Mistakes to Watch Out For

In order to better prepare myself, I watched a YouTube video titled "Top 15 Mistakes Beginner Filmmakers Make." As I watched the video, I compiled a list of tips I could refer to when the next time I film.

• Your character needs goals in order to tell the story and to keep it interesting
• Don't forget about sound
• Watch out for dead space; use the rule of thirds
• Doorways add depth to the screen
• Don't have plain white walls in the background; posters/frames make for a more interesting background
• Make sure you use good lighting techniques; "scenes that are not lit typically look flat"
• Don't add unnecessary insert shots
• No lingering shots, it slows down the pace of the scene
• Motion helps tell the story
• Try to keep the cliches to a minimum 
• If you use a cliche, do something to make unique and interesting
• Make sure music matches whats on screen