5 Things That Make A Movie Look Low Budget - Shane Stanley

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  • čas přidán 11. 01. 2021
  • Shane Stanley is a producer/author/instructor/screenwriter known for numerous film and television projects including Desperate Passage (1987) starring Michael Landon, The Desperate Passage Series (1988 to 1995) starring Sharon Gless, Edward James Olmos, Marlo Thomas and Louis Gossett Jr. Street Pirates (1994), Gridiron Gang (2006) starring Dwayne Johnson and Xzibit, A Sight for Sore Eyes (2004) with Academy Award nominee, Gary Busey. Shane is also the author of WHAT YOU DON’T LEARN IN FILM SCHOOL: A Complete Guide To (Independent) Filmmaking.
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Komentáře • 560

  • @filmcourage
    @filmcourage  Před 6 dny

    Here is our full interview with Shane - czcams.com/video/VBcQVQ2ZaMI/video.html

  • @jmhimara
    @jmhimara Před 3 lety +1441

    Cinematography, sound, actors, editing, location. So pretty much the whole film.

    • @airindiana
      @airindiana Před 3 lety +71

      What I thought 🤣

    • @ej459
      @ej459 Před 3 lety +61

      Those are technical aspects that will legitimize the film and people will only mainly focus on the story

    • @seankaleb6728
      @seankaleb6728 Před 3 lety +17

      It's more about the importance of those pieces. The thought process behind them. And how to navigate each one with wisdom instead on instinct.

    • @MiguelCruz-oz7km
      @MiguelCruz-oz7km Před 3 lety +31

      Yes-ish. What it means is you don't have to have explosions and car chases and giant robots destroying cities to appear credible as a professional movie. That it appears professionally made, irrespective of content, is what's really at the heart of when an audience member notices that a movie is "low budget". Problems with those key areas will sink your movie.
      Most movies boil down to people talking somewhere. Now if those two people are Scarlett Johansen and Chris Pratt then a lot of money was paid for those two people. But what if you could get just as good a performance with lesser known actors willing to work for a lot less money? If the audience buys the reality of those two characters -- all other technical stuff held equal -- they won't be thinking that one version of the same scene cost more than the other.
      But if the technical part is shit in either case, they won't think of the version with the A listers as being big budget. They'll think ScarJo and Chris were slumming in some no budget flick.

    • @gavinelster3168
      @gavinelster3168 Před 3 lety +4

      Just laughing at that

  • @aaronmassey
    @aaronmassey Před 3 lety +596

    "The location" is a sneaky secret here. "take people places where they can't go, where they wish to go, or where they're afraid to go." Well said! Thanks for sharing Shane.

    • @CGIPadawan
      @CGIPadawan Před 3 lety +11

      Conversation filmed at a table vs same conversation filmed at the top of the Eifel Tower. Makes sense. :)

    • @santiagoescobar9801
      @santiagoescobar9801 Před 3 lety +7

      That's an utter lie!!

    • @Arthagnou
      @Arthagnou Před 3 lety +1

      @@santiagoescobar9801 I dont think he is saying that is the lone aspect....

    • @samaraisnt
      @samaraisnt Před rokem

      honestly it's the only bit i disagreed with...most of my fav films are bottle films shot in a diner or bedroom. I've never seen a first film, esp no budget, that did crazy/varied locations. Maybe Rodriguez's but that movie is all over the place and certainly lacking in the others, especially sound, editing. Wait, acting as well. lol so a lot!

    • @imnotyourdaddyx
      @imnotyourdaddyx Před rokem

      make a location that don't exist hehe

  • @unclebob9477
    @unclebob9477 Před 3 lety +335

    I'd put lighting and writing before locations. Locations are important, yes. But good lighting, writing, and cinematography can make a weak location seem better than it is.

    • @CineastaIndie
      @CineastaIndie Před 3 lety +8

      I think oposit.... A amazing location, with Ok light, is better than a ok location with amazing light

    • @nativevoices8962
      @nativevoices8962 Před 2 lety +9

      Once again, sound is overlooked 🙄...your picture can be off, even a little, your sound matching picture should NEVER be shortchanged. I can't emphasize this enough.

    • @dagoelius
      @dagoelius Před 2 lety +21

      @@CineastaIndie whole heartedly disagree, lighting can turn an average location in a visual masterpiece. A great location with cheap lighting is just that.

    • @mermaidtingzzz
      @mermaidtingzzz Před 2 lety +3

      Nah a basic location still looks basic w great cinematography. Especially in an era when good cinematography is easy to imitate. A charismatic location w not the best lighting or dialogue wins most ppl over every time. My example is the show "Betty".

    • @CineastaIndie
      @CineastaIndie Před 2 lety +1

      @@dagoelius understand your point, but its impossible argue with you without FRAMES to show my point.
      But LOCATION wins ALWAYS...
      50% of the budget of my films is location hahahaha

  • @TheMillersEntertain
    @TheMillersEntertain Před 3 lety +101

    Excellent casting quote, “Are you in this to showcase a whole bunch of friends or are you here to make a career…”

  • @brittanycarriger
    @brittanycarriger Před 3 lety +48

    I'm glad that he didn't say spend money, he encouraged filmmakers to be more creative, and to work towards more. I really appreciate that.

  • @DodaGarcia
    @DodaGarcia Před 2 lety +59

    I wish he said production design instead of location. There’s a lot that can be done on a small budget by art directing a location that would be ordinary otherwise.

