We just moved to this small town in TX from NYC. And I've been into filmmaking for a long time but I never really attempted to actually make any movies. But now I have a couple of ideas for a short and I have no idea how to shoot 'em here. First of all, I don't even have a camera. Second, I don't know anyone who can actually act in this town. I feel physically ill when I see the local commercials on tv. hehe The college here doesn't offer film as a major. I don't know if there's anyone who actually cares about filmmaking here. I think there's a place where I can rent film equipment but I don't know who would be in my crew. I'm thinking the best way to solve this problem is to make a documentary where I mainly rely on myself instead of wishing for a crew. What do you guys think?

Wow man, that sounds like a rough situation.
I am from a small town, but have lived there all my life so its different.
You said in NYU, you did a lot of filmmaking? What kind of stuff did that involve, because you said you didn't actually make any movies.

One option you have is to find a job in this small town. Save up and get some cash, this will allow for you not to rely on rented equipment, plus give u some time to get a feel for the place. Small towns always have some weird sh*it happening, so investigate. Snoop around, and I am sure the story will come to you.
Hope that helps!

If you don't look I'll force you to _=_

Those are great ideas! I guess I just have to try my best...I didn't go to NYU although I'm planning on applying either for Spring or Fall 2004 but we did move here from New York City. And most people wouldn't consider this a small town (approx. 100,000) but it is compared to NYC. So far the people I know show no interest in acting or having anything to do with a movie. I'm sure there are lots of actor wannabes here but I'm just not sure where I can find them or if they would want to be in my movie. I'm attending a community college here at the moment. It does have a theatre and a broadcasting department but not on this campus. You have to drive 30 minutes to the campus in a nearby town to actually meet people within those departments. Also, since most of you live in small towns I'm sure you've noticed but it's a bit more obvious to an outsider such as myself but people in small towns tend to be less inviting to those who weren't attending school with them since they were 6 years old. Not to disrespect people in small towns but so far that has been my experience. Perhaps, I should make a short about that.

Thanks for the advice! Hopefully, it'll work. As for the gorgeous women at my door I hope they're only there to audition cause I'm a female. hehehe

I know it sounds lame, maybe even cliche, but do it. Use what you dont have as inspiration, and what you do have as practical application.

As for a camera, there will need to be some thought there. I would really recommend purchasing one, but I dont know what kind of cash flow you have access to.

The "get a job" idea was a good one, but dont just get any job, pick one that helps you in more than just monetary ways. If there is a business that seems like it would be a cool place to shoot, or to get equipment at( if there is a retal house, try and work there) tajke that job. If that dosent really make sense, then look for a job were you can meet alot of people. Get to know as many in town as you can, and let them know about your passion. This can be a great advantage when you go to shoot. Everyone will say, "There goes so in so, he wants to be a film maker" Not, "What the hell are these crazy kids doing?"

A small town can be a great advantage to you. Everyone knows everything, so, use that "networking" to you advantage. Having a casting call could be as easy as telling two or three people. Plus, the more films you make, and show, the more seriously people will take your efforts.

Then ther is the culture shock. Coming from NY, to Texas, you must be freakin! Dont give up hope! Its time to see the world through new eyes. I live in Florida. My wife has family in NY, and Connecticut, as well as the Carolinas. I have gotten to the point now, that everywhere I go, am looking at it as a "potential filming location". You must do the same. Obviously, a story about a business man, in the big city, dosent apply there. Thats ok, many stories do. I dont know if you are into horror flicks, or not, but you are bassically in the environment that birthed American Gothic. The rolling wheat fields, the dense woods, the barren plains, and massive thunderheads all lead to an atmosphere that has inspired truly dark stories, such as "Texas Cahinsaw Massacre" and "Frailty". You are in a different world, thats for sure, but you need to se what advantages it provides. Does town look like "anyhwhere USA"? Grreat, small town, with big problems. Take what you have learned else where, then see how it relates to life here. You have experiences some in that town have never dreamed of. You have the upper hand.

I would say, start writting. Start dreaming. When you drive throug town, look at everything and ask, 1) Would that make a good location? and 2) What type af story would take place there?

I think youll find that a small town is much more receptive to your shooting then a big city would be. You wont need permits, just the owners permission, and if you play your cards right, youll know the owner personally. Get to know the poluice. Tell them what you are doing. Make them your friends. Do this right, and they will probablly let you shoot at the police station. Be passinoate, confident, and excited about your ideas, and people wont be able to help being supportive. Even if they arent, just move forward.

Ill stop ranting now. Hopefully, this will help you see your move in a different light. Best of luck. Time to start creating.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans

I don't have a job right now but my mom will be opening a boutique real soon so I'm thinking that'll be a great resource. I guess I just have to be positive to see what I can use to my advantage here...What kind of a camera would you recommend to get started without spending an arm and a leg. I hear XL1s and GL2 is great but I can't afford that right now. And is it best to rent or buy lighting equipment?

I just noticed your a girl. This should actually make things easier for you. Many still might see a younger guy as just some "punk" but they are much more accepting of a girl. Flash a big smile, ask nicley, and you shouldnt have a problem scoring locations, and such. All my other advice still stands.
R. M.

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans

so maybe we could work together, i'm a senior in high school and i completely know what you are talking about, i've done some research and found some contacts and people that will help young filmmakers like us....email me at fabledfilms@hotmail.com

I'm back! Florida was great, but I didn't get to see Tizzy....oh well....StrawberryMoon, the XL-1s and the GL-2 are excellent choices, but if you know you can't afford them, then aim for something a bit smaller. A lower model will do for now. As for renting or buying lighting equipment, whatever fits your budget! If you have enough money to buy (and you know how to light things correctly), then I suggest purchasing lighting equipment. If you don't, then rent. I'm really really tired right now so I'll add on later...

Tizzy how did you think the carolinas were for film-making? Ive been across almost the entire south (Kansas and down) and I have to say North Carolina and West Virginia are the best places Ive found to film an assortment of stuff. Since I live in NC I have the mountains less then 4 Hours to my West and Beaches less then 5 hours to my east which is great for like long shoots. And on top of that since Dawsons creek is closing soon there will be more incentives for other TV shows and movies to be filmed here so If I ever get a good short out then Im setup lol. West Virginia also has some GREAT towns to shoot horror movies in.

NC is a fantastic state to shoot in. Just about every location you caould think of. Youv got amazing woods, and then drive 30 minutes and your in the big city. Love it for locations.
R. M

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans