Ashten Royse - History of American Cinema by

Here comes the money

atr4d — 2024-09-18 03:00:19 UTC

It seems that with any project, it always comes down to the dollar.

The importance of a budget

atr4d — 2024-09-18 03:01:47 UTC

Investors will budget for a certain amount (usually cost per minute for film) and it's the job of the managers to make sure that money is either more than is needed or take away parts of the film so it can.

Working hard or hardly working.

atr4d — 2024-09-18 03:05:47 UTC

When working with someone on longer projects, its important to establish early on the expectations of how often they need to be present and available.

Always be kind!

atr4d — 2024-09-18 03:06:33 UTC

Always be kind! You never know where someone will be in the future, and you don't want to burn bridges!

Beauty is Captivating.

atr4d — 2024-09-18 03:38:07 UTC

There is something amazing about working with someone and them being just as exited about the work as you are.

Don't get blind sighted by enjoyment.

atr4d — 2024-09-18 03:39:09 UTC

Just because you are having fun working on something doesn't mean that it looks good. Take time to step away from your work so you can see it with a viewers eyes.

What I say goes!

atr4d — 2024-09-18 03:40:43 UTC

At the end of the day, its the directors job to make decisions about the film. Even if you have a good idea or a funny joke you know will make the film better, it is ultimately the directors decision and its your job to enact on their vision.

Busy Busy Busy!

atr4d — 2024-09-18 03:43:06 UTC

Don't let time get you by! Stick to a strict schedule and set of deadlines. If you don't break up the work, you won't have an accurate estimate of how long something will take.

It's not just the adults you worry about...

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:26:30 UTC

Kids are difficult to work with in film, and for good reason! Kids were exploited by industry for a long time, and that includes the film industry. As much as filmmakers complain about their limited work field and the short time they get to work, and all the accommodations they have to make, it's their fault for writing kids into their story in the first place! If they want a kid, they better be ready for what it comes with.

Dogs are just as bad, but

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:27:38 UTC

Dogs can be unpredictable to work with, but innovations in training and our understanding of the canine mind have made man's best friend into a starring actor!

Look to the world around you

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:29:13 UTC

We live in a beautiful world with rich history and artists since the dawn of man. If inspiration is hard to find, just look outside and think of all that is before you, all that is around you, and all that will come after.

Again and Again and Again

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:30:26 UTC

Your first draft is never the best draft. Often we are blind sighted by our work and don't dare destroy it, but that's how you make it better. Revisions!

What is the takeaway?

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:32:19 UTC

What are you giving to the world in your film? How do you get there? From the start of your script, know why it needs to be written.

From Spit-Shined to Polished.

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:33:36 UTC

Character growth is a key factor in story telling. Its how we connect and relate to the characters so they in turn can grow and teach us something through their journey and resolution.

What you know is very little.

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:36:15 UTC

Beyond just looking outside, look at yourself. What life have you led? What moments do you regret? can those be a teachable story for others? Now look at the lives and histories of your idols. What trials make them so endearing? The world is rich in story, research it!

Fiction versus reality

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:38:49 UTC

Let me introduce you to a little something called "suspension of disbelief". Take Toy Story for example: we know that toys aren't actually alive (and that people generally aren't as ugly as toy-story 1 Sid), but the audience is willing to believe it for the duration of the film, but it has to be grounded in some reality.

Audience Interpretation

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:40:17 UTC

Just because you tell it one way doesn't mean that the audience will see it the same way. Usually people want to be understood clearly, but we as humans use nuance to convey beliefs and messages. We'd be Vulcan if we didn't!

No One is One Sided.

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:42:20 UTC

Just like you, your characters need to have nuance and beliefs. They need ethics and moods. They don't react the same way to everything. They need... character development.

Talk Less, Show More

atr4d — 2024-09-18 04:45:15 UTC

We've been through a "Show and Tell". now try "Show, don't Tell". We are visual learners. We don't need someone to tell us they are sad to see them crying. Plus, Imagine a world without expressions. Weird, right? Same applies to making art!