  • @matthewpaul6904
    @matthewpaul6904 Před 3 lety +110

    Unexpected takeaway:
    Need a criminal character? Hire the real thing.

    • @AEO21Productions
      @AEO21Productions Před 3 lety +7

      eyy... but don't blow your budget.. get an amateur.

    • @magvad6472
      @magvad6472 Před 2 lety +1

      Ask your drug dealer to be the drug dealer.

    • @wjzav1971
      @wjzav1971 Před 2 lety +9

      That's how Danny Trejo started his career.

    • @ronaldmayle1823
      @ronaldmayle1823 Před rokem +2

      Hire a criminal, but make sure that he doesn't "steal" a scene. LOL

  • @CERTIFIEDBABEWRANGLER
    @CERTIFIEDBABEWRANGLER Před 3 lety +77

    I had no idea people even spent budget money on wrap parties. Usually the wrap party is just what ever is left over from craft services

    • @winterramos4527
      @winterramos4527 Před 2 lety +2

      Lenny

    • @bobmcbobson8368
      @bobmcbobson8368 Před 2 lety +1

      It’s a new thing. Millennial gonna do the dumb, self indulgent thing a millennial gonna do. ….. then make excuses why they fail

    • @TheMisterGuy
      @TheMisterGuy Před 2 lety +1

      @@bobmcbobson8368 "Millennial gonna do the dumb, self indulgent thing a millennial gonna do. ….. then make excuses why they fail"
      You don't know what you're talking about. First thing, do you know how old Millennials are? 24 to 40. That's a pretty big gap between being a couple years out of college, and being middle-aged with a mortgage and children. Second thing, you're acting like tens of millions of people (just in the USA) all act the same way. The truth is you're and old, out of touch blowhard, babbling about things you don't understand and blaming a generation you mistakenly think are irresponsible kids.

    • @TheMisterGuy
      @TheMisterGuy Před 2 lety +1

      @airlockengage "They see the caricature of the opulent Boomer and say "I can't do that" while they have a $2000 tattoo appointment the next week and a booze cruise booked the week after that."
      The Median age of a Millennial is 32. Millennials are everyone born between 1981 and 1996. It is ridiculous to think that that many people can be accurately described by anything as specific as what you just said.

  • @AlicanErenKuzu
    @AlicanErenKuzu Před 3 lety +76

    I think the one thing that drags us to become filmmakers is also the one thing most of us never master. Its the pacing and the true moments it creates. We are so obsessed with "writing properly the way others tell us", that we drift away from the purpose of a script to something very one sided and mechanical, that doesnt work on screen or for everybody on the set. Stuff like "How a logline should be" "how the stakes should be raised" "how a problem should occur" and we dont get a very basic thing right "does this feel real?" For me what makes a movie look low budget is, whey I'm constantly aware that I'm watching a movie. When the movie cant create a true moment. Also in trailers. All the "smart" twists and "scary" plots you come up with are very much like a big explosion. An effect to catch attention but not interrest.

    • @BlazingOwnager
      @BlazingOwnager Před 2 lety +4

      I have actual beefs with all of the expected beats of a script and even a three act structure. People all try to conform and it makes very.. produced.. film.

    • @samaraisnt
      @samaraisnt Před rokem +1

      You said it all ! Spot on you've put your finger on it honestly I definitely feel that, most of us do! Great cinema makes us feel "truth" in a way that completely takes us out of ourselves!

    • @MisterRlGHT
      @MisterRlGHT Před 6 měsíci

      That's what they call "the editing" and it's mentioned in the video.

    • @okebaram
      @okebaram Před 5 měsíci

      Well said

  • @johnwatson3948
    @johnwatson3948 Před 3 lety +58

    One thing I learned auditioning was never choose an actor without seeing them on screen - preferably in an earlier work. You can’t judge the all-important “screen presence” by their personal charm in the real world.

    • @jacobrobertdesio9265
      @jacobrobertdesio9265 Před 3 lety +9

      You’re totally right. When I’m casting I take the audition with a grain of salt. Some people are really good at auditioning only and most actors get so nervous it’s not a good tell of their skill. Looking at their past works helps a lot, even if they are in a bad film you can see if they have potential and presence.

    • @suedeasmr8255
      @suedeasmr8255 Před 2 lety

      @@jacobrobertdesio9265 As someone who uses asmr roleplays as an excuse to work through my acting chops. I found this comment really insightful/helpful thanks!

    • @Goofbirdent
      @Goofbirdent Před rokem

      Or off audition tapes. I’ve seen great audition tapes for people to be a trainwreck or unprofessional on set

  • @anthonyhett
    @anthonyhett Před 3 lety +93

    Five good points. The importance of sound certainly gets over looked all the time. Although I think the number one thing that ruins a movies is a bad script.

    • @magvad6472
      @magvad6472 Před 2 lety +9

      A good script enables actors to be good. A bad script cannot be saved by any actor.

    • @ShamanSage
      @ShamanSage Před 2 lety +1

      I've seen some crap stories with beautiful visuals tho

    • @fede1324ee
      @fede1324ee Před 2 lety +1

      @airlockengage I think writers and directors should take acting clases. Beeing and actor helped me so much at writing realistic dialog.

