Project on film
How do I start
Answers
So you have an idea for a project you’d like to kick off in 2015 – it could be a short film, feature film, documentary, animation, anything in which you will need time, money and resources. But there is this seemingly invisible wall that stands in your way of starting. No matter which way sideways you move, there doesn’t seem to be a break in the wall to move forward. I too face that wall many times when I’m beginning a project. It’s stifling and can be a project killer if we do not find a way to get around it and begin.
However my friends, I’m here to help! Before you start that pre-production meeting, before you finalize your script, before you yell “action!” use these 5 simple methods to you start your film project in 2015!
1. Set Goals
You may have heard me talking about setting goals, in an iPhone video post or other articles. But goal setting can not be stressed enough as being a part of your overall planning strategy. Setting and writing down goals, large and small, gives you a primer to work from and make decisions throughout the year and for your projects. Whenever faced with a large decision to make, you can reference back to your goals you wrote down and ask “does this help me get closer to my goal(s)?”.
Every year, either near the end of the year or as soon as the new year begins, I create a new file in my Evernote App and begin writing down my goals for that year. You can categorize them however you like. I personally set goals for my work, for my family, for my reading, my education, etc. But no matter how you categorize your goals, always remember these four things:
Make Goals, not resolutions
Make your goals obtainable
Create mini-goals, small tasks that help you achieve your large goals
Write out your goals
I say “make goals, not resolutions” because by definition a “resolution” in it’s basic form is just deciding to do something. Where as goals force you to work for something. A decision without some kind of physical effort remains just an idea. And if you make your goals too lofty, it sets you up for failure. Of course you want to stretch yourself and grow, but be realistic. Understand your circumstances and realistically set goals that are a stretch but also obtainable.
Mini goals are just that, a list of sub-tasks that allow you to achieve the larger goal. For instance, let’s say I want to create a pilot for a new series. That’s a main goal. Now I list the mini-goals that I need to achieve in order to obtain the main goal. So some of those may be: Create the script – Determine my setting and place of production – Find the crew – Raise the funds – etc. You get the idea.
And last, you must write out your goals, on paper or digitally. Do not just leave them in your head. You need a place for you to reference back as you progress during the year. As I said before, these items written down are your gauge to work from throughout the year so you need to have them in place, digitally or physically to reference back.
2. Write It Down
Whenever you are working on a project, its important to keep track of everything, not just your script and synopses but everything that has to do with your preparation. Like with with goals, I also use Evernote to keep track of my stories as well as production notes. As I begin developing a story or a project further, I use Evernote to help me keep track of every idea, every thought, every note that pertains tot hat project. This helps me stay on track and make better use of the tools I have.
There have been many times I discuss story ideas with someone and they happen to mention a possible actor or actress in which they say would be good for a part. However, I’m not in casting yet, I’m only in the writing phase. But instead of dismissing the suggestion or relying on that person to email me more information, I just open up Evernote and jot the information at the moment and save it for when I am ready for casting.
There are many more examples of this but that could be another article on it’s own to list out ally he ways Evernote is helpful. But you get the point. Use whatever tool you feel comfortable with as long as you write it down!
Here are Simple Methods to Help You Start Your Film Project in 2015! 1