Independent film production and short Internet classics are the entertainment of the future. To create your movie masterpiece, you need a place to film the actors. While movie studios spend millions recreating exotic planets or the skyline of New York, you can produce most live action movies in the comfort of your own home.
Instructions
1. Find a room in which to film, avoiding high traffic areas. An extra bedroom or office work well, as does a portion of the basement. If you choose to film in a garage or converted garage, remember that the microphone can pick up stray sounds.
2. Determine the lighting needs. Amateur movies typically suffer from poor lighting, so provide enough light for the actors and the background. Make test shots of the area (with a stand-in) to see if the camera can photograph needed details, then mark areas for light stands with masking tape.
3. Place your microphone with care. Since cloudy sound often mars home movie productions, hang drapes to muffle outside sounds, and keep your studio quiet while filming.
4. Create a set for your home studio, which can be as minimal as a few chairs and a small table with books. Avoid an overly sparse look, though; most rooms have pictures, books and other evidence of human occupation.
5. Dress the set according to your story. Commercial films and television do this flawlessly. If telling a crime drama, lay around some plastic machine guns and plastic bags of sugar. If your movie is a love story, remember to add flowers and pastel colors.
6. Check to make sure your home studio provides safety. Secure anything hung above the actors' heads and tape down all electrical cords to minimize tripping.