    • @Goofbirdent
      @Goofbirdent Před rokem

      @@magvad6472 Nicholas Cage agrees with this

    • @okebaram
      @okebaram Před 5 měsíci

      This video is not about what makes a good film, it is what makes a film look low budget. Now that you have your good script, what makes a film look low-budget...it's a question that is independent of the script, because it is about one aspect of creativity not all aspects of making a good movie

  • @James_Bowie
    @James_Bowie Před 3 lety +97

    IMO lousy sound is without a doubt the No 1 killer of amateur films. To some extent I can put up with dodgy camera work, and not so good acting, but a $3 sound track is an instant switch off for me.
    I guess amateurs don't realize how much pro film audio is looped, and why so.

    • @MegaGamer1006
      @MegaGamer1006 Před 3 lety +5

      I thought the same thing watching this, I'd take so-so cinematography over shit sound any day.

    • @BluesClues2s
      @BluesClues2s Před 2 lety +4

      actually a lot of pro film sound ISN'T looped, it's just recorded by world class production sound engineers who know how to capture studio-quality sound anywhere on location. And then it's edited by world class sound editors to clean up any imperfections. Looping is extremely expensive and often detrimental to the performance- and while a necessary tool, is avoided at all costs

    • @GnarledStaff
      @GnarledStaff Před 2 lety +2

      Im generally not too picky about non-narrative stuff, but I really need to be able to hear the actors without losing my hearing to the background noise.

    • @basscat111
      @basscat111 Před 2 lety

      I got called to a set where the DPs girlfriend had been doing the sound and she got sick and couldn't make it. I didn't have time to pack up my gear, and the director said they had their own gear, so I just headed out to the location. They had a really cheap electret condenser shotgun mic on a 3 foot pole attached to a Zoom H4N with $10 headphones. It's a good thing I'm 6'2" with long arms. Even with this inferior equipment, it was obvious when the film was done who was operating the boom at each scene.

    • @BashirBillowKhalid
      @BashirBillowKhalid Před 2 lety +1

      I agree, sound is soo important and you can't get cheap here. And I also think great cinematography isn't only about the equipment used but intentionality in shot choices. Why are you focusing on this rather than that. What purpose does your framing have and so on. If you can answer those questions you can go a loong way with cheap filming equipment.

  • @starbrand3726
    @starbrand3726 Před 2 lety +29

    Sofia Coppola ruined Godfather 3, Jaden Smith ruined After Earth. "Stop hiring family members as actors." Best advice ever given.

    • @mannya.h.967
      @mannya.h.967 Před 2 lety +6

      Godfather 3 was a mess for a LOT more reasons than just Sofia Coppola, not to mention she was a kid and has grown into a very capable and talented director.

    • @planetdisco4821
      @planetdisco4821 Před 2 lety +4

      Not to mention sacking Robert Duvall because he wanted a pay rise! I mean he was by that stage an academy award winner…

    • @starbrand3726
      @starbrand3726 Před 2 lety +2

      @@planetdisco4821 Yet another dumb Hollywood decision.

    • @HeavyMetalSonicRM
      @HeavyMetalSonicRM Před 2 lety +1

      Sage Stallone in Rocky V.
      But the film still would have sucked either way.

  • @BonaventureHope
    @BonaventureHope Před 2 lety +13

    Number 1 is quality of script, 2 is sound and then the rest….. there is some great advice in this video. Worth a listen!

    • @justins7796
      @justins7796 Před 2 lety

      right on

    • @luismarioguerrerosanchez4747
      @luismarioguerrerosanchez4747 Před 2 lety +1

      Nope, he's talking what makes a film look amateur. No matter how great of an script you have, if shoot a film with bad cinematography, bland location, terrible actors and awful sound, the film will suck.

  • @87rtlandry
    @87rtlandry Před 3 lety +19

    I think, a counter to finding good locations is to take a boring location, and make it interesting using a combination of cinematography and art department.
    Think of the early Jean Luc Godard films.

  • @kentjensen4504
    @kentjensen4504 Před 3 lety +74

    This guy is solid.

    • @officialshanestanley
      @officialshanestanley Před 3 lety +10

      Thank you, Kent. You're in the will :) Best to you and your endeavors my man!

    • @kentjensen4504
      @kentjensen4504 Před 3 lety +3

      @@officialshanestanley Oh wow. How old are you again? Feeling alright? :D Thanks, buddy, and I look forward to reading your book.

    • @Inflamedweasel
      @Inflamedweasel Před 3 lety +2

      Totally.

    • @officialshanestanley
      @officialshanestanley Před 3 lety +4

      @@kentjensen4504 I'll be 50 in June, and yes never better! :) Thank you for the kindness and support. I hope you enjoy the read as much as I did the write.

    • @leehamptonfilms3700
      @leehamptonfilms3700 Před 3 lety +2

      Great video. Nice to hear it how it is. Such a hard craft to get into. Been doing it for 10 years and I love it

  • @BrianElliottFilm
    @BrianElliottFilm Před 2 lety +30

    Acting is 100% one of the biggest that helped some of my films in film school rise to the top. And at that point I was just posting on Craigslist my synopsis. My first film there I got a very classically trained actress for one role, and a completely untrained, but very committed girl who just was like the character she was playing for the other role, and it was brilliant. Then I got connected with the classically trained actress's film school for the next film I did and it was amazing. I pulled a few friends and less trained actors for tiny roles, but all four main roles and some small roles had legitimate actors and it was amazing.
    I also got very lucky with my main locations to find some really perfect gritty spots. This is super solid advice.
    I saw a lot of fellow classmates do the more standard - everyone is in each other's films and shooting at each other's houses or in the school, and their films weren't as good. Knocking on all the doors till you find the right people to bring the vision to life is everything.
    Certainly there were massive flaws in my films that make me cringe now, but for where I was in my filmmaking journey, I saw them escalate massively by finding the right actors, locations, props, and cinematography style.

