to achieve the same platform can relate to it. I will list out some very common points out linked to this specific topic. Firstly the thought of being able to ‘enter the industry’ arises. No matter how unique, and out of the crowd you are this surely will come into your mind; the way you will be able to enter the film industry. The feelings in this thought usually scares, and worries us but also helps to motivate to work even harder so that one day you could reach to the person leading you the way to your destination you wish to reach. The next thought I personally get is that if my way of film making ‘won’t work’ in the industry. You see, every individual has his/her own style. Sometimes I feel worried thinking about the fact that if my work won’t be liked by the viewer’s. There are many people who enter the industry, and give up in between.  This is related to the thoughts of how long will you be able to ‘survive in the industry’. This is also one of the toughest fights which I have with my mind. It’s like defeating your own self, but this will help you raise your self-esteem as well. In my point of view, if you get such kinds of thoughts or feelings, think it in a positive way as well that if there can be people to dislike your work, there also are individuals existing who will enjoy the work done by you.

Moving on further the ‘way you will present yourself’ also is a topic to think about. Usually people in the industry should look, or I should say ‘present’ themselves in a very appealing way either by their way of dressing up or communicating. Having these kinds of thoughts helps you to improve day by day. This does not mean that you lose your identity. It’s very essential to be yourself, but also simultaneously to become a better person. Even the thought of ‘fitting in’ haunts me a lot. As we all know that getting into the glamour world is not very simple, and after that overcoming the challenges such as dealing with different kind of people with different kind of attitude. This can be also looked in a positive manner such as by having the feeling of being different from the people, and also helps you to experience working with distinct people which will help you adjust more in future. This does not sound very simple, but it is also not impossible to achieve.
One very ironic thought which usually comes into my head is the ‘working hours’. If you will enter the industry there will be mad working hours with you having to put a lot of hard working killing your sleep as well. This thing to be achieved must start by having the fire in you to burn down laziness, and built up more stamina. The ‘competition’ part over here also exist but in a different way. You see, every individual is creative in their own unless, and until they have the same style of film making. So, the thought being a ‘competitor’ to the people unique from my style also makes me wonder, and plan the way to overcome and win as well. Most importantly the feeling and thought of winning the mass audience with the creativity, and also building up a team which will help achieving making a film surely is into the head permanently.

There are many thoughts, and feelings which might scare or motivate you. But at the end of the day you should learn how to knock out the negativity, and invite the positive thoughts and feelings into you so that it will be easy for surviving, and overcome all the obstacles in front of you.

Responsibility of a film maker- Your also a part of it

Responsibility of a film maker- Your also a part of it

There are lots of various qualities which a film maker should have if he/she either is a director, actor, cinematographer, editor, etc. But there are also distinct kind of responsibilities a film maker has, and should follow them as well. No matter how talented, and hard work you put if you do not follow the responsibilities you will not only disappoint the team, but fail as a person as well. In this particular post, I will list out some of the responsibilities which a film maker has, and should follow as well. The first one is to ‘Respect Time’. Time is money, and the more time you waste the more money you lose. If we take an example, let’s consider the most common thing heard, that is the actor being late on set. At a certain point of time fame takes over your role of being responsible. It’s very vital to maintain being a good human while being a star. No matter how famous you will be as an actor, at the end of the day, the film takes you to the platform where people will hop onto you for autographs, etc. Most of the time people forget how to be responsible enough to respect the time of the other people waiting to start the shoot.  As an individual no matter how famous you are it is also very important to be a good and a responsible person respecting the schedule of the film shoot. If you are thinking that there are many super stars who reach late, let me correct you by saying that there are ‘many legends’ who also reach on time. There are exceptions for sure, but deliberately being late will never help you. This is one responsibility which a film maker should maintain not only the actors, but every person contributing to the film.

The next responsibility as a film maker is to ‘Treat people the same level’. It’s very obvious that for making a film having a team is very essential right? Finding a team is difficult for sure, but maintaining it is equally very tough. As a director you also have to be very patient between ‘Action’, and ‘Cut’. Loosing the temper will never help your shot to be taken, even though at a certain level of time you can, but unnecessarily will never help the coordination of your team. So it’s very important to treat the people who you work with the same level as you are because there are difficulties in every stage, so understanding them and solving it out will save a lot of time, and also make the bonding even much better. This particular part will also come under the responsibility of ‘Being Understanding’. The more understanding you will be towards your team the better work will be executed.  A film also becomes a success when you give your best to it. So it’s also essential for ‘Giving your best’ to the film, and devoting yourself to it for a period of time so that the work which will be executed will be loved by the audience. Even as a cinematographer the understanding level between the director and you should be done very smoothly as the visual approach of the film also depends on the way the shot has taken. 

