Commandments Filmmakers Shall Follow

Thou Shall Finish Thy Screenplay Before Shooting

What studios always want is a story they, along with an audience can follow. Never shoot with a first draft. Always read the first draft to see if you need to make changes. If you need help to spot goofs in it, have someone else read it as well.

Show, Don't Tell

This sacred commandment should be important to all filmmakers to follow. If you're a beginning filmmaker, don't have your main character say something like, "My brother is not part of this world, and therefore, is now dead. Because of this, I must now cry." Have the main character learns this news, see the deceased brother, not say anything and have them cry for their loss.

Every Plot Hole In A Story A No-No

In any movie, from comedy to sci-fi, suspension of disbelief needs to fall not only on the audience, but the people behind the movie as well. To make the audience believe in something, the filmmaker must believe in it first.

However, if you leave an important element, or even plot point, out of the story, people will spot it.

Always Remember Continuity

In any story, continuity is always a requirement. This also important in sequels. If not, it would leave goofs in films.

Have A Budget

Whether it's independent or big budget, always know what you're spending on from casting to costumes to sets.

Spend Proper Time In Pre-Production

Always know what your budget can buy and be spent on. No exceptions.

Thou Shall Not Fix Anything In Post-Production

True, you CAN fix something in post, but it will cost more money. So make sure your crew, especially the people who are working on the editing and sound be heard on the problems there might be.

Thou shalt clear all music in your film

No music clearance means that you can't show your film in most film festivals. It also means you can't sell your film.

One unclear copyright and you can say goodbye to your distribution deal or being shown at film festivals. No one will touch your film until the copyright in question is cleared.

As a filmmaker it is your responsibility to clear music rights. You cannot expect a distributor or film festival to do it for you and if you are a new filmmaker it is highly likely you will have to do it yourself.

Use Film Festivals As A Launch Pad

Even if you're an experience filmmaker, always participate in film festivals,

Have A Distribute Strategy

Always have a plan to market your film. From word of mouth to posters to the internet.