I have read that the first time you embark on the production of a film, the realities of such a task hit you fast and hard, because it is not until you are in the middle of it that you realize how much bigger than you it is. That is why, to avoid problems with budget and schedule, it is wise to take on a task that matches your level of expertise.

When we think up movie ideas, we tend to go the way of the Hollywood blockbusters; on location shooting, special effects, etc. But helming these kinds of productions can be practically impossible for the inexperienced. You don’t know what to expect or what to do if and when something goes wrong. Not to mention the immense pressure you will have to withstand from financial backers. Think about when you first start a new job, you have the background information, but the experience you will pick up as you physically perform your duties. Instead, we should have our minds set on the opposite; shooting a film that takes place in one location. This will allow you to more effectively run things and, be able to handle any mishaps.

A number of films exist that follow this formula. Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, I believe takes place in a restaurant for the most part. Kevin Smith’s Clerks and Clerks 2 take place in a convenience store and a burger joint respectively. The best example of all however is Phone Booth, which takes place in…you guessed it, a phone booth.

These types of movies tend to be very character driven and rely on character development to carry the story. This also happens a lot in sitcoms. In fact, on a interview with the executive producers of Friends, I once saw, they mentioned that a great way to keep costs low was to write episodes that are set in one place and rely more on dialogue and characters than on fancy theatrics. So, keep in mind that the first time you embark on the production of a film, not only is the shooting in one location production method good for your sanity, but it will keep expenses in check and your investors content.

Technorati Tags: production of a film, problems with budget and schedule, think up movie ideas, shooting a film that takes place in one location, Hollywood blockbusters, on location shooting, special effects, productions, financial backers, shooting a film, films, Quentin Tarantino, Reservoir Dogs, Kevin Smith, Clerks, Clerks 2, Phone Booth, character driven, character development, sitcoms, executive producers, Friends, keep costs low, write episodes, dialogue and characters, fancy theatrics, shooting in one location, investors

Making a feature film based on the hit TV series “24” is an idea that has been around since day six. First they planned on making it between days six and seven, then the notion went away because of the commitment to the show. More recently it resurfaced as a possibility after day 8, with the show being cancelled as a possible trade off. At least that is how the show runners saw it best. But now, there is the possibility that the feature film could happen while the show is still in production, because even if Fox decides to pass on the show; be it for budget issues or in favor of the film, NBC is said to be interested in it.

As a huge fan of the show I think they should pick one or the other, and the show gets my vote. The reason is because I see “24” as an Anti-Hollywood show. Everything that makes this show good and unique is the exact opposite of what constitutes a feature film. How can you reduce eighteen hours of material down to two and a half hours without cutting the one on one moments between Jack and Chloe? Both the personal and the conspiring ones. The times Jack gets captured and tortured? Not to mention the numerous plot twists that keep the stories exciting. I’m sure some will say that no more than two plot twists for the film will suffice and that is exactly my point, the format of the show is beyond the Hollywood norms and confining it to those norms would be a step in the wrong direction. And you know there are going to be a number of executives trying to recuperate the lost essence by applying typical Hollywood “spices” to appeal to larger demographics or leave cliffhangers to force sequels to be able to tell a complete story, which can be done properly by simply continuing the show.

A film franchise about Jack Bauer, the only man who does more in a day than anyone else does in one year gets zero votes from me. If you really want to bring a show to the silver screen, consider JMS’s Babylon 5, it really deserves it.

Technorati Tags: feature film, TV series “24”, NBC, Hollywood, film franchise about Jack Bauer, JMS’s Babylon 5