One more important thing which I want to consider is that there are also some people who does not respect the story of the film. If this is there between a team, then surely even if you want to you will not be able to give your best during the shoot.  So as a film maker in whatever position you are working, and how so ever way you are contributing to the film make sure you will give your best with the respect of the story of the film, as well as maintaining the bond with your team mate, as at the end of the day, your also a part of the film.

Importance of Distribution

Importance of Distribution

Everyone knows that a film maker makes a film to reach the audience, but have you ever wondered about the importance of the stage of ‘Distribution’. As we all know through distribution; marketing you can reach the audience. The importance of this specific stage is mainly that it helps you reach the public in distinct kind of ways. The first way which is very common now a days, and that is through the social networking websites. Now a days the social media is the target of the film makers as especially youngsters now a days are hopping on to it. It is also beneficial as is it free, and also reaches a mass all over the world. The other way of distribution is through promotion of the film. Now promoting a film also very well has very distinct ways, such as starting from releasing the poster to the motion picture, etc. to help gain the curiosity from the public about your upcoming film. Well, this particular stage though very well depends on your budget available. The more money you will have the more you can even explore the audience through different places. If you have a sufficient budget to support your film you can also take your film to different parts of the world. The main key for the distribution part to be a success is the USP; unique point of spreading your film. Now this can also be done in your own creative way. Promoting the film in a creative manner which will reach the people will also surely help the hall to be full because of your film. A very common way is through social work. For example, if you make a film regarding a topic like social cause, then promoting it that way will help you for sure, as well as touching many people hearts. Even the film can be distributed the kind of genre you have selected. If it is a horror film, you can create a set up for the audience to experience the movie in live, or in your own distinct kind of ways.

As an audience when you see television programs you also notice the cast and directors introducing their film through the specific show very smartly. 

This particular stage is organized by the film distributor where he/she will also form a marketing strategy for the film. It’s very important as a film maker to know which kind of audience you want as well. So make sure this particular process is successfully achieved, as without this you will have limited people to watch your film. It’s also very vital to make sure the use of money at the right place in the right time to the right people so that your film can be a success. Even through the distribution verify the reason for the people  to watch your film, and prove that it’s worth it also. 

How to make a film without Budget – Elaborated

 How to make a film without Budget – Elaborated

In my previous post I had written about the ‘no budget film’, and ‘Low budget film’. So in this particular I will mention how to make a film without using budget. Firstly it’s very vital for the story of the film to be very strong compared to the production of the film, as your story will be everything. Without budget it will be difficult in making a film, but not impossible trust me. If you grab a very interesting story which will reach the audience then surely it will become a success. And at the end of the day, your film becomes a success according the plot of the film. So make sure you write a story which will be able to target today’s generation viewer’s, and it will go famous on it’s own. Gathering the cast and crew might be a challenging job in this process; while making a film without budget. There are many people in this world who will be keen to work in films without budget just to make their face go social, and reach somewhere as well, mostly film school students. As a film maker your cast of the film should support the character so looking for such kind of people to work might be difficult.

 The next part is also very essential and that is the equipment’s used during making a film, as without the technical devices it will be impossible to make a film. But as I had said previously, there will be people around there who will be keen to work without any budget right, so taking up a cinematographer who will have his/her personnel equipment’s will help for sure. I am taking this example from my personnel experience, as I am studying in a film school, and share the equipment's such as cameras, or lighting. This is also applied in locations. Usually for shooting in different places you will either need a permission or give some money to the owner for permitting to shoot. This can be managed by the help of the members of your team where you can shoot either at their place, or different places outside where taking permission would not be a problem. There are also ‘Low budget films’ as I had said in my earlier post which can also be carried out the same way the ‘No budget film’ is. You can also rent the equipment's needed for shooting as well. In the old era people used to manage by taking different shots through distinct techniques, such as for dolly, or pan making the use of a ‘trolley’. So this part can also be applied today. But as the generation has grown people have there own advanced tools such as tripods or trackers for shooting which will make the job easy. Also it’s very important to remember as a director to most of the work by yourself as you cannot take up a large group of people.

