The Seven Deadly Sins of a First-Time Filmmaker

7. Look...A Zoom Button
A big mistake of many first-time digital filmmakers is to utilize all of the fancy functions of their digital camera. Going crazy with the zoom button and using digital filters may seem cool, but it will definitely give your video and amateur appearance.

If you watch a Hollywood movie, you'll probably notice that there aren't any zooms to be found. Autofocus can also be the downfall of many amateur camera operators. Never rely on your camera to keep things in focus. Spend some time and get to know your camera and its features before you shoot, but don't think that you have to use every fancy feature that you find.

6. We Just Need A Few Minutes of Your Time
Another mistake that a lot of first-time filmmakers make is poor planning. When you're making a movie, things almost always take much more time than you thought. Always try to be realistic when making your schedule. You will have long days, but having a unrealistic schedule will make them seem even longer.

5. I Love That Song
Although your favorite song might be perfect for a scene in your movie, getting the proper rights to use that song is probably cost prohibitive. Always try to use royalty-free music or music that you have rights to, in your production. A lot of filmmakers will use a popular song during editing, with the plan of replacing it later.

This is usually a bad idea, and if possible, you should try to avoid using copyrighted music at all. Many filmmakers have problems during the distribution phase, because they have to scramble to find music to replace the copyrighted music, that is already on their film.

4. Never Compromise!
When you are making a low budget movie, it is important to realize that not everything is going to be perfect. You may have a vision for how you see your film, but if you're not willing to compromise, it is unlikely that you will were be able to finish anything.

Instead of giving up, use your creativity to come up with acceptable compromises and workarounds for your problems. It is your creativity that got you here, and it is your creativity that will allow you to finish it. The No Budget Filmmaking Ultra-Pack contains a whole book on how to Unleash your creativity to make better movies.

3. Fix It in Post
A common joke in Hollywood is to use the term "we will fix it and post". It is very easy during filming to settle for bad sound, or other mistakes, and assume that they can be fixed during post-production. However, once you get into post-production, you will most likely hate yourself for making those decisions. Take the time to do it right the first time, or you could waste hours of your time trying to "fix it and post".

2. We Are Friends, We Don't Need Contracts
It is easy to partner with your friends to make a movie, but a common mistake, is not getting things in writing. I can't tell you how many horror stories I've heard about film makers who have had falling outs with their friends, leading to legal nightmares during distribution. Before you shoot anything, always make sure that everyone is in agreement about their involvement, and get it in writing. If you don't, be prepared for trouble down the road.

1. Not Doing It!
The biggest mistake, and probably the most common one, is simply not doing anything at all. It is very common or wannabe film makers to put off making their first movie. Many people believe that they need thousands of dollars, and the years of training, in order to make a movie.

While that may have been true many years ago, that is certainly not the case today. Digital technology, DVD, and the Internet, have all changed the film industry, and made it much easier for almost anyone to make their own movie. In the No Budget Filmmaking Ultra Pack, you will learn how you can begin making your movie today. You don't need thousands of dollars, and you don't need to go to film school.

It is time to stop making excuses and start making movies!!! get your copy of the No Budget Filmmaking Ultra Pack today, and you will see how easy it really is to make a film for little to no money.

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