help me out please at DVinfo.net

Mark Campbell · April 16th, 2006, 11:53 AM

hi all.
I'm 14 years old and i went to see a film back in 2005, and after it I came out thinkin " i wana make movies that good", so i got a DVC for my X-mas, and have started maiing short films on windows movie maker, but i just dont know what to do from here, anyone have any answers?.

Boyd Ostroff · April 16th, 2006, 12:03 PM

Hi Mark, and welcome to DVinfo! I've moved your thread to our Open DV Forum since it's sort of a general question. The Helping Hands forum is intended for people trying to find crew, camera operators, etc. for specific events.

Now it's hard to provide a simple answer to such a broad question. First, you're really lucky to have equipment and to have started making movies at such a young age! My initial thought is simply to keep on doing what you're doing. At 14 years of age you have the whole world ahead of you. Keep your eyes wide open, read everything you can get your hands on, watch lots of movies and analyze them.... and just "do it."

A good start would be to spend awhile browsing through all the forums which interest you on this site. There is a wealth of information here already, and you can feel free to join in the discussions that are already in progress.

Glad to have you aboard, and will look forward to hearing about what you're working on.

Mark Campbell · April 16th, 2006, 02:51 PM

hi again thanks!, yeah i guess i am kinda lucky to have the equipment and am enjoying them to the full! Me and my brother are now just trying to make up ideas and then just put them onto our computer, I'll ask my mum to get me some books on the subject, and watch as much movies as i can well thanks for the advice boyd! the sites been a great help and i'll continue making short movies!

Marco Leavitt · April 16th, 2006, 03:04 PM

My advice is to find other local film makers in your area and volunteer on their shoots while you're still trying to develop a concept on your own. You'll learn a lot, and may meet some people who will be willing to work as crew on your own shoot.

Mark Campbell · April 16th, 2006, 03:06 PM

yeah i guess i could

Mike Teutsch · April 16th, 2006, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Campbell

hi all.
I'm 14 years old and i went to see a film back in 2005, and after it I came out thinkin " i wana make movies that good", so i got a DVC for my X-mas, and have started maiing short films on windows movie maker, but i just dont know what to do from here, anyone have any answers?.

Mark,

Check on my email address, send me your address, and I'll send you a basic book that may help you.

Otherwise, study this forum and others and learn everything you can. Great for you to get started so soon! Read everything you can!

Mike

Mark Campbell · April 17th, 2006, 09:59 AM

mike this ive sent you an email i dont know if it reached you though

my email address....mark_campbell_2005@hotmail.co.uk

Mike Cavanaugh · April 17th, 2006, 10:59 AM

Mark,

There are a number of things you can do to become a better videographer and you have already done the first thing... Ask for advice. Without sounding like a DVinfo cheerleader, this is one of the best forums for getting advice and information from people ranging from the experienced professionals to the guy who bought his first camera this morning. Look critically at the forums, evaluate what works for you and try it, and try it again and again til it works the way you want it to. Tape is cheap and experience is priceless!

Another approach rather than "trying to make up ideas", is trying to find the "story" in everyday life. How do you get ready for school in the morning? What's going on with those guys playing chess in the park? What's the story behind that old house in your neighborhood? Look and you will find a story. They you can use your talent to make the story come alive in a way that will amuse, educate, enlighten, motivate etc.

As far as experience with the technical details, I'd echo what Marco said - find some projects that are looking for a helping hand and volunteer. I have learned a great deal about film making from working with others (including Marco!)

Good luck and welcome to the community - some pretty nice folks here!

Mark Campbell · April 17th, 2006, 03:11 PM

Hi
I realy appreciate the help you guys thanks alot.I'll think about what you said Mike, and I'll look for a deeper story I have a few in mind already.Thanks again.
Mark

Salil Sundresh · April 22nd, 2006, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Campbell

Hi
I realy appreciate the help you guys thanks alot.I'll think about what you said Mike, and I'll look for a deeper story I have a few in mind already.Thanks again.
Mark

I also recommend that you read a couple scripts, especially if you plan on writing one yourself, you will learn a lot just from reading a script and then watching the movie. It will help you understand how all the production elements come into play on the big screen.

April 16th, 2006, 11:53 AM	#1
Mark Campbell New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: dundee,scotland Posts: 5	help me out please hi all. I'm 14 years old and i went to see a film back in 2005, and after it I came out thinkin " i wana make movies that good", so i got a DVC for my X-mas, and have started maiing short films on windows movie maker, but i just dont know what to do from here, anyone have any answers?.

April 16th, 2006, 02:51 PM	#3
Mark Campbell New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: dundee,scotland Posts: 5	thanks! hi again thanks!, yeah i guess i am kinda lucky to have the equipment and am enjoying them to the full! Me and my brother are now just trying to make up ideas and then just put them onto our computer, I'll ask my mum to get me some books on the subject, and watch as much movies as i can well thanks for the advice boyd! the sites been a great help and i'll continue making short movies!

April 16th, 2006, 12:03 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	Hi Mark, and welcome to DVinfo! I've moved your thread to our Open DV Forum since it's sort of a general question. The Helping Hands forum is intended for people trying to find crew, camera operators, etc. for specific events. Now it's hard to provide a simple answer to such a broad question. First, you're really lucky to have equipment and to have started making movies at such a young age! My initial thought is simply to keep on doing what you're doing. At 14 years of age you have the whole world ahead of you. Keep your eyes wide open, read everything you can get your hands on, watch lots of movies and analyze them.... and just "do it." A good start would be to spend awhile browsing through all the forums which interest you on this site. There is a wealth of information here already, and you can feel free to join in the discussions that are already in progress. Glad to have you aboard, and will look forward to hearing about what you're working on.

April 16th, 2006, 03:04 PM	#4
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	My advice is to find other local film makers in your area and volunteer on their shoots while you're still trying to develop a concept on your own. You'll learn a lot, and may meet some people who will be willing to work as crew on your own shoot.

April 16th, 2006, 03:06 PM	#5
Mark Campbell New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: dundee,scotland Posts: 5	yeah i guess i could

April 17th, 2006, 09:59 AM	#7
Mark Campbell New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: dundee,scotland Posts: 5	mike this ive sent you an email i dont know if it reached you though my email address....mark_campbell_2005@hotmail.co.uk

April 17th, 2006, 10:59 AM	#8
Mike Cavanaugh Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 311	Mark, There are a number of things you can do to become a better videographer and you have already done the first thing... Ask for advice. Without sounding like a DVinfo cheerleader, this is one of the best forums for getting advice and information from people ranging from the experienced professionals to the guy who bought his first camera this morning. Look critically at the forums, evaluate what works for you and try it, and try it again and again til it works the way you want it to. Tape is cheap and experience is priceless! Another approach rather than "trying to make up ideas", is trying to find the "story" in everyday life. How do you get ready for school in the morning? What's going on with those guys playing chess in the park? What's the story behind that old house in your neighborhood? Look and you will find a story. They you can use your talent to make the story come alive in a way that will amuse, educate, enlighten, motivate etc. As far as experience with the technical details, I'd echo what Marco said - find some projects that are looking for a helping hand and volunteer. I have learned a great deal about film making from working with others (including Marco!) Good luck and welcome to the community - some pretty nice folks here!

April 17th, 2006, 03:11 PM	#9
Mark Campbell New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: dundee,scotland Posts: 5	Hi I realy appreciate the help you guys thanks alot.I'll think about what you said Mike, and I'll look for a deeper story I have a few in mind already.Thanks again. Mark