How to Set Up an Amateur Movie Set

Keen on making your own
movie? Depending on how
professional you want your
project to be, there are a fair
few factors to consider before
pressing the record button on your camera. That's if you
even have a camera of your
own! From organising a film
crew to setting up all the
necessary equipment even a
small scale amateur production can take a long time to
produce. This article aims to
ease the process of organising
all things related to the film set.
It won't touch upon pre-
production, sourcing funding, casting actors, filming, editing
and post-production.

Though small scale amateur
movies can be made by one
person, if you're aiming for a
production with somewhat
professional camera work and
sound it's best to have a reliable team on board,
including a director, at least
one camera man, a boom
operator and lighting
technician or gaffer. Some
films might require additional forces like a make-up and hair
team, and costume designer.
But for small scale productions
you might be able to get away
with combining these roles.

Before starting work on the
actual production make sure
everyone knows each other
and is familiar with their exact
role on set. You should indulge
in some team building and brainstorming prior to filming.
If you take responsibility for
the project make sure you
establish authority within the
group from the start but don't
make the atmosphere overly formal.

First of all, your location needs
to be publicly available or
approved by the proprietor or
landowner. You then need to
make sure it's safe and doesn't
pose any health and safety risks to you and your crew.
This should be checked and
double checked by performing
thorough assessments.
Consider factors like the
weather and whether there is anywhere to hide from the
rain or sun. You also need to
ensure the provision of
restroom facilities and on-site
refreshments so people don't
get dehydrated or hungry.