I. PRE-PRODUCTION

1. Casting - choose a hero to make a movie about. Consider the following in choosing your hero:
   • Do you have access to this person for interviewing?
   • Are there interesting visuals about your hero's story?
   • What do other people have to say about your hero?
   • Is this person interesting to look at and listen to?
   • How does your hero inspire you?
   • What locations will be part of this movie?
      
2. Film style - What style of film do you want to make?
   • Documentary
   • Experimental (alternative/expressionistic)
   • Animation
   • Narrative
      
3. Writing a script - keep it simple.
   Story Board Template (PDF)
     
   • Outline the main points you are interested in.
   • Make a list of questions.
   • Structure the beginning, middle, and end.
   • Write, re-write, and re-write some more.
   • Get feedback.
      
4. Get a crew - keep it basic (one person can do many positions).
   • Director
   • Producer
   • Camera Person
   • Sound Person (Production and Post-Production
   • Editor
      
5. Make a schedule - plan ahead!
   • Set shooting dates.
   • Work with a deadline and stick to it.
   • Plan plenty of time for editing.
      
6. Location scouting
   • Check for LIGHT, the way it changes throughout the day.
   • Check for SOUND. Will you have constant airplane or traffic noise?
   • Look for visually interesting locations with a variety of visuals.

II. PRODUCTION

1. Production gear - choosing the right equipment. What you will need:
   • Script
   • Video camera
   • Lights (optional)
   • Sound equipment
      
2. Production days
   • Have a shot list and a plan.
   • Make call sheets.
   • Be on time.
   • Plan for setup and take down of equipment.
   • Prepare to feed the cast and crew.
   • Have backup plans for outside locations.
   
   Production Link :
        Camera Comparison @ Epinion

III. POST-PRODUCTION

1. Equipment
   • Computer with Non Linear Editing Software
   • Two recommended programs are Avid XpressDV and Final Cut Pro.
   • Tutorials to learn how to use the software.
      
2. Make a Post-Production schedule.

   Picture Editing

   • First assembly edit
   • First cut
   • Final cut
   • Picture lock

   Sound Editing

   • Recommended software - Pro-tools
   • Can be done in video editing software.
   • MUST have rights to all music.
   • Create original music with Soundtrack software.
   • Mix all the sound elements.

Post-Production Links :
   Video Editing Products
   Avid Xpress Pro
   Apple Final Cut Express
   Apple iMovie
   Final Cut Pro

Complete your film and submit it to the MY HERO Web site.