Giving You the Tools for a Successful Film
“I am excited that you are going to provide your class as webisodes. I was hoping you would do that. People will be so grateful. Your knowledge is invaluable to those of us who have very little money and want to make movies.” -Betty Z. (Dallas, TX)
You got it, Betty. My full filmmaking workshop is here on this site.
I’ve done these live workshops all over the country and people love them. The information I offer will totally change your approach to filmmaking.
I figured out how to run a smooth, simple, no stress film shoot to the delight of everyone involved. If you crave crisis, this site isn’t for you. Please leave. I’m sorry, I can’t help you. Filmmaking is a pleasurable experience. If you want to be tortured, go to film school.
“It inspired me to get on with it.” -Rebecca C. (Houston, TX)
“I’m telling my friends they should have been here.” – Lizette B. (Austin, TX)
Well, Lizette, now they can get all the information on this site.
Each topic is covered in quick video seminarios, and each seminario is categorized. So we get right to the point. I don’t waste time on theory or platitudes. You’re here because you need answers.
I strongly suggest you watch the seminarios in sequence. It will make the later seminarios easier to understand especially since we’re going to do things very differently than Hollywood.
This is about making your movie, right? Not about kissing ass or trying to impress some schlub at a big studio. So let’s skip the blah, blah, blah and dive in.
Give the first seminario in the column on the right side of this page a spin. (The one that says “01. Getting Started.”)
Not sure yet? Don’t take my word for it. Listen to what people say about making movies with me.
Hi Paul – I was wondering if I could ask for some guidance. I would like to make a movie, but am having trouble figuring out how to determine what affects how the final image will appear. How have you determined how to achieve the look you are looking for in your films? I know this is about cinematography, but I am guessing you must have had to figure some of this out along the way… even if you hire a cinematographer to do it for you. Any thoughts?
There are a lot of factors, so let’s break it down.
1) The camera has some impact in the resolution/quality of the image. But it doesn’t have THAT big an influence for most audience members. Just be sure you are shooting in high definition or with a RED and the picture resolution will be acceptable to audiences and distributors.
2) Your lighting sets the tone of the film. Is it brightly lit, is it full of shadows, is it a dark film or a happy film. The amount of light and shadow suggests the genre of the story.
3) The colors of the costumes and locations sets the mood of the story. Are the colors brilliant or subdued? Is there a color theme for some characters to suggest pairings or conflicts? Is it a happy world rich with color, or a dystopian world smeared in gray?
4) How you move (or don’t move) the camera subliminally impacts the audience. Are all the camera moves smooth (from a dolly or a crane) or is the camera jerky because it was handheld?
5) Color correct the final film so that all the shots within each scene match in colors and adjust the lighting for the correct time of day or night.
Plan for these factors in advance and you’ll have the look of the film you want.
I am trying to create the most attractive image possible. I have a background in art direction, so I get the part about, well, art direction. But what I am struggling with is how to create the images I see with my eye. Using an HD camera – everything has such a harsh look to it. I want a more saturated, lush look, but I am not sure how to achieve that. Is it the camera or is it something achieved in processing? After Effects? Is what I am seeking only achievable on actual film? Thanks…
It’s the lenses you’re using. Talk to your cinematographer about this.
Simply A.W.S.O.M.E Job Mr. Paul. Thanks for every thing. I always have black holes about film making where I don’t know how it happens…or how they make it. I would like to see some videos of How to get best from Actors
I am still half the way of your course.
Thanks, Jagadeesh! I’m glad these are helping!
Paul your stuff is so good! im an actor in DFW i have an agent but have recently been looking for my own gigs. I watched your vid about auditions via email and did everything you said. I submitted for a sitcom pilot I found my self and got invited to come read for them. Now I’m about to use your insite here and apply it at this audition!
Interesting read: http://www.mirrorfilm.org/2011/12/02/this-is-the-problem-writing-about-film/
Just watched both of the “long-form” vids (seminarios 21 and 41) and they’re just FULL of amazing information. For the cost of lunch and over an hour each, I really felt like I was sitting in a room with you and talking with my uncle. Very personable, right to the point – detailed information with none of the BS talking in circles like other programs do. The section on how to create the production script completely LAUNCHED my project to the next level. THANK YOU!!!
Hi Paul,
I’m planning on moving to LA to pursue acting by January 2012. Any suggestions on how I can make my move as successful as possible?
Kind regards,
Yasmine
Yasmine-
Since you are moving to LA in a month, there’s not a whole lot you can do now except crystalize a few things in your mind before you start this adventure.
1) What constitutes success in your career?
2) What are your goals/achievements for December 2012?
3) What are your goals/achievements for December 2017?
4) What is your reason for going to LA in the first place and is that something you cannot achieve where you currently live?
5) What are the basic elements of your lifestyle that you cannot/will not give up to pursue these goals?
6) What roles (that you see on TV) can you see yourself playing?
