We all agree that some movies are good while others feel off. But what separates a good film from a bad film? All the elements of making a film, including directing, acting, writing and cinematography, play a role in creating an entertaining and impactful story. So much goes into creating a good film, and since it is a collaborative medium, making a great film involves a combination of great talents to produce a cohesive product. Here is a look into the ingredients of filmmaking and how they impact the end product.
It Starts With Good Writing
A great film has a great script, Mark Murphy director, says. The production designers build the set based on the script, which also directs the cinematographers on what to shoot. It is easy to think that directors instruct everyone else on what to do, but everyone draws references from the script to inform their decisions on creating the story.
The director only has the vision that guides the work of the other departments in filmmaking, but it all starts with good writing. A good script is entertaining and well structured, and it keeps the action moving while building suspense for the audience. A great script keeps the audience guessing what will happen next.
Good Directing
Another aspect of a great film is good directing. A director needs to have two most essential skills: a vision and the ability to communicate it to the team. A director doesn’t need to know how to light a scene or work a camera as long as they know how to express what they want and engage talented people who can do all the other work. Good directing guides the decisions of the departments involved to bring out a cohesive story.
Actors Who Bring The Story To Life
A film wouldn’t be complete without a human aspect of the story to relate with, which is where the power of performance comes in. Viewers invest in a film or story because they can feel it and relate or empathise with the characters. Even though it is scripted, a great actor makes a story feel true and important to the audience. They make their lines inspired, natural, and impromptu and communicate their emotions and actions.
Cinematography That Inspires
Cinematography is what is known as the shots of the movie. A cinematographer is in charge of the film’s visual look and works closely with the director to tell the story in the director’s vision. In cinematography, everything matters, from the camera’s angle to the subject being captured. Every shot conveys something about the character, story, and everything happening on the screen. Therefore good cinematography should be both narratively important and visually stunning.
Production Value
The production value in filmmaking refers to the combination of all the elements that create the end product. A film with good production value has great props, sets, camera work, visual effects, and sound, all coming together to make a cohesive story.
Final Words
A good film uses all these filmmaking tools to bring out a good movie.