Have you made a full lenght feature?

[amc760]

I was just wondering how many of you have actually completed a full length feature film(which I suppose is a movie over an hour long). Did you direct it or at least work with it for the whole production?

How did you feel about it?

What equipment did you have to work with?

What are some problems you ran into? How smoothly did it run?

What did you end up doing with it? Did you just make it and let it sit on your shelf?

Get back at me. I'm really interested to know what the people of this community have been able to do.

[moustrapfilms]

Well, I haven't made one yet, but I am planning on making one at least an hour long.

Right now the hardest part for me is to make a script that's decently long without sacrificing quality. I've made a few shorter scripts that are pretty good, but nothing near this long.

[BROKEN Productions]

we shot for someone else's 90 min film, it was a stupid script but we still got paid, we used an XL1

[ibend1]

Not me.

[amc760]

we shot for someone else's 90 min film, it was a stupid script but we still got paid, we used an XL1

how'd that come out?

[Kohrsfilms]

I came pretty dang close to making a feature film once. It turned out being only 55 minutes long. But it doesn't really matter cause it was a pretty crappy movie.

[WesScog]

That's a feature film according to the American and British Film Institutes, and the Academy of Motion Pictures. (As in the Academy Awards, Academy.) ((All agree that it's anything at least 40 minutes long.))

It's only 3 minutes from being considered a feature film in France, where the National Center of Cinematography considers anything over 58 minutes, and 29 seconds a film, that includes credits, so if you could extend the opening and ending a little, you could easily have one.

But you're out of luck because the Screen Actor's Guild only considers anything over 80 minutes.

But really, they are outnumbered.

To answer the original question, I have not finished a feature, no, but I am currently in Pre-Production with a friend for a film we're working on together. He wrote it, and i'm the cinematographer. We're just so busy with school and work, and our actors are so busy. We need to clear a schedule, and we could really film the entire thing in a few days, we've got it all planned out and it's a real simple film (We thought it would be a good exercise for working into something more complicated.)

[amc760]

In just a few days, Wes? That's crazy. If you complete it, and it all goes well, you should really post a production blog on it..even if its posted after the fact.
I'm really looking for something like that..except a little more detailed than the one you guys have been posting on the Westcraven Brook(sp?) project.


But, yeah, I know what you mean about trying to juggle everything with school and work and actors' schedules.

When I get my camera, I'm pretty sure I'm willing to take a week or two off the job.

Do the whole "starving artist" thing if I have to, lol.

[WesScog]

Yea, It's REALLY simply. The majority of our scenes happen in the same location, and there is a lot of voice-overs the writer came up with, so that's all post-production stuff.

It would be really simple, we'd just have to be prepared.

[rrh]

No, but I'm part of a group making a 13 episode series of half-hour episodes. We've finished post on six episodes and have a few more coming through the pipeline.

[tjack004]

I just finished my 90 minute film "Jesus Fish". We shot in 14 days with a budget of about $2300 Dollars. I wrote it as an ensemble piece with 6 main actors who branch off onto their own little stories. We kept it down to about 12 locations and used borrowed equipment. We shot on a panasonic hvx200 and edited on final cut studio 2 in about 5 months as I had to edit between having a job, and a pregnant wife and a kid.

I am extremely proud of what we have done and am sending it to every film festival that will take it. I also intend to get it into the hands of every established filmmaker or distributer I can find by any means necessary, if nothing else their critique will make me a better filmmaker.

We really didn't have any big problems that I can remember, the shoot ran rather smoothly. Mainly because we spend a lot of time preparing our shooting schedule, and rehearsing. Everyone on location knew that we didn't have much time so we had to be very prepared in advance.

[speekerphone]

no.

[DarkMirageProductions]

I've always wanted to shoot a feature-length film. It seems like a fun thing to do...

[KMProductions]

Nope, the longest I've made is about 10 minutes.

[WesScog]

I just finished my 90 minute film "Jesus Fish". We shot in 14 days with a budget of about $2300 Dollars. I wrote it as an ensemble piece with 6 main actors who branch off onto their own little stories. We kept it down to about 12 locations and used borrowed equipment. We shot on a panasonic hvx200 and edited on final cut studio 2 in about 5 months as I had to edit between having a job, and a pregnant wife and a kid.

