How hard is it to get started?

[RobDimension]

Hey all - now I know this isn't a "how to" forum, but looking for info from people who really didn't have any experience that started and actually finished a short. What kind of editting program did you use? What budget is needed for just equipment? I have a love for horror and damn it!! I wanna make a movie... :) Seriously - any help or info is awesome.

[zombiekilling101]

theres a big myth that you need a money to make movies. you dont. if you practice doing your own fx then you can make great stuff without spending alot of money. if you practice shooting in different conditions then you dont need expensive lighting.

you can use the basic editing program that comes with windos.. or adobe if you can get a copy. its hard to get used to but its a good program.

just practice and get your shit down and you dont need alot of money. the only problem I had was getting like minded dedicated people to sit still and not joke around while shooting.

[Morbidfilm]

I started back in 1990 with a vhs camera and edited with 2 vcrs connected together. It was a bitch to do, but I had to do it some how. I use Media Studio Pro now to edit and shoot with a Panasonic DVX100b camera.
I still do not have any financing but I spend what ever money I can spare to get what I want done.
The hardest part is actually going for it and doing it with out giving up. So many people say they are going to make a movie, but never finish it. Just go for it and have fun with it. Start out small and don't expect too much at first. But also be ambitious as hell at the same time. I hate seeing people talking about, "don't go beyond your budget" Screw that, your only limitation is your drive for how badly you want to make a horror film.

[Cybopath]

My very fist short, was a toy movie. I used a crap Hi-8 camera (Was good back then) to film and 2 VCRS hooked together by a scart cable to edit. To Ad sound effects I hooked up an Audio Cassette player.

Newer films I've done have been shot on Mini-DV camers or DV. Mini-DV camera's range from £100 - £1,000 depending on the quality. Editing software can be *Cough* *Cough* Legally downloaded. Premier for the PC is great, simple to use and Final Cut for the MAc is also great.

You don't need to spend in the regions of triple figures every time.

Evil Doll my first Semi-Pro short cost about £20 quid to make and thats just the props, guess the Camera was £250. I won't count my college films as I got to use really expensive equipment their for nothing.

The hardest thing I find is getting enthusiastic people and time for everyone to work together.

[RobDimension]

Thanks guys for the imput...I am really interested. I have some ideas, as Im sure everyone does. I appreciate your help.

Dimension

[B00Ne]

I agree with ZK101 and Cybopath, the hardest thing to find is people who'll invest the time and commitment and not dick around.

I apply for grants for funding and have received several. Really good for getting those shorts done, and if you do the festival circuit (especially for animation) then any wins or nominations you receive go a long way to getting more money in the future. I have 5K to do a stop-motion short right now, and it's plenty more than I need.

I have a large variety of SLR lenses and DSLRs that I use for stop-motion, and I've got a Canon XL1 for film stuff (which I don't do much of anymore). One of the best investments though, IMO, is lighting, because it can make or break a project.

I use a mixture of Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects/Photoshop for editing and post-processing (on a Mac of course).