8 Days to Go!
Hey filmmakers,
The final countdown is upon us!
Every filmmaker works differently. Some of you might already have films submitted, you might be prepping your entry form – or you might be finishing the script to head out and film over the final weekend before the deadline!
Many of you are most likely in the final editing stage of your films, which can be the place where filmmakers get stuck – there’s a lot of small decisions to make that can feel really important. We’ve got some top tips for the edit in this newsletter, but above all, we’d just like to remind you to trust your instincts and have fun!
We’re excited to see your films – with just one more newsletter remaining!
Happy filmmaking!
Top Tips: The Edit Edition
1. Storage Wars
Hard drives and memory cards can fail from time to time. If it’s important, keep multiple copies – and your film files are important! Plus, keep files clearly labelled – save yourself searching for that one clip that you just know is somewhere….
2. Pace it right
You’ve probably had a teacher tell you that a paragraph is easier to read when you use a mix of longer and shorter sentences. Like this! The same goes for film – short shots and quick cuts will speed up the film and create an energetic vibe, while longer shots and fading transitions will chill things out. Audiences will respond best when you use a bit of both across your film! A nice rule to keep in mind is to make cuts based on the beat of the music or at pauses when people speak.
3. Less is More
If you can tell your film better in 3 minutes than in 5 – try not to keep anything unnecessary in your film. Remember, one or two well placed effects will affect your audience in a more meaningful way than an overabundance of special effects, repetitive dialogue and sound effects galore.
4. Show it off
It’s crucial to give yourself time to take a break – but we all know how hard it can be to step away from the edit. Send your film to a trusted friend, teacher or family member for feedback and use that time to get outdoors, have a rest and come back to your film with fresh eyes and some useful notes.