How to make a Movie during Lockdown
Written by Christian Abbott on 15th January 2021
The art of filmmaking is just that – art, and there is no one way to go about it. The process of making a movie can take months, years even, and that is when you have everything on your side. Now, this process can seem incredibly daunting, even impossible to new filmmakers hoping to start their career.
For many filmmakers, we will be approaching a year without being able to film and now the urge to get out there will be unbearable. Well, there is good news, it isn’t impossible to make a movie today; indeed many have accomplished just that.
Here are just some ways you can still get your movie made:
We already have the Gear
The technology we have readily available now would shock filmmakers of 20 years ago. We all have high quality cameras in our pockets; many now have 4K resolution. In recent years filmmakers have stunned audiences by producing some astounding work with nothing more than their phone. Two examples come to mind, Steven Soderbergh’s Unsane (2018) which was shot entirely on an iPhone and Sean Baker’s Tangerine (2015), also shot solely on a phone.
Location is Key
Currently in the UK, we are in our third national lockdown, any non-essential activity outside is prohibited. This may seem like a complete barrier for most filmmakers, but some industry-defining work has been produced under overwhelming limitations. Some of the very best films in cinema history are set entirely within one location, from 12 Angry Men (1957) to Carnage (2011). The joy of these films comes from their restricted views.
Government Guidelines
There are always ways and means to get a film made, and the government has outlined legislation in order to keep productions running even with the new restrictions.Under current legislation, restrictions "do not prevent theuse of any premises used for the making of a film, television programme, audio programme or audio-visual advertisement”. While difficult, filming can continue in COVID-secure environments.
Follow this link for more details:https://filmlondon.org.uk/covid-19-updates-and-guidance
Support is there
There are many organisations currently looking to support filmmaking talent, especially new talent. Offering both financial and mentoring support, different organisations can offer different support, depending on what you currently need. Here is a brief list of just some organisations:
- BFI
- Film London
- Film & TV Charity
- Creative Europe
- Production Finance Market
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