Shooting your first film can be a very exciting experience, as you will probably have been working towards this moment for a very long time. However, the whole process of shooting a film can be a very daunting process and you can easily become overwhelmed. It will require a lot of planning, organisation, and attention to detail to make sure everything runs smoothly. In this article, we will give you some essential tips to help you navigate the whole process of shooting your first film to ensure you do not run into any problems.
Location scouting is a very important part of the filmmaking process. You will want to find settings that are remote, and quiet, and match the style and themes of your film. You should visit many potential sites and decide which one is best suited for you. Make sure to gain any required permissions to use land and address and ensure it is easily accessible for the whole film crew. Having a well-chosen location for your film can help to enhance its authenticity.
There will most likely be a handful of people working on your film with you, so it is important that you are constantly aware of each crew member so you can ensure productivity and make sure time is not wasted. When it comes to filming day, you will be responsible for making sure the entire crew along with actors arrive on time. If you fail to arrange the dates with members of the crew, this can slow down the filming process and cost you a lot of money.
The safety on set should be one of your top priorities. It is important that you hire a qualified medic and ensure there is always access to a first aid kit should it be needed. Having medical assistance on stand-by can give you and the crew peace of mind that everything on set is under control even if there is an accident. You can hire Film Medics for your shoot from a company such as https://outdoormedicalsolutions.co.uk
Before you start filming, it is important that you go through all checks and ensure all your equipment is working properly. Having backup equipment can be very useful if some of your equipment fails on the day, as you can continue making your film without the need to reschedule.
Finding and booking filming locations
The right location can define the look and feel of a whole production, and finding it can take weeks. Many productions prefer real locations to built sets because they are cheaper and feel more authentic. A good location needs enough space, easy access and plenty of parking for crew vehicles and equipment, and it should be within a reasonable distance of your base. Some hard to reach places may need drones to capture the shots you want.
Professional location scouts work through the script and list every place it calls for. They search property listings, contact local council film liaison officers and ask regional film offices for suggestions to build a shortlist.
Once suitable sites are found, productions reserve them for the required dates by placing options on them. These are binding agreements giving first refusal if another shoot wants the same place. Fees are then agreed for filming days and for prep days, when the location is dressed for shooting. A larger film may need many prep days.