Tension Breeds Resentment
When taping cables and cords down, always leave a very generous series of loops at each C-stand, tripod, or workstation. This is so you can move stuff around without retaping.
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Any filmmaking tip
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Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #54
Remember, though, that power corrupts.
If you don’t know who your boss is on set, then your boss is the Director. This doesn’t mean who gets to boss you around, it means who helps keep you steady-on with your piece of the big puzzle.
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Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #53
The Wind Sounded Great!
ADR (depending on who you ask) is Automatic Dialogue Replacement. That’s when your actors come in to the studio and record lines over the outside crappy recording from on set. Pretty much every time you record outside, or in a noisy environment (such as a non-studio), you’re going to have to record ADR. Just plan for it.
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Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #52
Keep an eye on the right things at the right times.
Always check your monitor to make sure you’re happy with your framing, but after that, watch your actors.
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Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #51
The “Scotty Method” isn’t real.
If the makeup you want is going to take half an hour or an hour to apply, plan for that time. Don’t assume your makeup person is lying about how long it’ll take.
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Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #50
Leave No Trace!
It’s worth it to buy actual gaffer’s tape. Duct tape leaves a residue and you don’t want that residue on your gear, on your cords, on your host’s carpets, walls, or furniture. Gaffer’s tape is clean.
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Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #49
Still not a safety line, however…
When connecting one extension cord to another, or an extension cord to a light, try to always tie the cords in a knot before connecting them. That way, if the cords are pulled in opposite directions, they tighten instead of pulling loose.
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Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #48
“Sudden Massive Tissue Loss” +100 points!
When loading shells in a mortar, try to drop them in with your non-dominant hand (if you’re right-handed, drop with the left hand). That way, if you experience Sudden Massive Tissue Loss, you still have your favorite hand.
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Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #47
When’s the last time you read the script?
Your Script Supervisor is supposed to get in your face and interfere — their job is to make sure you aren’t screwing anything up. Listen to what’s being said.
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Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #46
Look! The Sun!
Network, network, network! Meet other people making movies! You’re all in this together and you all offer unique talents. Yes, there’s a lot to be said for keeping your head down and working, but once in a while, you need to get out and meet other filmmakers.
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