Filmmaking: Myth or Fact? (MMM #32)

Hey everyone,
Madeline here with the 32nd entry in The Movie Minute. Since the last blog post, I wanted to dedicate this entry to something a little more fun- busting some common myths related to filmmaking!

There’s a lot of misconceptions that people have about the filmmaking process. Some think it’s way easier than it is, but some think that it’s harder than it looks. Either way, it’s not as simple as many think, so that’s why we’re here to clear up some common misconceptions about making films:

Myth: “We’ll fix it in post!”
Fact: You can’t always rely on the post-production team for every single thing. In fact, it can actually hurt the process, putting stress on the editing and VFX teams. In other circumstances, it can cause the production to go over budget! So if you have to do another take or wait for additional equipment, it’s better to do that than to waste unnecessary time and money on expensive VFX work that can make the post team’s lives harder.

Myth: You need the best gear to tell the best story.
Fact: It’s not just the gear that matters, but the people using the gear. You could have the most premium and expensive gear, but there would still be the possibility of a crew with a much smaller budget and less prestigious gear ultimately producing the better video. In fact, many prestigious films have been shot using iPhones as opposed to traditional cinema cameras!

Myth: A bigger crew means a better film.
Fact: Not always the case! Even with a small basic film crew, it’s still possible to tell an amazing story. Although blockbuster films and movies on a grander scale often require larger crews and a bigger budget, having a smaller crew with big talent will be just as good for making a great film.

Myth: Audio doesn’t matter if the video is good.
Fact: Audio can actually make or break your story, as discussed in a previous Movie Minute. Both what the audience sees and what the audience hears have an effect on how they take in the story of any film or video they see. That’s why we always use external mics when recording interviews or speeches- hearing the speaker’s voice clearly and cohesively is crucial to telling a story in a way that is effective and powerful. And as mentioned earlier, you can’t always “fix it in post”, as AI speech enhancers and effects are not a substitute for taking measures to make sure the audio is top-notch (such as using high-quality mics, windscreens, etc.).

Myth: Lighting doesn’t matter when you’re outside.
Fact: Lighting and exposure always matter no matter the environment. As shown in a previous Movie Minute, exposure can have a huge impact on the story, as having not enough or too much exposure can dramatically alter the presentation of the film or video. And when you’re outside, it’s essential to have an ND filter, as even the most beautiful days for shooting content can bring a huge amount of light that can cause your shots to be overexposed!

Overall, there’s a lot about filmmaking that many don’t know, but it’s important to to know all the ins and outs of such a creative and thorough process. If one wants to become a filmmaker themselves, knowing the importance of good sound, exposure, lighting, camera work, and dedication is crucial to fully harnessing the power of film to tell stories with impact.

And that concludes this entry in The Movie Minute. Wishing you all the best, and see y’all in October! -Madeline

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