  • @j.f.l.bousquet1998
    @j.f.l.bousquet1998 Před 2 lety +64

    "Locke" is about Tom Hardy in a car talking on the phone during the whole movie. "Buried" is Ryan Gosling in a coffin during the whole movie. Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope" takes place in one single location, an apartment. So I guess "locations" are not that important if you have a good script and good actors. Kind of funnny he didn't even mention "having a solid/original script" as the most important thing before doing a movie. I can forget about technical problems if the story is interesting, but if the story is boring or the characters are badly written I don't care if it's a big budget movie, a shiny turd is still a turd.

    • @adriancittadini
      @adriancittadini Před 2 lety +5

      He is talking about the "Low Budget Look" wich is a visual (or actually aesthetic ) aspect. Those Locations you mention, simplistic as they are, are perfect for the story they need to tell. It's not about "the most important thing to make a GOOD movie", the topic here is "Look". Wether that's important to you or not.

    • @dope8878
      @dope8878 Před 2 lety +6

      The location of those movies are integral to their plots. The production design and cinematography of those locations is great. I don’t understand what’s hard to get

    • @Stoned_skits420
      @Stoned_skits420 Před 2 lety +1

      ur lying if you say a movie with bad visuals or audio doesn't ruin the experience completely

    • @thedrytableisreal
      @thedrytableisreal Před 2 lety +3

      Isn't Buried a Ryan Reynolds movie? Pretty sure it's not Ryan Gosling who starred in it.

    • @BounceIO
      @BounceIO Před 2 lety +2

      I don't think he was talking about making movies in general just "5 Things That Make A Film Look Low Budget". Like of course, the script is important. Also the locations you mentioned are awesome and unique locations which were very carefully chosen.

  • @JackieChandler69
    @JackieChandler69 Před 3 lety +8

    So basically, if you want to avoid making your film look low budget, don't have a low budget. Brilliant advice.

  • @bradballew3037
    @bradballew3037 Před 3 lety +7

    If we're specifically talking about the technical side of things, sound is the number one thing that will make a film look low budget. I think there is far more flexibility in how a film looks than how it sounds. There have been some great films that used nothing but available lighting and simple camera work but have terrific audio. I think it was Gareth Edwards who said that an audience can forgive a bad picture but they can't forgive bad sound. He's absolutely right.

    • @johnmellor932
      @johnmellor932 Před rokem

      Bad sound is the top number one issue with most indie films - shorts especially. It's been repeated time and again but novice film makers simply won't listen. I call it CGI syndrome. Because we can do almost anything with video, film makers think Sound is the same way because we have RX, we are still decades behind visuals in terms of pulling of magic with fixing sound.

  • @AltairZielite
    @AltairZielite Před 3 lety +22

    The more I hear Shane talk the more I realize I need to research more before I take the next step... but, Shane's advice always seems so practical and real to me. Looking forward to hearing a more detailed breakdown of all 5 of those 'things'.

    • @officialshanestanley
      @officialshanestanley Před 3 lety +3

      Thank you Altair. Much success to you and your endeavors. Don't rush it BUT at the same time keep moving forward and learn from each and every project. You've got this!

  • @ponrix
    @ponrix Před 2 lety +6

    Dang we need more Shane. Hes the blunt truth that people need to meet.

  • @RLScottWonderStudios
    @RLScottWonderStudios Před 3 lety +96

    Also lighting ☺️

    • @officialshanestanley
      @officialshanestanley Před 3 lety +36

      Handled in Cinematography (the 1st thing mentioned). :)

    • @atom_gray
      @atom_gray Před 3 lety +11

      included in cinematography by default...

    • @BrandonAEnglish
      @BrandonAEnglish Před 3 lety

      Yeah, but as others mentioned, I feel that good cinematographers would catch that.

    • @joechristie3578
      @joechristie3578 Před 3 lety +3

      that’s part of the cinematography

    • @AssClapCowboy
      @AssClapCowboy Před 3 lety

      part of cinematography numb nuts

  • @MenaCourtadeProductions
    @MenaCourtadeProductions Před 3 lety +25

    There's a lot of ego driven assholes on set but also some great people that work hard and are dedicated. 🙏🏽🎬

  • @missgangsmashers737
    @missgangsmashers737 Před 3 lety +19

    Great video! "All Eyez On Me" was so low budget! They did exactly what Shane said. They spent more on the wrap party than the film itself. Movie was horrid!

  • @user-jw4fn6fh2x
    @user-jw4fn6fh2x Před 3 lety +22

    So basically everything in film making is important to get right.

    • @Mike.Palmer
      @Mike.Palmer Před 3 lety +7

      Except wrap parties*

    • @magvad6472
      @magvad6472 Před 2 lety +3

      Yeah, the dude picked literally every bracket element of making a film...and the only thing not important to making a film are things that don't make the film...like sorry, you have to be more specific given the prompt. It's nice that he elaborated but it felt like a cop-out and seemingly ignored the question.
      Like, imo, it's always bad framing/lighting and audio...the rest slowly starts to creep in but I immediately shut my brain off when I hear shit audio and the framing is bland and unintentional.

