If you could make a movie, what would it be about?
Many people dream of putting their vision up on the silver screen. The entertainment industry is glamorous and exciting; who wouldn’t want to be part of it?
People outside the film industry often have a limited understanding of how movie production works, though. Several pervasive filmmaking myths give people the wrong idea about the process.
Keep reading to learn the truth behind some of the most common myths about making films.
Directors Are All-Important
Think about a handful of the best movies you’ve ever seen. The odds are good that you can name the director of every single one of those films Names like Stanley Kubrick and Steven Spielberg are known by audiences far and wide.
Directors are often seen as the sole creative force behind a film, but that’s not the case. Films are collaborative. Writers create the film’s narrative, producers provide funding, and cinematographers handle the visuals.
Even in the rare instances where the director also serves as the writer and producer, there are still dozens of other crew members working hard on the film, from actors to the prop department and beyond.
While directors are very influential, it’s a mistake to think that a film’s quality hinges completely on the person in the director’s chair.
Acting Is an Easy Job
Acting is a glamorous job, but it’s not an easy one. While the finished product only lasts a few hours, film actors spend months doing take after take, trying to give the best performance possible.
An actor needs a wide range if they want to appear in different types of movies, so they need to hone their craft constantly. Intense roles can be physically and mentally demanding.
Films often require their stars to travel, forcing them to spend long stretches away from their home and loved ones. Stunt work, poor shooting conditions, and other factors can also make their jobs more difficult.
Of course, most actors would agree that the hardships are worth it–you can see here that people still love their work even after decades in the entertainment industry.
There’s a Secret Formula
Lots of people think they have film figured out–that there’s a right way and a wrong way to make movies. They think that movies have to be a certain length or appeal to a specific audience to be successful.
In truth, there is no best way to make a movie. Films are subjective; there are no best movie genres, perfect characters, or inherently superior filmmaking techniques.
Different movie types appeal to different people. That’s what makes the medium so great: no matter who you are or where your interests lay, you can find–or make–a film that speaks to you.
Ignore These Filmmaking Myths
Common filmmaking myths can confuse or discourage people who want to break into the industry. Now that you know the truth about these film myths, you should have a better understanding of how movies are made!
Are you interested in learning even more about film? Visit our news page to find articles about the latest in entertainment: reviews, recommendations, industry information, and more!