 The distribution can be done online, as social media is the trend for this generation. Everything can be uploaded on different websites which is a very bonus point for showing people your talent, and indirectly a ‘PR’ of your own is done as well. Multi- tasking can also be taken place during making a film. A director should do the pre production part mostly himself/herself, and also can be a part on screen. In these kind of film making; without budget very less people are also gathered to make a film. Usually these kinds of movies are made for proving the talent, and entering the industry. There are many people who make a film and upload it with the help of a team, so nothing is impossible. So the soul of this process is the story, and the support of your team mates to make a film.

Budget cannot stop you making a film

Budget cannot stop you making a film

Making a film with and without a budget, both are possible in their own ways. In fact there is a term known as ‘No Budget Film’. Currently I am studying in a film school, and we make short films without having the budget, but make use of locations with the help of our team mates.  The Non budget films uses very less or no money at all. It also uses a less member of crew, and it is a non-profitable as well. In these kind of films the ‘Distribution’ (Marketing) stage is used the minimum.  But now a days there are possibilities for the Marketing to be done online with the help of social networking websites. Even it will help you reach a mass number of audience through the specific website. In the old era people usually used to make Non Budget films due to having less amount of money.. In today’s world it is rare but not erased.  Budget film will help you grab a large amount of crew with equipment's you will wish to use in your film. It also helps your film to be distributed in every possible way under your budget. Even it helps you to use each and every stage of film making. Considering the ‘No budget film’ in this, the equipment's will either be of your team mates, or managed somehow. For example if you are using very less money then it will  be taken on rent as well. The stages of making a film can be possible but usually with the director doing it alone himself/herself. The film to succeed can be by making the story of the film interesting, and even reaching the audience with using less or no budget at all. There is also a term such as ‘Low budget films’. This is somewhere similar to the ‘No budget films’ but there is very less amount of money used to produce the film. This usually is made by the fresh or new film makers who try to prove their talent as well to enter the industry. These films are also made by ‘Independent film makers’.  Now if you wonder about the cast and crew, there are many people out there who will also be keen to work, as not everyone can get a opportunity. Making a film with or without a budget, try to make it the best so that you can reach the platform which you have dreamed to achieve, and make your film the best as well. But as a film maker you have to be very witty, and be able to manage the way you can make the film. Hence, budget cannot stop you making a film.

Theoretical vs. Practical

Theoretical vs. Practical

We all know that for having practical knowledge the best way to be perfect in it is through having the theoretical one. You see, no one can teach you to be creative but can enhance the skills, and helps you being different from the crowd, I have mentioned about this in my earlier posts. It’s very essential to understand both the knowledge at their place, as it can help you achieve to become a film maker. Some people have the practical knowledge more than the theoretical one, or vice versa. In my point of view both of them should be at the same level. Usually after learning all the theoretical stages of film making, people do not give importance to them after entering the industry. This sometimes may be the reason for a film to not be successful. There is a reason for knowing all the stages of how to make a film, and as well as how to make it perfect, as it’s not a piece of cake. Following every stage which is taught theoretically should be applied practically for the film to reach the audience successfully. You see, having the idea, and being perfect at it are two different things. Even a lay man person would know how to click a photograph, but a person with the knowledge and experience as well will surely have the capability to click the photograph in a much better way. I am not stating that if an individual does not have the idea of the theoretical part will not be capable of making a film. Surely there are people who are born with such talents, but the reason for learning is to enhance your knowledge right? Keeping the theory, and practical part at the same level will help you surely making the film in a much perfect way. The reason for an individual not to apply the knowledge of the theory part he/she has practically is most of the time ignorance because of being lazy, or thinking that it is least important. For example if you will not write the step outline of your film your structure will be poor, or if you will not do the storyboard of the film the visual part would not be seen practically. Considering the storyboard it can sometimes be excused maybe because of the budget issue, or less time, but in my point of view it will also help the film grow. Being patient and less lazy will help you survive in the industry. It’s very important to apply the theoretical part practically appropriately. So during the process of making a film make sure that you will apply all the stages, and execute it practically.