Don’t Stop Learning

During social distancing, it can be hard to stay motivated and continue learning film. It is important to use this time available to you to keep learning and stay productive. Doing this will not only help you feel better during quarantine, but it will also dramatically increase your skills.

Watch A LOT of films

One of the best ways to learn about filmmakers and get inspiration is to watch films. There are thousands of films out there which you could be streaming right now. This is a great time to catch up on some classics. Who knows, you could end up getting a great script idea!

Sign Up For Learning Sites

Websites like SkillShare have extensive tutorials on writing, storyboarding, editing and more. These courses are a great way to dive into filmmaking. Right now, we have quite some time to kill, so you might as well spend it advancing your skills. With the following link, you can get a FREE MONTH of SkillShare: https://skl.sh/2WnpxZ0

Create a Micro-Film indoors

A really fun way to spend time and learn film during social distancing is to make micro or short films indoors. You can use anything around the house as props and learn great lighting techniques along the way. It can also be fun to tell a small story that takes place in only one or two locations. With smartphones in most people’s pockets. This is possible for anyone to do. Be sure to post your micro or short films in the comments below! Also follow IN FOCUS as we will be posting some great filmmaking content to get you through these difficult times.

Your Equipment Doesn’t Define Your Creativity

It can be easy to be overwhelming when looking for your first camera. There is increasing pressure on the consumer to have the best equipment they possibly can. This narrative couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t need 8K 120FPS Cinema cameras to be creative and make great films. It is much smarter to learn the basics on a cheaper camera and upgrade when you’re confident in your abilities at the beginner level.

Use Smartphones

Almost everyone owns a smartphone with a great camera now. If you’ve been procrastinating creating films because you can’t afford a camera, you have no excuse as there’s likely one in your pocket right now. While smartphone cameras wouldn’t be ideal for someone trying to take film more professionally, they are a perfect no risk alternative to learn filmmaking.

The Lumix G7

Finally, if you are willing to shell out some cash for a better camera, I would suggest the Lumix G7. I just purchased this camera myself. For the price, this camera is an incredible deal. For just 500 dollars, you can have a high quality 4K camera with good low light performance. This camera will allow you to make great films at a low cost and learn the fundamentals of filmmaking. I just had the chance to test this camera out a couple weeks ago, you can find the test video below.

Don’t be a stereotype

Many aspiring “filmmakers” procrastinate actually creating films. They tell everyone they know that they are a filmmaker and spend the majority of their time just watching movies. While watching movies is great and can help you find inspiration, you need to act on those ideas. This is the difference between a film buff and a filmmaker. A film buff has a love for movies and spends their days watching and researching already created movies. Most filmmakers do this too, but they then channel this effort into their own films which they shoot.

Stepping out of your film comfort zone

Often times, beginner filmmakers will be afraid of creating their first film. They either feel their equipment is inferior or fear failure. An important realization is that good equipment does not make a good film or filmmaker. Most film classics were released during the 1970s, when film resolution wasn’t necessarily a priority. Instead, this time and attention was put into writing and developing a compelling story, which literally ANYONE can do! With smartphones, almost every person has access to a good camera and microphone and has the ability to start shooting.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t expect your first film to be amazing. If you were to ask some of the greatest directors what their first film was, they would tell you it was awful. They did not let that discourage them. Quentin Tarantino did not start at the skill level of writing and directing Pulp Fiction and Stanley Kubrick didn’t just stumble upon the talent to direct A Clockwork Orange. These stars’ talents were acquired over time and took years to fully grow.

Go make a film!

I now challenge you to go outside and make a microfilm. It doesn’t have to be long. Your film can be anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes, but starting it is the first step in achieving your goals. Be sure to post your films down in the comment section. If you like posts like this, be sure to subscribe to IN FOCUS and stay on track to becoming a filmmaker.