    • @SomeHarbourBastard
      @SomeHarbourBastard Před 2 lety

      He didn’t mention the script

    • @dusthat
      @dusthat Před 2 lety +1

      Yeap - think of a symphony orchestra. There are no small parts that can overlooked. Everyone has to be in tune and practiced.

  • @ferrarriohh
    @ferrarriohh Před 2 lety +4

    I remember my friend in college used to draft me into all his oddball film projects because he liked that I could remember all the lines, improve some stupidity, and generally be animated on command. Guess 4 yrs of high school theater helped

  • @MurderMostFowl
    @MurderMostFowl Před 2 lety +3

    I think audio can have a tremendous negative effect. You know it’s good enough when no one notices anything about it.

  • @FCPWHAT
    @FCPWHAT Před 3 lety +24

    2:33 “Places that they can’t go” - right now in this new world (COVID) order, that’s: EVERYWHERE!

  • @suej3959
    @suej3959 Před 3 lety +6

    I was invited to a low budget film premier a few years ago and a lot of money had been spent on plying about 200 people, myself included, with wine and canapés in a swanky location. The film was dire, really bad, but we all congratulated the film makers and actors and reserved our criticisms for the journey home. So I agree with this guy - put the money into more important things and definitely don’t cast the girl you fancy, who can’t act, in the lead role, as this director did.

  • @Rod-dg7fy
    @Rod-dg7fy Před 3 lety +6

    Thank you for the insight Shane. Humble, real, professional. All the best for 2021!

  • @grizzly228
    @grizzly228 Před 3 lety +40

    I can forgive a lot but bad sound pulls me out of the movie more than bad acting.

    • @jv8studios
      @jv8studios Před 3 lety

      yeah true, sound is key! any equipment you can recommend to pick up good sound im on a budget about of about £150

    • @HollywoodConnection-JAST
      @HollywoodConnection-JAST Před 3 lety

      @@jv8studios Sanken COS 11 D omni mics,- AKA hide-a-mic, that mounts flush underneath clothing. Not cheap, about $400 per mic, but great for actors wearing wireless UHF body packs and they sound very clean and not compressed. I own a couple of them in my fleet.

    • @scottslotterbeck3796
      @scottslotterbeck3796 Před 2 lety

      As a sound guy, hire a sound guy. He/she has $10,000 in gear, and you get him/her for a few hundred a day.

    • @scottslotterbeck3796
      @scottslotterbeck3796 Před 2 lety

      @@jv8studios hire a sound guy.

    • @scottslotterbeck3796
      @scottslotterbeck3796 Před 2 lety

      @@HollywoodConnection-JAST hire a sound guy for less.

  • @robotjoxx3166
    @robotjoxx3166 Před 2 lety +7

    More important than any of these things is the script. A lot of modern “independent” films have much much much better sound, editing, cinematography, setting, and lighting, but the scripts are worse than ever. No good structure, not interesting, and can’t be bothered with revisions.
    I’m so angry when I come across a film where they worried 15 times more about the lighting than whether or not the story was compelling. Editing does go a long way in helping this, but it’s obvious filmmakers rely way too heavily on editing to save them.

    • @cel4403
      @cel4403 Před 2 lety

      Story is first. People forget a movie is still a Story. Without the Story you have nothing.

  • @Creative_Expression
    @Creative_Expression Před 3 lety +5

    Loved everything he said, EXCEPT: this is the first time I've heard someone in the business say social "behind the scenes" isn't going to help sell your movie. I wish he'd said more, because it's both counter intuitive and opposite from common wisdom.

  • @retrohollywoodmotionpictures

    As a film maker all I can say is I agree 100% with everything Mr. Stanley says here.Budding filmmakers take note, lots of wisdom here.

  • @bookofkatherine
    @bookofkatherine Před 2 lety

    "Friends and lovers"- classic. Too true!

  • @ryanjacobson2508
    @ryanjacobson2508 Před 2 lety +2

    Usually a director puts his personality into a movie very heavily. The director is responsible for tone and the type of acting in the film. Often times how much you enjoy a movie seems to really depend on whether you like the director's style or note.

  • @Jestunes
    @Jestunes Před 3 lety +9

    Loving the 5 points. I feel like I got an enormous education in a few moments.
    Thanks for sharing...

    • @filmcourage
      @filmcourage  Před 3 lety

      Thanks Jesse, glad you found this one helpful.

  • @Jamminn555
    @Jamminn555 Před 2 lety +2

    Love this from Karen and Shane. All manner of incredible filmmaking insights. Not the easy answers, the RIGHT ones. Practical and brilliant from Film Courage, as usual.

  • @JasonR007
    @JasonR007 Před 3 lety +10

    *Shane is ALWAYS so Golden!*

    • @officialshanestanley
      @officialshanestanley Před 3 lety +2

      Please, tell my father. I'm on his sh^t list - LOL. Thank you JR. Appreciate the kindness. Have a great one!

  • @skeletonshorror5184
    @skeletonshorror5184 Před 2 lety

    I really love these, thank you so much!

