How to solo shoot your own film

Work with others because you love to, not because you need to

Shooting "Ronnie's Wake" with an iPhone 6S+ and the MoJo-7 handheld rig

I recently solo shot a film called “Ronnie’s Wake” and it was a really fun experience. If you have read my book “Micro Short Filmmaking: A guided learning journey” or taken a class with me, then you are getting comfortable doing things yourself and making your own short films.

Perhaps you have picked up bits of editing skills, camera skills and other talents on your own, through watching others or through self-study. Now I’d say you are ready to solo shoot a film!

One of the keys to solo shooting is to plan for it from the beginning. You need to be aware of the many roles you will be called on to play in creating a solo shot film. Here are a few:

1. Producer. You are the person who is responsible for the film from the business side, including finding the resources to complete the film, get it into film festivals, onto IMDb and beyond. The buck starts and stops with you, including making sure you have the necessary rights to all materials that go into the film.
2. Writer. You need to develop a script that lends itself to solo shooting. Placing limits on the complexity of the story and simplifying items like props needed, decor, cast size and locations will help you. Set the film indoors if possible so you aren’t fighting weather.
3. Casting Director.  You need to find actors, particularly ones that can come up with good acting choices, cope with scenes easily, and aren’t a headache in terms of scheduling or reliability. Casting actors who also produce films will help you because of the understanding of the process they bring.
4. Director. In the end, you are responsible for the shoot going well from an artistic and performance standpoint. Working with actors you know will be a bonus. Share with them some of the challenges that you will be encountering as you shoot solo, because they often have great ideas for simplifying things or helping out.
   
5. Cinematographer. You need to visualize and execute the shoot that you want to see. The more you visualize the final result, and share that with your actors, the better they can help you. Take lots of practice shots with your phone or whatever camera you will be using so you understand your gear. Use a good handheld stabilizing rig of some sort, or fix the camera with a tripod or clamp, so you can think more about directing in the moment.
6. Sound and Lighting. Do yourself a favor and use a good, directional external mike for your phone or other camera. You can get good ones for not too much money. In a pinch, even the mike that comes with your headphones can do a decent job of eliminating random ambient noise. For lighting, shoot somewhere where your camera is happy and you as the director can live with the existing lighting, both natural and artificial.
7. Actor. Yes, if you are up for it, write yourself into a part! Normally this would be a spoken part (unseen) unless you have enough moxie to self-film yourself while doing everything else you are being called upon to do. For sure, there’s no harm in you playing the waiter or similar small part that can be done as a voiceover.  
8. Editor. You will need to do the titles, credits and edit the film together, as well as considering whether music is helpful and finding appropriate rights-cleared material. This is a fun part because you truly get to live the idea that there are several films: the one you wrote, the one you filmed and the one you edited.
9. Publicist. This is really back to you as the producer. You need to pull together a press kit, including a poster, director’s statement, trailer, stills, IMDb page for the film, and any other material that will help market the film to festivals and beyond.

Sound easy? Well, no, it is a challenge, but a fun one. In many ways it is the "Mount Everest" of filmmaking, because once you can do everything yourself, you needn't fear any aspect of the process ever again. So why not try coming up with a short film concept that you simplify to the point where you could shoot it yourself, and go for it? The skills, resourcefulness and adaptability you develop will build your confidence immensely, and you will end up working with others because you enjoy it, not because you lack the skills they possess. Enjoy!