Blog 021 | The Best Defense is a Good Offense

  • 07/08/2016
  • UPP STUDIOS

This blog, brought to you by UPP Studios, discusses the importance of planning as it relates to filmmaking, and why the best defense, is a good offense. A very important life lesson I have learned, is, with so many things being out of one's control, the the best one can do, is to focus on the things one CAN control. This sentiment is very pertinent to filmmaking. Making a film, with any type of budget, is difficult enough. When you're starting out, and you have little-to-no budget, the task can seem nearly impossible. Even moreso, when shooting outdoors. Sound (people, construction, wind, automobiles, landscaping, etc), and lighting (the sun changing positions every minute, effecting camera settings), are just some factors that can become overwhelming to deal with. 


The first preparations come with the script. Even when the plan is improvisation, having at least an outline is important, so that you don't find yourself either stuck in a repetitive cycle, or having trouble finding a clean end-point. Next comes shot planning. Storyboarding is crucial. When you're out in the world, dealing with the elements, the last thing you need is to have to figure out your angles and your framing on-the-spot. Only with storyboarding, can you pre-group your shots to avoid having to painstakingly replicate a previous shot from which you neglected to capture a piece of dialogue.  It is often the simplest, and most obvious little thing, that can bring a production to a halt. Taking stock of your equipment is important. Not only knowing where everything is the night before a shoot, but also changing your batteries and making space on your memory cards. You really want to begin your filming session with the best possible tactical advantage. 
 

UPP Studios

UPP Studios has learned, first hand, through trial and error, that the best defense, is a good offense. We have tried, failed, picked ourselves up, and most importantly, we have learned. We have learned that "the best defense, is a good offense," is not the only phrase to take away from sports. The other, very important, sports phrase, is "there is no "I" in team." Filmmaking is, without a doubt, a team activity. When you find the team that works for you, you must learn not only to lean on them, but also to be as dependable to them as you hope they can be for you. Knowing when to ask for help is equally as important as knowing when to offer it. 

Lastly, it is very important to remember to treat your team right. You can accomplish this by not only being as dependable as possible, but also by showing the people you work with the respect they deserve. A happy team, that works well together, will always produce the best content. 

UPP Studios appreciates your time, and would like to thank you for your interest in our content. There is a new blog every Friday, and there are original, new media sketch comedy videos, released every Monday, right here, at uppstudios.com, so stay tuned!