If I had a pound for every time I've heard someone say “I want to make my own movie - but…” and then nothing happens, I'd be a very wealthy man.
It's a sad fact that most people never get to know the fun of bringing their idea to fruition and usually they will only have themselves to blame.
If you really do want to be making your first film then read on. In this series of blogs, we will share our simple and clear overview of the process involved, the mindset you should have, and the things you will need to consider.
Your mind Set
Try to be an enthusiast and an eternal optimist. It really helps if your view of the world is one of ‘glass half full’ - particularly when things go wrong - and try not to be your own worst enemy by self catastrophising before you even get started.
Your idea
This is where most people get stuck because they think they must have a ‘good idea’. They are wrong. A ‘good idea or a bad idea’ is always subjective - you only need an idea that you want to make and then get on with it.
To help you find your idea, try thinking about the type of things you like to watch, people you like to meet, things you like to read and explore things you are interested in. Your idea will need your touch of personal passion if it is to make it to completion.
Involve others
At this stage of the process, half your fun will come from sharing your ideas with others. Encourage your friends and family to input their creativity into your idea and then encourage them to challenge yours.
If you keep your idea to yourself, you will run a high risk of soon finding yourself in a very lonely place - creatively speaking.
Be brave. Share your ideas with others. There is always the potential for ridicule with any idea you share but there is also the potential for your idea to grow and evolve into something better than what you started with.
Work everything out on paper
This is another stopping point for first-time filmmakers as it is the first time you really have to produce something tangible - written documents. You should consider the following as being important steps on the way to making your first film:
Synopsis
A short written brief describing your idea.
Your synopsis is an ‘in a nutshell’ document that you can share with others to help them quickly understand what your film is about.
Writing your synopsis will help you clarify your thoughts in a more narrative style and will make you consider critical detail.
The first script
Create a written structure for your project.
Whether it's a prescriptive style of script or a simple topic guide for actors to improvise around, you must try to remember that your first script is just the start. It is a living document that will evolve as you get input from others.
If you know your start, middle and end then you are in a good place to flesh out what goes on in between those key points.
Storyboard
Put the shots you want to create on paper.
The knowledge you get from drawing up a storyboard will allow you to better control all your assets, your time, and your crew when on location. A well-thought-out storyboard can help you adapt when you need to and therefore impact your budget ambitions in a very positive way.
It's an important document because this is the point at which you will begin to visualize your film and understand the number of casts, locations, and the type of shots you are aiming for making your first film.
It's vital you remember that it doesn't matter how well you can draw. Use stick men if you have to, but get it done.
Start Casting
This is a critical element of your project.
If you have no budget then you might want to consider using friends or people you know. The alternative is to send out to agents and agencies a brief description of what you are looking for. Most agencies have an online portal where you can at least see images and showreels of actors you might be wanting to consider.
It's a real risk to cast anyone without having them audition for you. It’s through auditions that you will discover if people can actually act, you will see how they respond to your direction and it’s an opportunity for you to better visualize them in the role you are casting.
Keep an eye open for our Part 2 in this series on ‘making your first film’ where we will get into ‘locations and permissions’, 'going commando' and ‘film scheduling’.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions e-mail us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0131 226 0226 to see if we can offer you support with making your first film.
LA Media recently reunited with Cisco Systems Inc, a multinational technology conglomerate that develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware. We were asked to film a piece about the integration and installation of a Cisco system into one of France's national broadcaster, Canal Plus.
Canal Plus Group SA is a French film and television studio and distributor. Canal Plus or Canal+ translates as "Channel Plus/More," which is a very apt name for them. It is owned and controlled by Vivendi and has a film library in excess of 5,000 films.
The video we were tasked with making had to show the results of the integration process through the eyes of those at Canal Plus. Watch out for the final version on our website, which will be up at later date. We thought we'd share some of the snaps captured on Justin's phone during the day!
Image by LA Media 'Studio Gallery at Canal Plus'
The Road to Paris
Although LA Media has much of its own equipment in-house, sometimes we link up with our Partner Procam for our technical needs. This time was no exception! Darryl Hewat, at Procam Glasgow, went above and beyond for us at short notice in delivering what we needed for this shoot.
Image by LA Media 'The Production Team Arriving at Edinburgh Airport'
The phrase travel light moves fast doesn't really apply when you go abroad with equipment. We want to be clear, we aren't sponsored by EasyJet, but we wish we were!
Flying with EasyJet made traveling with copious amounts of camera equipment easy peasy! No headaches and no surprise airport baggage fees.
The outsized baggage handlers were really helpful and polite. Everything was fast and efficient. The self-check-in kiosk was simple enough that even our Director Justin was able to use it all by himself.
Image by LA Media ' Green Screen at Canal Plus'
Our impressions of Canal Plus
We were absolutely astounded at how Canal Plus is run. They have three studios and all were busy the entire day. Their turn around was like lighting and they efficiently moved from project to project with ease. Truly a well-oiled machine making good use of studio space.
Image by LA Media 'Cisco Systems Installed in the Technical Area'
One studio produced a live game-show and a live music show on the same day without a hitch. Another produced a political comedy using spitting-image style puppets and the last studio generated a live children's show. For anyone that doesn't understand the effort that involves it was herculean!
Image by LA Media 'Studio Gallery at Canal Plus'
We came back feeling really inspired by Canal Plus's work ethic and will definitely be using some of their methods and tricks in the future.
Image by LA Media 'Cameraman Andrew Murray hard at work in Canal Plus studio'
This is one studio group that really knows how to get some real bang for their buck. Four different formats were produced by three different studios each one an hour in length.
Image by LA Media 'French-Scottish Bagpipers not what we were expecting!'
