(The Essential Student Filmmaking Guide)
By Brandon Rosas
In an era where conformity often dominates the film industry, it’s essential to challenge the norms and push boundaries to drive innovation. The rules outlined here serve as a reminder that creativity thrives under constraints and that true innovation often arises from breaking free of traditional molds. By embracing unconventional techniques and daring to defy expectations, filmmakers can pave the way for new possibilities and redefine the art of storytelling on screen.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
I swear to submit to the following set of rules drawn up and confirmed by SUGMA34:
1. Zooming Haze Rule: Stick to the original camera settings, only use zoom lenses, and refrain from adjusting ISO, framerate, or filters.
2. RGB FTW Rule: Embrace colored lighting only. No natural or neutral lighting options, and avoid standard house or on-location lighting.
3. Makeshift Sellout Rule: Create parody or original product placements instead of hiding copyrighted labels if said prop wants to be used.
4. Production Circus Rule: Rotate crew roles after each scene to ensure everyone has a different role at least four times.
5. Craigslist Enthusiast Rule: Cast only non-professional actors, excluding theater students or paid performers. Only random pedestrians or strangers are allowed.
6. The 1080 Rule: Break the 180-degree rule in at least six instances across six scenes, with a maximum of six shots per scene.
7. You’re Not That Guy Rule: Craft ambiguous stories set outside the present, avoiding self-awareness, parody, or mockumentary styles.
8. George Lucas Self-Loathing Rule: Eliminate on-screen graphics like title cards or subtitles.
9. Irma Vep Neglector Rule: All scripts must be translated into that language regardless of your lead’s ethnicity. If they are of English descent, they can choose a language other than English.
10. Tap That Tail Rule: Every scene and shot must be slated in only tail slates. Standard slate procedures are entirely forbidden. If your production has a false take rate over 50% at minimum, then you must reshoot the entirety of a scene with the highest no-slate tick rate.
11. Skinwalker Unleased Rule: Every crew member and actor/actress must dress up as their favorite film industry professional, specific to their department. For concern that this will contradict Rule Number 4 when you switch roles, you have to change clothes into whoever your favorite personnel is in that category. For actors and actresses, the same rules apply; you have to dress up in your favorite actor or actress’s attire regardless of what the script or story dictates.
12. Shitty Rigs Rule: All standard film equipment must be used in obstructive or nonconventional ways. Any form or practical usage of any equipment is strictly forbidden. However, alternative solutions are allowed, such as using the environment to aid your filming process.
Furthermore, I, as the director, am not a hotshot! I will refrain from being above everyone else and continue challenging standard filmmaking procedures until my student filmmaking career has ceased!
(The B.S. Translator Guide)
The abovementioned rules may seem absurd, even counterintuitive, to traditional filmmaking norms. However, they serve a crucial purpose in pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation within the medium. By imposing constraints and challenges on filmmaking, these rules force filmmakers to think outside the box, fostering unconventional approaches and fresh perspectives that defy the status quo.
RULES EXPLAINED/LORE
- In one set, students improvised with zoom lenses instead of standard ones, leading to creative solutions. They accidentally shot at 60 frames per second in another set, resulting in unexpectedly smooth footage that turned out well with editing.
- To break the monotony of standard lighting setups, this rule encourages filmmakers to embrace color creatively, as seen in a student production where vibrant colors enhance the editing process.
- Instead of concealing copyrighted labels, filmmakers are urged to craft realistic props, promoting creativity over conformity and improving the overall aesthetic of their films.
- By rotating roles, students gain a comprehensive understanding of various production positions, fostering camaraderie and insight into different responsibilities on set.
- Inspired by Italian Neorealism, this rule advocates for diverse casting. It challenges the tendency for student films to feature the same actors repeatedly, thus enhancing authenticity.
- This guideline breaks from the strict adherence to the 180 rule and allows for experimentation and innovation in filmmaking techniques.
- This rule encourages the exploration of diverse and unconventional locations for storytelling to combat the predictability of modern settings in student films.
- To preserve the authenticity of student films, this rule discourages overreliance on flashy visual effects and encourages a focus on storytelling and creativity.
- Inspired by Irma Vep, this rule promotes diversity in language and culture among filmmakers, challenging language barriers and encouraging inclusivity.
- This rule stresses the importance of professionalism and emphasizes the necessity of tail slating and respecting assistant camera personnel on set.
- This rule cautions against overbearing leadership on student film sets, advocating for collaboration and understanding each team member’s role to ensure the project’s success.
- Encouraging resourcefulness and creativity, this rule references “shittyrigs.com” and urges students to share unconventional methods and DIY solutions for filmmaking challenges.