I am extremely proud of what we have done and am sending it to every film festival that will take it. I also intend to get it into the hands of every established filmmaker or distributer I can find by any means necessary, if nothing else their critique will make me a better filmmaker.

We really didn't have any big problems that I can remember, the shoot ran rather smoothly. Mainly because we spend a lot of time preparing our shooting schedule, and rehearsing. Everyone on location knew that we didn't have much time so we had to be very prepared in advance.

That's really awesome! Do you have a website or have you released any clips or a trailer for it? I'd love to maybe feature it on the blog.

[amc760]

tjack004, I think it would be great to see a tralier too!

Good luck with your project, and hope to hear about it again.

rrhh, I would also like to check out your series. Where is it viewable?

[etentertainment]

One time it was raining, so we couldn't shoot that day =[ and the catering food got cold.

[tjack004]

The aspect ratio is screwed up, but by the time I was uploading these, it was late and I didn't feel like reexporting, besides it makes the actresses look thinner and they loved me for that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVrH7_VyUh4,

This is the same trailer with a scene from the movie tagged onto the end of it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVQc-2iA1Pw

www.myspace.com/jesusfishmovie

I cut these before I really started editing the movie, so they're not meant to inform, they're just meant to tantalize.
In order to make the movie more appealing to mainstream audiences I'm cutting a more traditional trailer that sorta tells the story of the movie.

The website isn't done as of yet, still looking for a decent web designer round here.

We screened it in a local theater for all involved in the project. We got some very good feedback, not to mention it was just friggin awesome to see a movie I'd made play in the theater right after Bee Movie.

[edwardlavender]

twice I've tried getting my movie made.

1st time came within a month of shooting and shit got screwed up royally.

2nd time...well, I'm still kind of working on it with a producer.

Mind you, it's taking so long because we're getting together a budget of around 100k.

But for now, I'm co-producing my buddy's flick, we're in early stages of preproduction and we'll be going down to Florida to shoot it in (it looks like) July.

-zac

[smashingrobkins]

no, i have attempted to but its really hard for me to get over 30 minutes idk how they do it. if it was a non-stop hoot i could probably but i have school and stuff. I am in the process of making one now though and i have a full schedule we start shooting in 2 weeks!!!! and end at the end of April. (i only get Saturdays to film so it takes a while) hopefully i can do it by the planned release date(August.1):fcross:

[amc760]

twice I've tried getting my movie made.

1st time came within a month of shooting and shit got screwed up royally.

2nd time...well, I'm still kind of working on it with a producer.

Mind you, it's taking so long because we're getting together a budget of around 100k.

But for now, I'm co-producing my buddy's flick, we're in early stages of preproduction and we'll be going down to Florida to shoot it in (it looks like) July.

-zac

100k??

Wow..you have some serious hookups there.

[_ray_biddle_]

I have worked on several. One I was a featured extra and crew (camera operator), the second I was writer/director. I'm part of a third where I am the Executive Producer /Writer/Director of Photography.

The first one I was happy just to be a part of the production.

The second, I didn't feel anything, there wasn't time.

The third, happy, overwhelmed, scared, tired,etc...


We've used every digital camera you can think of.


One micro-budget films NOTHING runs smoothly. Actors quit(even ones that are paid). Weather throws you off schedule. Family feels ignored. AND MORE!

The first one is coming out on DVD this year as part of GoreGoyles 3.

The second one distribution isn't finalized yet.

I can not comment on the third one. Let's just say good things are happening and this project will turn heads.

I was just wondering how many of you have actually completed a full length feature film(which I suppose is a movie over an hour long). Did you direct it or at least work with it for the whole production?

How did you feel about it?

What equipment did you have to work with?

What are some problems you ran into? How smoothly did it run?

What did you end up doing with it? Did you just make it and let it sit on your shelf?

Get back at me. I'm really interested to know what the people of this community have been able to do.

