If you think making films with your friends sucks, here are two suggestions:
1. Network, network, network!
Right now, I am making short films with friends. However, we weren't really friends before our first short film. We share the same idea's, because we worked together. I think it was in 2009 that I wanted to make a short film and asked a couple friends to help me. That never came off the ground. In early 2010, I met our fellow member PaulKanter, who happens to live like 20 minutes away from here. Together, we started working on that short film. We have been collaborating a lot ever since and through this way, I met a lot of other people who are now in my team, making my very first (real) short film as writer, producer and director!
Get to know people like you, that want to make films, seriously.
2. Aks your friends nicely.
Tell them that you have this idea that you're really fond of and that this time, you want to do it your way, but you need them. However, tell them that if they have idea's and suggestions to improve it, they are allowed to speak, but you'll have control over the disicions. Everytime your friends come with a suggestion, YOU LISTEN! If it's a bad idea, you reject it. If it's actually good, use it!
Before you ask your friends in this way, you should already have a clear vision of what you want. Make sure a script is ready and have some clear shots in mind that you can discribe to convince your friends that your way is the best way to go.
And last: don't be affraid to so 'no' or 'that acting was bad', but do not become a dictator behind the camera. They're still your friends!
David emerges from the store slowly. He braces himself against a parked car and then keeps on walking in a nightmarish daze.
WE PULL BACK as David blends in with dozens and dozens of ordinary people, walking on an ordinary street, in an ordinary city.
)
