Traversing the Arc – Screenwriting 2

Posted on January 20, 2012 by James

“Without contraries, there is no progression…”

- William Blake

An 18th century clairvoyant can provide us a lot of insight when it comes to writing for the screen.

In part 2 of our series on microbudget screenwriting, we’ll dig deeper into the Mirror Moment to uncover the Core Contrast of our protagonist – and see how that energy is harnessed to power a complete 3-Act story arc.

In our next lesson, we’ll look at how to create a film that actively engages the audience in the act of storytelling, by comparing microbudget film to genre pictures.

The Mirror Moment – Screenwriting 1

Posted on January 17, 2012 by James

Today launches Part 1 of our microbudget screenwriting series. We’ll look at the concept of the midpoint mirror moment, and see how it can create the foundations for story arc.

We’ll analyze a few well-known examples of mirror moments in popular works of dramatic narrative including: The Wrestler, Senna, Jules et Jim, The Empire Strikes Back, Mad Men, Breakfast of Champions, Waiting for Godot, and Hamlet.

While it may be a bit premature to proclaim myself the McKee of Microbudget, I find it hard to resist… Such a nice alliterative ring to it, heh heh.

In Part 2 we’ll discuss how to use these foundations to create a complete narrative in only a few simple steps.

The Art in Yourself

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Todd

Stanislavski says to love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art. When I first heard this quote a very long time ago I thought it was backwards – I felt so proud to be part of the theatre (or the arts in general) that I thought it seemed somewhat egotistical to first pledge allegiance to the art/talent within myself, and reject the love that I had for the arts in general. I didn’t realize that to “love ourselves in the art” was to become enamored with the idea of “being an artist, or actor, or writer, or filmmaker, etc.”

But a few years later, after re-evaluating his words, I began using Stanislavski’s quote as a bit of a mantra – so I always remembered that I should dedicate myself to the unique thoughts and ideas I had to offer. That basically, I should pay attention to what’s within me, and not try to adapt myself to better adhere to the fantasy of being a . . . fill in the blank (artist, writer, filmmaker, etc). Continue reading →

The Microbudget Film System

Posted on January 3, 2012 by James

Now that we’ve explored some of the trends and traits of microbudget filmmaking, we’re ready to share our process of production with you. Starting next week, we’ll launch a series of video tutorials that will comprise a complete online course in microbudget filmmaking.

Before we do, it’s vital to understand that the predominant way filmmaking is taught and films are produced is detrimental to a successful production. The current studio and major indie model is linear, compartmentalized, and segregated – it’s an antiquated model that makes filmmaking difficult, laborious, and (over)extends the process to the point that a majority of projects never get past the script stage.

As microbudget filmmakers, we want to do the opposite – think of our film as an entire organism. By approaching your film holistically, you significantly accelerate the filmmaking process and exponentially increase the chances your film will be made and ultimately seen. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with Systems Thinking, then let’s see how it applies to microbudget filmmaking. Continue reading →

Cocteau’s Pencil

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Todd

“Film will only became an art when its materials are as inexpensive as pencil and paper.” - Jean Cocteau

Cinema, more than most art forms, sucks resources (money, time, energy, more money) – and when you finally make your movie (no matter the scope of the project) there’s a whole lot at stake. With so much on the line we don’t allow ourselves room to fail. But we need this room to explore and play, so that we feel comfortable taking risks. This is the space where art happens. Continue reading →

(Run)Time is On Our Side

Posted on December 19, 2011 by James

This week we’re going to explore a few of the ways that microbudget filmmaking might change the medium of cinema. As always, the goal is to seek new experiments, not let convention dictate what DIY does.

So, what is a feature film anyway? Popular consensus says it’s a story told in something shy of three hours on a big screen in a dark room. But it doesn’t take 120 – 180 minutes to tell a compelling, complete story on screen. So why has this become the standard? Continue reading →

Microbudget Myths (Part 3)

Posted on December 15, 2011 by James

Myth #3 – You have to make a Zombie movie…

Before we wrap on set we say “Martini time,” so as we wrap our series on Microbudget Myths it’s only appropriate to say “Zombie time…”

Your Movie

Okay, this isn’t meant as a diss to zombies. I like zombies, and I love a good zombie movie. Who doesn’t, right? But why is absolutely everyone jonesing to make a zombie movie? Every time I turn around someone is pitching a concept of the undead to me. It runs the gamut from Emmy winning writers, to students, to my girlfriend’s random friend from college who we run into on the street.

Add this to the nearly 5,000 Zombie movies already in existence, and you have seriously zombie-like swarm of films threatening to munch up our brains. Continue reading →

Microbudget Myths (Part 2)

Posted on December 13, 2011 by James

Let’s explore our second Microbudget Filmmaking Myth… You need to use a specific camera or software.

Your Gear

Just like a compelling story trumps a perfect screenplay, so does it trump the gear you use. As microbudget filmmakers, we each have a unique set of resources. And again, being open to the production tools you have at hand can be the difference between getting your film made, and letting your idea drift off to the ether to be forever forgotten.

Continue reading →

Microbudget Myths (Part 1)

Posted on December 9, 2011 by James

The Top 3 Myths about Microbudget Filmmaking

Today launches a 3 part series on some of the common myths of microbudget filmmaking that we hope will fuel some new thoughts about the approach to the art. So let’s get started…

Microbudget Myths

1. Your screenplay has to be perfect before you do anything else.

2. You need to shoot on a specific camera, use specific gear or software.

3. You have to make a zombie movie.