[HoboSmackTalk777]

The only thing stopping anyone from making a feature is themselves, and school/work. Most everyone has dreamed of making a feature but the don't because of the above reasons. I have different reasons for not making a feature: Im it. Im cast, Crew, Cameraman, Editor etc. I have some(my only)freinds but they live 35 miles from me and its hard to get em' together.

To answer youre orginal question don't let negative comments about feature films put you off making one(Thats the reason youre asking is it not?). Making a feature requires more time and ambition but its really no different than making a shortfilm, it just takes more time.

Peice

[tjack004]

I completely agree. In my opinion the limitations are more about mindset than budget or even resources.

[rrh]

rrh, I would also like to check out your series. Where is it viewable?
It's called The No Budget Show:
http://www.danwalechuk.com/nbs.html

It's more Walechuk's show than mine, though. I directed and wrote one episode, and was camera operator most of the time, but he was showrunner.

[gcubedproductions]

I have sadly not been able to make a full length feature film. I think we could, but it's tough to get enough resources for us. Our longest film was one for a local contest. It was a little less than thirteen minutes, but man it was so cool to see it playing in a theater. It came in second place, so we didn't win a monetary prize, the theater awarded us a few fee movie passes. Good, thing it was a family-run theater, because I don't think Regal or something is allowed to do that kind of stuff.

[amc760]

The only thing stopping anyone from making a feature is themselves, and school/work. Most everyone has dreamed of making a feature but the don't because of the above reasons. I have different reasons for not making a feature: Im it. Im cast, Crew, Cameraman, Editor etc. I have some(my only)freinds but they live 35 miles from me and its hard to get em' together.

To answer youre orginal question don't let negative comments about feature films put you off making one(Thats the reason youre asking is it not?). Making a feature requires more time and ambition but its really no different than making a shortfilm, it just takes more time.

Peice

Well, I was just curious about what people on this board had going on, or have accomplished.

But that is encouraging to hear though. I'm pretty determined on making a feature this year.

[BROKEN Productions]

how'd that come out? looksed like documentary footage more than a film

[BROKEN Productions]

I completely agree. In my opinion the limitations are more about mindset than budget or even resources.
ya, like look at Spider Man 3 it cost MILLIONS! but the film it hella shitty

[HunnyBunchFilms]

I've never made a feature length. So far most of my films have been made for school projects and festivals and they have strict guidelines on how long the short can be. As a matter of fact I'm currently in pre-production for my next short. I'm finishing up my storyboard so I can bring it to school on monday and get the green light to start shooting.

[spicysmoke]

Once I finish school im planning to make a feature film, but right know im really not in the position do anything big at the moment.

[tambrm1016]

Right now I am working on a "Feature length film" that I'm planning to make about two hours long. It's a "mockumentary" that turns into an action movie in the 3rd act. Basically we are making fun of movies like Spinal Tap and Buckaroo Banzai (Yes, me and my friends are musicians) So far we have the plot outline done and have filmed one scene, as well as some footage of a house party where our band plays live. We are writing the script as we go, so I guess we are mostly in "Pre-production" We have NO budget and are paying out of our pockets slowly as we go. Since I am totally new to film making we are not constrained by having to know what the hell we are actually doing...

It's amazing what I have already learned from the incredible people on this forum. This is like having an on-line course in film making for free. I have already had some great constructive criticism on the first clip. (Feel free to send me some more)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Gtl42H3Pg

I would say to anyone out there that the only limitations you have are the ones you place on yourself. I am doing this project because I want to. I just want to bring my ideas to life. I have no desire to ever make money on this project and will distribute the film to world for free in any format I am able. (That's what my band already does with our music) I have always wanted to make movies and now, with the help of a camcorder, some editing and effects software, and the advise of many talented and creative people on the IndyMogul Forums, I'm going to do it.

I would love to see this thread continue. I have seen so much talent on this website and I encourage all of you to follow YOUR dreams and try to produce films that are just as long as the ones that Hollywood is producing. We live in an incredible time where we all have access to the kind of technology we only dreamed of when we were growing up, in fact many of you ARE growing up and probably don't realize what an incredible time this is to be an artist.

By the time I finish this film I might be known as the next "Ed Wood" but I'm OK with that...

I'm having fun!