Coming up with short film ideas - Page 2 at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Open DV Discussion

Open DV Discussion
For topics which don't fit into any of the other categories.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old April 22nd, 2006, 06:51 PM   #16
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 74
Thanks for all the replys, theres so many good ideas...I agree to a certain exent with the idea of "life is a movie"..I went out to an old country town the other day and its atmosphere just created a whole host of ideas in my mind which I wouldnt have come up with otherwise. Itd probably be useful to take a pen and notebook when travelling for that reason. As it turned out, i wasnt alone in my idea..the tiny towns famous moment was when they shot a film with Sam Neil there.

I find that the quirkier ideas stem from those "flashes"..but I find it hard to connect the dots and make it into something meaty. I imagine those "chicago-style" classes would be helpful with this..but I live in Australia (ive never even heard of "Harold"!), and I dont think those courses exist here ...are there articles/books/videos about it?

As for the DV challenges, Id like to give them a go..its all just a matter of having the free time and getting ones act together.
Josef Heks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 22nd, 2006, 11:00 PM   #17
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: San Marcos, CALIFORNIA
Posts: 103
for me its tough once I have a general idea is to come up with an all encompassing movie. Just generalized ideas, locations, scenarios, stuff like that. But one thing i do about that so i dont forget the idea is write it down so i can come back to it at a later time when my brain is "racing" and try and put some kinda story together with that idea.
Kevin Calumpit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 22nd, 2006, 11:58 PM   #18
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: portland oregon
Posts: 73
I think it is true that many people have ideas that telling stories is just about coming up with an idea and then stringing a series of events together that carries it to some kind of conclusion.

When you think about story and it building blocks, what follows that inspirational idea is the formulation of a theme and concept.

If you understand what it is that you would like to address and say (what your story is about -- theme) then creating ideas -- (situation) that reflect and show these is not so difficult. Wee all experience hundreds of situation every day that have many of the ingredients (with a little editing and massaging) that can display and emote the very idea we want to express.

When you talk about beating your head against the wall looking for that cool spark you just might be looking in the wrong place, or at least putting the carriage before the horse.

Try to think about social situation that draw out response and evoke reactions from you, then try to transpose them into a fictional scenario. If you know a scene or story is about a guy trying to break up with his girlfriend, most people will have a hundred ideas and ways to show this. The cool ideas as to how to show a guy breaking up with his girlfriend will follow once you have a firm grip on concept.

This type of process/way of thinking might bring far better results then trying to milk a single idea into something substantial.
Scott Tebeau is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 23rd, 2006, 06:23 AM   #19
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Makati, Metro Manila
Posts: 2,706
Images: 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by Josef Heks
I imagine those "chicago-style" classes would be helpful with this..but I live in Australia (ive never even heard of "Harold"!), and I dont think those courses exist here ...are there articles/books/videos about it?
Try the Improv Resource Center or Twisted Melon in Australia. There's also the Improv Encyclopedia but reading about it is light years away from actually doing it.
__________________
"Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese
Michael Wisniewski is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 23rd, 2006, 06:20 PM   #20
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 138
Quote:
Originally Posted by Josef Heks
Heya,

I have great difficulty coming up with ideas for short films. I usually just sit in my room and think..and that gets me nowhere! I was just wondering, (and thought it might be interesting for everyone to to see/ compare) what your methods/proccess are for coming up with original short film ideas?
1) Get outside - see the world
2) Engage with people - ask them questions, ask them to tell you stories
3) Add an element of randomness to your life - buy a magazine you'd usually ignore, go to an event you'd usually avoid, be awake at a time when you'd normally sleep, etc.
4) Document - ALWAYS carry around a notebook and pen, and jot down what you encounter
5) Connect the dots - go through your notebook every few days, and explore interesting threads/combinations between what you've noted
Gian Pablo Villamil is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Open DV Discussion

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:37 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network