7) Are you dressing the way those characters dress; do you have the right hair style for those characters; do you have the right speech dialect for those characters?
8 ) Do you have a decent headshot that represents you the way those characters look?
9) Is your resume formatted correctly?
10) Do you have financial backing to provide for your basic needs while you concentrate on building your career?
11) Do you have emotional support from a friend or family member who can listen to you without judgement or giving advice?
Your question can lead to a six hour discussion about how to fit in to the LA work environment. Some people move there, love it, and decide to stay. Others don’t feel it’s right for them and often move somewhere else.
I grew up there. I have good friends who live there. I’m happier living in New York because the entertainment culture of New York is more suited to what I do and who I am.
You are the only person who can determine if you feel comfortable where you live.
A few notes on the entertainment industry culture in LA:
1) There is an undertone that at any moment anyone could suddenly be discovered and become famous. This puts many people in a stardust state of euphoria, dreaming their fame is just around the corner.
2) What you do is socially important, not who you are. First question people meeting you usually ask is what you do. When you answer “I’m an actor” then the next question is “What have I seen you in.” Be confident with your answers.
3) LA is geographically huge, and it takes a lot of time to drive from one meeting/event/show/screening/gathering to another. It also means people are very isolated in their cars during all this driving. That feeling bleeds over into the way people interact with each other.
4) Your new friends in LA will not be other actors. Other actors will look at you as competition. (This is not the case in NY.)
5) People don’t use the word ‘no.’ People realize that in the future you might be in a position to hire them, so they will avoid saying negative things to you. It means they will also give you a lot of happy talk about how nice it is to meet you and how great you are, when in reality they have no intention of hiring you.
Hello, Paul. I just started watching you videos and I thought you may help me with something. I am currently enrolled in an acting school in Dallas, and I think I am doing good, but because I am a foreign student, sometimes it is difficult with English language, so my question is this: do you know of any yahoo group, website, agencies that are a good help for Spanish speaking actors? I have searched on Google for auditions but I haven’t really found what I am looking for, and also I am not sure if I can trust those websites. I would be so much appreciated if you could help me out.
Thank you so much.
Fernando R
Fernando- As is true with every actor, you have to be in the market where the jobs are. Many Spanish speaking acting jobs are cast in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles in the US. If you want to stay in Dallas, go to the Univision and Telemundo stations and ask them who they contract with to make local commercials and if they create any local programs. Occasionally you will see listings for bilingual actors on Short Film Texas but not often.
You can also talk to the people at the Cara Mia and Teatro Dallas companies. They would be most involved and most knowledgeable about Spanish language work in your area.
Thank you Paul, I really appreciate it.
Oh, man. This is a gold mine. Only with this it’s all gold and no dirt! I will share this with everyone I know. Thanks Paul!
I’m delighted to help you!
Hi Paul! Loved the Actor’s Reel video. I do have a question though…..I have a bunch of DVD’s with my work, how do I create that reel? Are there places here in Austin that will do that? How do you decide what to put on the reel?
Choose very short scenes that highlight your work from each of the films. Categorize them either into comedy and drama, OR if you play some very specific character types categorize them according to the characters (Mom, executive, ninja warrior, etc). Each reel can be 60 seconds or less. Each scene can be 20 seconds or less.
My suggestion is to ask other actors for local editors that have done reels for them.
I think I learned more from your seminar than what school had to offer.
Great! And congratulations on your feature film YORKTOWN!
Thank you Paul! I enjoyed your “Seminarios” very much, I’m going to tweak my resume with your instructions. Please check out my website, any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, it makes a difference.
I’m thrilled you’re putting it to good use! Please feel free to share the information with others.
Do you know anyone who can edit or make my son’s demo reel?
Devoured the seminarios…looking forward to seeing “Chapter” 21. Thanks for the valuable info, Paul!
Fantastic! I’m working on the next section right now!
Hello Paul,
Just came across your youtube video on resumes while looking for castings on shortfilmtexas. I really liked what you were saying and took some notes to improve mine
Thank you!!
Paul, may I ask you a question regarding Theater plays…? I briefly watched the videos of yours on film scripts but I was wondering if you could give me a couple of tips on how to sell my stage play?
The name of the play is “adulterous” and it is a semi-autobiographical story about a modern couple. I almost got the play produced in Los Angeles last year and even had an Emmy Award winning director on board…but I had to relocate to Dallas due to my husbands job and it seems so very difficult to get a serious Drama produced in a comedy orientated city…
I would appreciate your help very much!
Best,
Anne
Anne-
You have internet access. Why limit yourself to Dallas? Think on a national/international scale.
What theater companies do you want to produce your play in New York, Chicago, Portland, Los Angeles, Toronto, Edinburgh?
Contact those companies and build relationships online with the artistic directors and managing producers. There are many theaters around the country eager to produce new works. In fact some of what is getting produced Off-Broadway in New York is now originating in Chicago. Many theater companies have scriptwriting workshops in which they mentor writers to refine already written scripts, and then they produce the shows or at least do staged readings of the work.
