I'm a high school senior who has taken up an interest in screenwriting. Unable to get my latest script published to save my life, I am considering taking a major leap and turning my screenplay into a film by myself. There is no need for scene construction, as everything is set within my school. I have all the necessary talent willing to volunteer. What I need to know is where it could be possible to borrow the camera equipment needed. Any ideas?

just find someone with a camcorder and a tripod. with the right lighting and a steady hand (if thats the look you're going for) even your grandparents tiny old handycam would still work out for you if you have a good script and actors. and always remember how much scope you have with post production to make things look even cooler.

ask around your friends and family - i'm sure someone has been on a holiday and has a camera somewhere!

budget smudget! my latest short only cost me as much as the pizzas and pepsi the crew needed after a long day of shooting...

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Camera equippment can be expensive for a high schooler, but it depends on the quality you're after. For cheaper consumer camcorders -you can probably get one through your school, if not, there has to be someone at your school who will lend you one.

It's possible you could make a post in a paper or 'trade' magazine, asking to borrow a camera for a certain amount of time. There are people who would be willing to help you out in those areas for free, or very little charge. Who know's, there may even be someone here in your area who would be willing to help out!

-Chris

Does your school have a film dept? I guess not many schools do, but when I was in high school, We had one and anyone in the film dept. could check out cameras. What type of movie are you doing?

Hey, just some advice before you dive in Read at least a tiny bit about framing and camera angles, its weird, but some of the stuff is NOT intuitive until you read it, even though its really simple. Use a tripod, and get some bright lights (home depot 500 watt worklights are good, and can be found in many homes). Good luck!

Budget doesnt always mean anything. I have spent $3000 on a film that never even got made. I spent $300 on a film that became a huge hit. What matters is how you approach your project, and what you and your cast/crew are willing to put into it. On my latest film, my cast is working for screen credit and because they believe in the film. They like the potential of it. I am providing them food and covering their transportation costs.

The only things you have to face when working with non-payed actors, is getting them to be strict to sticking to the schedule. They are going to want to do it when it is conveneint for THEM, not YOU. Scheduling can be hard, but dont get discouraged. Just be prepared to shoot across diferent days.

As far as your camera situation, yes, borrowing a friends cam and tripod is a good start. Though the quality of their cam is out of your control. If they only have a canon-zr20, it is better than nothing, but dont expect the world. If you could find someone who has a GL1 or 2 or even a panasonic dvx1000, you would be all set. I say you would be all set, because the Gl series has excellent audio mechanisms. The audio on a zr-series camera (or similar), wont be the best. Those types of cams will pick up interference from flourescent lights and air vents.

For recording audio seperately, a mini-disc recorder would be great, but if you record sound seperately, you will need a slate. You can get those for $20 at studiodepot.com , or you could just make one.

Another thing you can try, is checking with your schools audio/visual department. They may have a camera that you may be able to put a deposit down on and sign out.


If you are looking to make this film have the same quality of excellence as your story, a way to get it done, could also be to give a more experienced filmmaker the rights to use your story, and turn it into a film. You can tell them what you want, and what your visions are. Many filmmakers who excell at filmmaking, but have a hard time writing their own material, are always looking for a good script. A place to get some ideas on that, might be craigslist.org

Buy equipment from Best Buy or something, keep the receipt, shoot fast,and return the merchandise. Unorthodox, but known to work.