  • @jonathanmartin-ives8665
    @jonathanmartin-ives8665 Před 3 lety +6

    Luckily my wife was the ultimate choice to bring my audiobook to life. That being said, I totally get your point about hiring Uncle Bob to star in your 🎥 film.

  • @AllanRochez
    @AllanRochez Před rokem

    great advice, man, what a great video - as usual ;) Keep it up Film Courage!

  • @StacyPowerhouse
    @StacyPowerhouse Před 11 měsíci

    Wrap party and wrap party gifts seem sooo fun. I’ve seen so many of them posted on social media.

  • @aliensoup2420
    @aliensoup2420 Před 3 lety +3

    One way to learn how to make good movies is to watch a lot of bad movies. It's much easier to identify what is wrong with a movie than what is right.

  • @FixFilmsLtd
    @FixFilmsLtd Před 3 lety +1

    Great advice here - will definitely consider these when I make my next short films.

  • @notactuallywill3620
    @notactuallywill3620 Před 3 lety +52

    "Come up with three ways to do something, and come up with the fourth."
    Would this apply to writing, too?

  • @TuanRyuJin
    @TuanRyuJin Před 2 lety

    Wow very helpful advice and tips! Thanks for sharing this inspiring experience. Learned a lot here!

  • @LEADCHANTEUR
    @LEADCHANTEUR Před 3 lety

    Great stuff! Thanks Shane.

  • @zonastarwars4397
    @zonastarwars4397 Před 3 lety +10

    1) having a low budget

  • @TheSAINTWARRIOR
    @TheSAINTWARRIOR Před 2 lety

    This info are just great. GREAT!! You gotta love Shane Stanley. Every time he gives away gems of advice.✨💖

  • @SammiSweetz
    @SammiSweetz Před rokem

    Greaaaat blunt advice!!! Love it and thank you

  • @daniellatteo_thefilmmaker

    6:00 That point he raised about using friends, lovers, family members & whomever you're chummy with in your films, really resonates with a lot of fillmakers in their beginning. Unfortunately, he is absolutely right about it! It is not the right and "professional" way to go. Personally, I have done it and I would do it again, but only if they do small cameos or secondary roles- and also, there's got to be a power and a presence to that face, so if I can't make them talk, at least I always have that.

  • @dragons_red
    @dragons_red Před 2 lety +1

    There is no magic bullet here. It depends on what kind of film you are making and the needs of it. Creativity of being on a budget can make you produce wonderful things you didn't know were possible.
    The only thing for sure is if you aren't born with the gift of "the vision", then you need plenty of practice/experience and study of great films.

  • @ComicPower
    @ComicPower Před 3 lety +2

    Great talk. I could listen to him all day.

    • @filmcourage
      @filmcourage  Před 3 lety +2

      Cheers Comic Power! Here is everything we have published with Shane thus far - bit.ly/3qJiA0s

  • @aminesadly777
    @aminesadly777 Před 3 lety +2

    I love these Kind of videos! I love the channel🙏🏻The Question And titles are also amazing !!!! Thankyouu for helping us young dreamers! Stanley Is Very Underated on social media ! People just go with the noise idk why

    • @officialshanestanley
      @officialshanestanley Před 3 lety +2

      Shhhhh.... I prefer it that way :) Thanks Fitt. All the best.

    • @aminesadly777
      @aminesadly777 Před 3 lety +1

      @@officialshanestanley 🤫😆! Thankyou Big Sir!!'

  • @chrisw6164
    @chrisw6164 Před 2 lety +1

    I never realized how locations matter until he said that it’s “a place you want to go” as opposed to a place you already are or a “normal” setting. Tv shows are famous for their unrealistic sets (particularly home-based sets) but it’s a fantasy and it does not detract from the best shows; it adds to them. Frazier’s apartment, Jerry’s apartment, the Friends apartments, the Brady house, etc. The fans of those shows don’t mind that those sets make no sense. It’s a fantasy world that mimics the “real” world.

  • @mikal
    @mikal Před 3 lety +6

    "Afraid your girlfriend will leave you if you don't put her in the film" - What if you're afraid to give her a role because of the possibility of her leaving you in the middle of production, forcing a recast and having to start over?
    🤡

  • @StevenTallas
    @StevenTallas Před rokem

    Story is king and sound is Queen.

  • @James_Bowie
    @James_Bowie Před 3 lety +14

    As for wrap parties, get sponsors to pay for them.

  • @kittycat6195
    @kittycat6195 Před 3 lety +3

    I am not into making film, but I really like to watch these videos. So interesting.😊

  • @johnmellor932
    @johnmellor932 Před rokem +1

    I once did a short film providing my sound editing and Foley and mix skills for free. There was no budget for post but I needed credits. I found out they hired the largest LED bill board in Europe for the films poster (not at all how you market a short any way) and hired an expensive theatre in the city, pro photographer, red carpet, repeater banners and bottles of Champaign. But....they couldn't afford to pay me for my services. Thankfully, I've learned since.

  • @chrisbridston3438
    @chrisbridston3438 Před 2 lety

    I appreciate these videos so much

    • @filmcourage
      @filmcourage  Před 2 lety

      Doing our best, glad you found another good one Chris!

    • @chrisbridston3438
      @chrisbridston3438 Před 2 lety

      I really did .. I’ve been writing a script for over a year .. this helps me dump tons

    • @chrisbridston3438
      @chrisbridston3438 Před 2 lety

      Or at least keep writing and plan out a 5-9 with what I have .. trim the fat.. this helped a lot

  • @planetdisco4821
    @planetdisco4821 Před 2 lety +1

    About a year ago I got home from a long day at work to find my whole street blocked off by catering vans and a film crew doing a shoot at the pub in the corner. As I stood there watching them film a scene a girl who I thought was just walking home from the tram stop passed in front of the cameras. “I think you just ruined their shot” I casually remarked. “Do ya reckon?” She snarled at me and walked off in a huff. It was at that moment I realised she was an extra for the film lol.

  • @sergioveram
    @sergioveram Před 2 lety +2

    It has to be sound mixing. A good sound desing and mix, makes the whole difference.

  • @Zakdayak
    @Zakdayak Před 2 lety +2

    You can shoot any movie anywhere & it can still look cheap. It's really all about the cinematography.

  • @ivorypoacherplays
    @ivorypoacherplays Před 2 lety +1

    This is such good advice

  • @perryserre7818
    @perryserre7818 Před 2 lety

    Somewhat surprised at the negative comments by viewers. The man is sharing what he knows. I am pretty sure he knows “story is king”.
    As for the great nuggets of knowledge and Easter eggs shared, take from what you will. This is real world experience shared, so thanks!

  • @DomBurgess
    @DomBurgess Před 3 lety +18

    Ha ha... So, the things that will make your movie look budget are...drumroll... all the things that make a movie.

    • @mistermastermind528
      @mistermastermind528 Před 2 lety

      Yep. It goes to show how much of a system a film production is. It falters if one component of the system won't work well.
      People always talk about what's the most important role in making a film but ultimately, it's about what should be the priority during what phase you are in the production process.

  • @sunlightpictures8367
    @sunlightpictures8367 Před 3 lety

    Some great advice. The locations really jumped out for me. Try to find the most interesting locations to shoot in, especially if you're filming that location for most of the film.

  • @KusanagiMotoko100
    @KusanagiMotoko100 Před 2 lety

    This is good advice, I see this so much, wannabe photographers and film makers where you can instantly tell they're shooting or taking artsy pictured of their friends and relatives always in their backyards and neighborhoods.

  • @UPhoneIFlip
    @UPhoneIFlip Před 3 lety +3

    Very good video

  • @rankedpush2227
    @rankedpush2227 Před rokem +1

    nowadays with high performance film cameras being so affordable and with help of drones you can get such amazing shots by strapping cameras to them, im really surprised there isn't more independent low budged movies that make it big.

  • @jesseyules
    @jesseyules Před 3 lety +3

    Oh the other hand, if you're basing a character around someone you know, and are hoping a film school actor can do an impression of that person, that usually doesn't work either. :)

  • @franciscogeronimo6176
    @franciscogeronimo6176 Před 3 lety

    This is KEY!!

  • @youknowihaduwuittoem
    @youknowihaduwuittoem Před 2 lety

    Sooo... basically every single aspect of the film. Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. If I ever make a film and want it not to look low-budget, I'll make sure it doesn't look low budget.

  • @lordofentropy
    @lordofentropy Před 2 lety

    So every part of a movie then, deep insight!

  • @jv8studios
    @jv8studios Před 3 lety +1

    Writing a documentary, this advice will come in handy

  • @basscat111
    @basscat111 Před 2 lety +1

    My rather limited experience is that filmmakers prioritize the five:
    1. Actors
    2. Cinematography
    3. Editing
    4. Locations
    5. Sound

  • @LiteShaper1
    @LiteShaper1 Před 2 lety +3

    If you don’t want your film to look low budget write something worth doing. The number one thing that drives and defines all other aspects is the script. The story is king. Write a good script. Then write a good breakdown of that script and solve as many problems you can while they are on the page before you get to any set.
    Successful low budget filmmaking in a way requires more skill - because you lack resources so it must be executed with greater efficiency. Write a good script. Make an efficient plan for executing that script. The plan includes surrounding yourself with the best people feasible in key positions. If you have a good script you can attract good people. Cinematography, Sound, Art Direction, Locations, Casting - all are important and all should spring from the script. Did I mention write a good script?

    • @ronaldmayle1823
      @ronaldmayle1823 Před rokem

      If people could write good scripts, then they wouldn't need to make Indies. They would be courted by Hollywood.

    • @LiteShaper1
      @LiteShaper1 Před rokem

      @@ronaldmayle1823 The road to being “courted by Hollywood” is extremely convoluted and varied and not always determined by quality. Hollywood essentially makes only Super Hero movies now. I guarantee that there are many great scripts out there that have never seen the light of day - because they are ignored by Hollywood. Indie filmmakers need to find great original scripts first and foremost.

    • @ronaldmayle1823
      @ronaldmayle1823 Před rokem

      @@LiteShaper1 True, now that you mention it, I have seen a lot of garbage coming out of Hollywood.

  • @meatbyproducts
    @meatbyproducts Před 3 lety

    Sound is #1 and editing is amazing how it can change. Look up star wars first edits and you will see what we almost got and it would have been one movie if that would have been the draft pushed out.

  • @progithyphalic
    @progithyphalic Před 2 lety

    Loved Argento's locations.