This was a really awesome project to work on and we were thrilled to have a chance to have an inside look at Canal Plus's studio space. It was great to team up again with the wonderful people at Cisco. We'd like to send a big thank you out to Procam for being such pros and to EasyJet for making the journey so simple!
We hope you enjoyed this blog post! Don’t forget to follow us on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for your daily dose of media & drone chat!
Visit our website lamedia.co.uk and if you have any questions, e-mail us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0131 622 0220
LA Media was excited to be invited to be part of THINK ON’s latest collaboration project using drones to film a stunning Golden eagle named Diesel. The final project looks amazing and we are proud to have been a part of this collaboration.
The purpose of this short-film was to capture 'why' the eagle handler (Steven Mallice) loves flying Diesel, a handsome and majestic-looking eight-month-old male Golden Eagle. Words just can't describe how amazing Diesel looks up close and in person.
A large element of the film was to show Steven’s relationship with Diesel and have him demonstrate how he built their unique bond from Diesel's birth.
Using our DJI Inspire 1 drone, mounted with an X5R camera, we got some amazing footage of this magnificent eagle in motion! The Inspire 1 was the perfect drone option for this shoot as it is a nimble and swift machine that produces high-quality footage. Capturing high-quality 4 k aerial footage has never been easier.
Image by LA Media 'Steven holding Diesel'
What could possibly go wrong?
But I guess you are wondering, just like we did, how would Diesel react to the drone? We took it in baby-steps to make sure nobody, especially the eagle, was injured.
We were worried that maybe Diesel would be unsettled by the noise of the drone propellers when in flight. We were also concerned that Diesel might very well think the drone was prey…and attack the drone.
Diesel may have also attacked had he perceived it as a threat. We also wanted to be sure that the eagle didn’t collide with the drone as the eagle’s flight path could be unpredictable.
Image by THINK ON Collaborations ' LA Media's Drone'
What did we do?
We decided to first introduce two at a safe distance (the drone and eagle we mean), while Diesel was tethered on his handler’s arm.
Step by slow step we gradually brought the two closer together. Eventually, we were able to operate the drone while the eagle was still on its tether. We tested his reaction to the drone taking off and slowly flew around his position.
We are happy to say he was a total pro and wasn't bothered by the buzzing of the drone. When Steven, Diesel’s handler, was convinced that the eagle was comfortable with the drone and its noise while in flight we were both finally ready to take to the air!
Image by LA Media 'Steven and the Eagle'
What we'd like to share
Here are a few pictures we captured while filming. Stay tuned to see the full video and you can let us know what you think.
This production was truly a team effort and we’d like to thank everyone who was involved and especially a big thanks to Diesel the eagle who was a consummate professional.
Image by THINK ON Collaborations
Diesel is probably the only star who can get away with looking directly into the camera, apart from maybe Kevin Spacey (think Frank Underwood).
The Team
Eagle Handler/ Subject: Steven Mallice
Producer/Director/Photographer: Carrick McLelland
DP: Danny Bonnar
Drone: LA Media
Gimbal Operator: Alistair Girvan
Location: Cambusbarron Quarry near Stirling
We hope you liked our blog! If you enjoyed it don’t forget to follow us on: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for your daily dose of media & drone chat!
Visit our website lamedia.co.uk and if you have any questions, e-mail us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0131 622 0220
We are so chuffed to officially have contributed to a BAFTA-winning film! In 2015, LA Media was very proud to be asked to provide drone filming for Jason Connery’s latest directorial venture, Tommy’s Honour. Connery is the son of the legendary Scottish actor, Sean Connery. The shots we were asked to deliver were the opening and closing shots of the movie.
We felt a great amount of pressure to get it right because the opening shots would set the tone for the movie. Equally important, the closing shot had to compliment the emotional values established for the end of the movie.
About the BAFTA-winner
The film is perfect for Golf lovers and history buffs as it combines the best of both worlds. Tommy’s Honour is a historical drama film that depicts the tumultuous lives, relationships, and careers of the Scottish golfing champions Old Tom Morris and his son Young Tom Morris, portrayed by Peter Mullan and Jack Lowden respectively. The film focuses on the complex relationship between father and son.
The screenplay was adapted from the 2007 novel, Tommy's Honor: The Story of Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris, Golf's Founding Father and Son written by Kevin Cook. Cook and his wife Pamela Marin worked together to adapt the story to the big screen. This was a real passion project for Jason and that really comes through in the final cut.
All filming took place on location in Scotland, covering over 50 locations including the historic Old Course in St Andrews. Falkirk, Peebles, Edinburgh and Musselburgh are just a few of the locations you’ll be able to recognise in this film. Produced by Gutta Percha Productions, the film also received funding from National Lottery Funding through Creative Scotland’s Screen Production Fund.
Image by LA Media 'Jason Connery with the LA Media Drone Team'
As part of the production, we felt very proud when the film was nominated and won the Best Feature Film at the 2016 British Academy Scotland Awards. Using our heavy-lift Vulcan Raven with a Gremsy H16 Gimbal, we filmed the opening and closing scenes of the movie in St Andrews using an Arri Alexa Mini camera. We were lucky enough to have director Jason Connery on location with us.
Despite Scotland’s notorious reputation for bad weather, we were blessed with glorious, yet freezing sunshine on the days which we filmed. The sun was glorious with bitingly cold temperatures, we had to crack out our gas heater to avoid going blue. Luckily the crosswinds were very tame and we were able to get all the shots we needed.
Be sure to see Tommy’s Honour and let us know what you think of our drone work. We congratulate them on the BAFTA!
If you enjoyed this blog don’t forget to follow us on: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for your daily dose of media & drone chat!
Visit our website lamedia.co.uk and if you have any questions, e-mail us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0131 622 0220