Been around awhile but Ive saddly never posted. Ive just recently got back into the spirit of writing after my friend and I decided we would write and direct a film as freshman in highschool. The sad realization is that in order to do so I believe I need some help. You see, I do know how to write, but I doubt the ability of lets say 'young adults' of our age would/could be able to direct a movie this young. I mostly have some questions as too why I ask that but I shall save that for a later post.

Recently, Ive started a script and decided to revisit the handy site that shows a hopeful such as myself the basics of writing. So here I am.  

Just a little about myself, my name is J. Leasure. I wont give my first name because mostly.. nobody will be able to pronounce, lol. So thats my middle name. Also, I enjoy all kinds of movies... I grew up with only movies to occupy my time so basically in the way of good films I look for originality, good characters with none of those crappy hollywood actors fashioning the role (you know, the ones that look good but dont sound so good), and a nice since of realism. I watch the Horror genre and drama genre the most out of any with comedy short behind.
I do plan on going to college after highschool and was wondering if any college students in the field of writing and directing could guide me to a few good colleges when I finish highschool.

Right now I plan on writing a few scripts and hopefully getting some movies made that I can include in my portfolio when trying to get into the mainstream of movie making. What better way to do it then to help other along the way?

Anyways sorry for the long introduction. Hope we speak soon, J.

If you're looking to direct and produce your own work, then I reccommend that you starrt with shorts.  You can learn from them a lot faster than doing feature films.


Phil

Yes of course, think you. How would I go about asking how to do certain things regarding directing rather then writing on here? For one, I have questions regarding budget and how to make certain effects without the use of CGI and second, permission to film in rather public places.

I couldn't answer any questions about budgetting or CGI or any of that and I don't know who here could.  There is another board, somewhere, called the Low Budget Filmmakers Board (or something like that).  You can always look there.


Phil

While this site is mostly dedicated to writing, there are a few of us on here that like to make films as well. For the most part, all you have to do is ask, and we'll answer what we can. There are other boards that are dedicated to filmmaking with a whole other group of people. A particularly big one is the Low Budget Horror Film Society at lbhfs.proboards18.com. While they have an emphasis on horror, people who frequent make just about everything.

But since the script is king of any production, this is a good place to start.

Thats what I am always telling myself, because you always here directors as the main person behind any movie, however it takes a creative mind to write a masterpiece. Its discouraging. =p

You'll be fine. Just remember the golden rule of screenwriting: if you can't make up something good for yourself, steal from something really obscure so no one will ever know. Nah I'm kidding. Just keep at it. It's all we can do.


Cheers, Chismeister.

I had 2 years of film school in Nashville of all places,
BUT I have to say I learned a whole lot more just taking night/weekend classes at UCLA than I ever did my two years at the other one!

Just taking a course here and there at UCLA was great and I had some VERY experienced teachers too.

About the low budget, we never used CGI on our short films.  In camera tricks, mirrors, etc.  And we shot everywhere.  Some cities are very strict like Nashville, but like Houston will let you use anything!

We basically studied Guerrilla Filmaking.  You park the van in an alley, run out with your camera, get your shots/scenes, and take off.  You learn a whole lot about writing your stories knowing how it would be filmed.  Sometimes practical changes in shooting will often change your story for the better.

Good Luck Ace!