  • @XavierKatzone
    @XavierKatzone Před 2 lety

    Amen. Don't forget the "simple" -- FOCUS & COLOR BALANCE! And storyline -- if you have an eight-minute or thirty-eight-minute idea, don't try to pad it out into a 90-minute feature

  • @lostchild
    @lostchild Před 2 lety +1

    I like how the 5 things are listed in the first 10-15 seconds

  • @camerongreenebaum1418
    @camerongreenebaum1418 Před 3 lety

    What he said about actors is so true its actually fairly easy to find good actors. they are everywhere and just want to have the ability to act and be in a project you just have to search for them use the power of the internet to find them. Location and sound I feel might be the hardest.

    • @Joshua_N-A
      @Joshua_N-A Před 3 lety

      Is the character role they play also a factor?

  • @richhatwell1236
    @richhatwell1236 Před 2 lety +1

    Didn't mention production design/art department/make-up. You can have the best camera in the world, lighting etc, but if there is nothing there to shoot,it'll stick out, and worse when the resolution is high.

  • @jon4715
    @jon4715 Před 3 lety

    He makes a great point about being afraid of asking real talent to work with you.

  • @dragonstone6594
    @dragonstone6594 Před 3 lety

    Talking to acting schools to work with students? Why didn't I think of that? That's a great idea!

  • @zwheels654
    @zwheels654 Před 2 lety

    Go to your community theatre shows, watch closely, keep your playbills and make notes. I've found actors by doing this and I have some of the best actors in the area for my film. You have to teach them the difference between film and stage acting but if you know how to communicate that it's a gold mine for talent.

  • @angrycandy5441
    @angrycandy5441 Před 2 lety

    So you need great sound, great actors, great editing, a great DP and good locations.
    Who knows what other eldritch wisdom we are yet to discover?

    • @TheOldMan-75
      @TheOldMan-75 Před 2 lety

      Eldritch wisdom is basically all that is left after that guy covered everything.

  • @yewtoob2007
    @yewtoob2007 Před 2 lety +8

    "Film is 60% sound." -heard this once, agree

    • @dirkbogarde44
      @dirkbogarde44 Před 2 lety

      Personally, i think that's BS. Script is always king....next to good actors.

    • @seanwebb605
      @seanwebb605 Před 2 lety +1

      Charlie Chaplin.

    • @yewtoob2007
      @yewtoob2007 Před 2 lety +1

      @@seanwebb605 I am, in fact, aware of silent movies. I thought it was clear I wasn't referring to them but I was wrong and I apologize. I should have said that "There's a rule of thumb that in movies with sound, '60% of the movie is sound.;"

    • @seanwebb605
      @seanwebb605 Před 2 lety +2

      @@yewtoob2007 It's worth mentioning that as much as people praise the old silent movies there haven't been many people crazy enough to try to produce a retro style silent movie.

  • @TheCelestialFox
    @TheCelestialFox Před rokem

    These descriptions for low quality movies sound like the definition of Netflix.

  • @travisbaker8393
    @travisbaker8393 Před 3 lety +5

    Hearing him talk about locations right now is funny because my class's short film projects are restricted to our houses because of our school's COVID insurance policy. LOL

    • @mistermastermind528
      @mistermastermind528 Před 2 lety

      Same here. Had to use my room for my from project for a sound design workshop just this July.

  • @claudiasolomon1123
    @claudiasolomon1123 Před 2 lety

    When you brought up people casting their significant others in their film I immediately thought of band members who are in a relationship that story often doesn't end well.

  • @Theomite
    @Theomite Před 3 lety +3

    I can accept his stance on wrap parties, but I would emphasize the importance of good catering. I've seen firsthand how quality food can kill a mutiny on a low-budget film. If I ever get back in the game, I'll never skimp on the food.
    But I think he's making too light a situation on moonlighting professionals. Sure they exist, but finding out who will do it is rather difficult given how careful people have to be of the unions and other people finding out. It could affect their employment and rates down the line. It's known, for instance, that top-shelf industry people do (or used to until the mid-'10s) the stunt, firearm, and costuming work for big-budget porn movies that parody superhero movies on the side, but damned if their names ever get out. Kimberly Kane's Wonder Woman suit was built by somebody who actually did work on the Marvel movies (the materials the suit was made out of give that away) but nobody says who it is.
    "The best way to solve a problem is by not having a problem" is the mantra I've always needed to hear and I will use that for the rest of my life.

    • @DavidLLambertmobile
      @DavidLLambertmobile Před 3 lety +1

      Proper plans prevent poor performance. - Cdr Richard Marcinko US Navy ret, ⚓. I agree on having good craft services, avoid snow, cold weather, avoid complex stunts, FX etc. Do not treat the cast, crew like dirt. Make sure HR, payroll, schedules work smooth. Do not screw people or not pay vendors, crew, actors. 💲.

  • @GregoryPLoomis
    @GregoryPLoomis Před 2 lety +1

    I wonder if they rented out a bowling alley after wrapping up The Big Lebowski

  • @FilmQi
    @FilmQi Před 2 lety

    Greats 5 points to take

  • @devinredeye1192
    @devinredeye1192 Před 2 lety

    The great Martin Scorsese says to use your family and friends, especially if you're making independent films. So keep that in mind. But also be competent and cognizant. If you truly love film, you can't help but make a good movie(Quentin Tarantino).

  • @SoundSpeeding
    @SoundSpeeding Před 3 lety

    @0:57 Sound Matters!!