Look for theaters that stage original works and also companies that host scriptwriting workshops. These will be your entry points into script sales.
Where you live does not limit your work from getting produced. It simply requires you search out more options.
Thank you so much for coming back to me!!
Yes, I did send it to a few Theaters in other States…I will just keep trying
Thank you so much for your encouragement!!
Wishing you a very successful & blessed day!!
Best,
Anne
P.S. Let me know if your Theater Group in Austin is looking for a new play to produce
I am no longer the artistic director of the Gaslight Theatre, and it merged with the local community theater. The scope of its productions changed radically after the merger.
I too like the previous email from Raquel as to the steps needed get training guidance on where to start. I am 50 years old and live in Texas.
1. I am seeking agencies that are reputable and do not charge fees.
2. Where you would recommend taking acting lessons in the Houston area.
3. How do you get started in local theatres?
Where and what are your words of encouragement and advice for me?
Laurie Kephart
Laurie-
Your best resources in Houston are the Houston Film Commission (http://www.houstonfilmcommission.com/) and the online magazine C-47 (http://www.c47houston.com/). These are targeted to the film community, and that is primarily my focus as well. I’m not going to endorse agencies or teachers simply because your experience may be completely different than my experience. What works for me may not work for you, especially when it comes to business relationships with agents and managers and learning from teachers.
When you speak with agents about representation, remember they are considering whether you can be easily cast in dozens of projects that come across their desk. Do you fit a certain ‘type’ of role that is often in scripts or TV commercials. They want to know that they can make money (commission) by sending you on auditions and that you will get hired and paid to do those roles. Your first step is to make yourself cast-able. Will directors and advertising people hire you to sell their products or be in their films? Essentially, with on camera work, you want to walk in the door looking and sounding exactly like a specific type of character (business executive, weary wife, young grandmother, cougar, whatever.) Take a look in the mirror, and then turn on the TV, and determine which roles you are most likely to play.
I strongly recommend you connect with SWAMP (Southwest Alternative Media Project)(http://www.swamp.org/) and attend their forums and groups. The people you meet at SWAMP will be the best to offer suggestions and insights into the Houston film community.
As for theater work in Houston, there are essentially two tiers: paid and unpaid. If you have limited experience, go audition for as many community theater roles as you possibly can. Get to know the people who run the theaters and find out what their community mission entails. Find a theater organization or two that feels comfortable to you and become part of their communities.
For paid theater work in Houston, many of those jobs are posted nationally and actors from around the country audition for roles. There is a community of regional actors who travel everywhere for jobs and rarely see their own homes. If this is the community you want to join, I recommend classes in New York, doing summerstock theater in New England, and getting a divorce.
I was hoping, if you would be so kind to give some career guidance to an aspiring beginning actor. Do you think it is more wise to enroll in a school for Acting/Film/Performing Arts? Or perhaps jumping right into the game and still taking classes and workshops on the side. Are there any other options or tips that you wouldn’t mind sharing with me? I would really value your input. Thank You.
What you do needs to be determined by what you want to achieve.
If you want a college degree and to teach drama, go to college.
If you want to be on television, move to Los Angeles. Audition for anything and everything you can, including student films, and get experience.
If you want to be a paid stage actor, move to New York. Audition for anything and everything you can, and get experience.
If you want to be an independent filmmaker and write/direct your own films, start writing scripts.
People get work in this industry because of the people they have developed relationships with. When people who are hiring already know you, and think you would be good to play a certain role, they will call you in for an audition (or hire you without auditioning you). Success in this business requires nurturing friendships with people who are already working in this field.
Be careful you are not on a mission to ‘meet everybody’ and believe that will lead to success. It takes more than meeting people. You really need to be interested in who they are, and develop a rapport.
As for training and learning your craft, there are millions of books, zillions of classes, and tons of advice. You will be learning new ideas your entire life, if you want a vibrant career. I am always interested in what classes and books other actors tell me about; I take at least one class a week and read lots of books that give me different perspectives. Sometimes I’ll glean a bit of knowledge that is beneficial and sometimes I walk away from a book or class after learning that particular method/approach won’t work for me.
If you choose to go the school route, consider more than what they teach. Think about who you will be meeting. Will you be working with these people the rest of your life? Does this institution lead you directly into the place you want to work, or does it offer you a degree and then you must begin the process of creating relationships with people in the industry?
I hope this answers your question.
Is there a documentary about film editing that I can watch?
Yes! It’s called The Cutting Edge: Magic of Movie Editing. It’s on Netflix. I highly recommend it.
I associate produced the green screen and Russian film sections on THE CUTTING EDGE and researched/licensed all the stills and clips used. Glad you found it, it is a great intro into the “invisible” art of editing. Also highly recommend VISIONS OF LIGHT about cinematography. Gorgeous movie.
How cool! I’ll check out VISIONS OF LIGHT.