Finding Actors!

Another way to add more production value to your film is by casting experienced actors. I’ve seen a lot of amateur filmmakers  pitch an amazing idea, and when they enter  the pre-production phase, they choose to cast your class mates, friends, family, etc. However, not saying that it’s a bad idea to cast any one of these people, but it’s a bad idea when none of these people have an interest in acting, nor do they have any experience.

There are ways any filmmaker can find decent or even great actors, for the cost of nothing! Try going to a local community college theater . See if you can talk to the theater department advisors and ask them if you can post flyers for roles available for your film.  You should post your roles online. Websites such as SFcasting.com (for the bay area) and Craigslist.org are great ways to find talented actors for free!

Adding talented actors to your cast  can add to your film because it makes your story more believable. As an amateur filmmaker myself, I found it better to work with actors that have some experience because it made viewers take my film more serious then when I use to cast my roommates.

iphone photography

Before ( taken with classic pan )

After ( post work with Tilt Shift Generator )

With the plethora of downloadable photography applications for the iphone, how does one choose an application that gives excellent results by not spending more than you need. I have recently tried and succeeded using a specialized workflow with two very handy and creative photo applications, Classic Pan and Tilt Shift Generator, the combination of these two in a workflow can impress more than just your best friend thats fried out on the couch, I’m talking professional level photographers.

Before ( taken with classic pan )

After ( Post work in Tilt Shift Generator )

Yes, it is just a low resolution photo that is taken on a mobile device, but its not like Holga camera’s are any different, they are both low grade resolutions yet being able to be pulled out at a moments notice to capture an interesting scene. First I start off by shooting a panoramic image in the Classic Pan application, you are able to control the look and feel of your photos with a variety of scene files ( film settings ) to achieve the look you want, I have been using Vivid Color setting with vignette on.

Before ( taken with classic pan )

After ( post work with Tilt Shift Generator )

After I take that photo I open up Tilt Shift Generator to do post work within the iphone itself, its a funny idea but its effective. Tilt shift allows you to change the depth of field and perspective with a blurring option where if you take a scenic photo from far you are able to make the subjects in frame look like they were toys or a miniature set .

Before ( taken with classic pan )

After ( post work with Tilt Shift Generator )

Its remarkable what the combination of the two programs can do in a matter of minutes and the advantage of having a portable way to take any of the photos you can on impulse makes it very effective. Recently I have been trying to take as many photos of my day as possible, especially when I have the chance to shoot with the tilt shift look and feel.

Before ( taken with classic pan )

After ( post work with Tilt Shift Generator )

I have been successful with the photos that are displayed and look forward towards capturing the next shot every day, its like a game and creates an organic yet very innovative new workflow within technology that many people can not stand. Watch out photographers, the iphone isnt just a talking device.