A Production from Start to Finish! - Part 1

Hey folks, 

While working on one of our productions the other day it occurred to me that although people watch films they may not know the full extent of the work that go into making one ,or they would like to have a go themselves but don't know where to start. So I thought that for our latest production I would try and document the procedure in the hope that someone out in the big wide world may find it interesting or even help them! This is not going to be an in-depth breakdown but we will cover the basics just to get you started.

So the obvious starting point is the script. If you want it to look right (or if you want anyone in the industry to take you seriously) you will have to follow the age old standard layout that everyone uses. There are software programmes out there such as Final Draft  which you can now pick up for around £160 and which will correctly format the page for you.

If you can't afford specific software don't worry, you can still write your script in Microsoft Word or other word programme, it might just take you a little longer to format the page. If using Word you must use the Font  - Courier at size 12 which looks like this. (This is because it resembles the old type writer font which was used when scripts were first written)

Some Important Points to Remember when Writing:

• Ideally your script should work out to one page of dialogue = one minute of screen time. 
• Do not put anything in Bold
• Do not write camera directions - This is the job of the Director and will be added by him / her.
• The following should all be capitalised in the script: Sounds (including music) ,the names of the characters the first time they appear , the speakers name above each line of dialogue and every word in the header: INT. SHOP. DAY

As I said these are only the basics and you can get more information easily on the net. One of the best ways to learn is by looking at professional scripts. These are sometimes given away with film magazines, or you may be able to find them on the web. Just remember that scripts vary slightly depending on the programme / film genre so make sure you learn the style that’s right for you.

Next time we'll start to breakdown the script.

Watch this space!

Hi everyone,

Well, we are now well and truly into the new year and already it's starting to look exciting! As already mentioned below we entered the top 100 requested videos on Scuzz and our new fishing DVD To Lure A Killer has appeared on numerous websites and articles like the one below...

But that's just the start! We have big plans this year and we are already well under way with several new products and programmes in the pipline. In between all of that we will also be making fun short films on whatever we feel like so if you have any ideas what we can film or what you would like to see let us know! Below is our video for January in which we decided to have a lighthearted look at our slow internet connection speed :-)

We also aim to make this blog more exclusive giving you the chance to see things here before anyone else including behind the scenes footage and other fun stuff. So thanks for checking out bearleft.tv in 2010 and we hope you enjoy what we do in 2011.

We're in the Press!

This week has been rather exciting for us here at Bearleft.tv as one of our products has generated alot of interest and appeared in several publications. The Lost Railways of the Forest of Dean (Severn and Wye) was first picked up by a multimedia distribution company and with a large batch of DVD's heading to them this week will be on sale across the country in time for Christmas.

Shortly after, a review of the DVD appeared in the Dean Forest's Railway magazine announcing that the product was " a smashing DVD to have on your shelf and one that will keep fans of the Dean Forest Railway very happy"

Our last appearance in print this week appeared yesterday in the Forest's local paper aptly called "The Forester" and despite the somewhat dubious headline (!) once again publicised the DVD along with a photo of Aaron and Alan.

We have a new DVD coming out shortly along with some cool clothing items and other fun stuff which Aaron has designed so keep checking back for more updates soon, and don't forget to follow us on facebook too!

Something Wicked This Way Comes?

OK, so recently alot of people have been shouting at us here at Bearleft.tv. Why? - well because mainly they've been spilling hot stuff over their legs and generally making fools of themselves at work and other public places.

Why is that our fault? Well it's all to do with an outtake from one of our programmes which appears to show something spooky in the reflection of the glass. Rather than keep something this monumental to ourselves we'd thought we would share it with the world... but it appears that the world was not ready! If you haven't seen it yet - now's your chance...but put your hot drink down first! - You've been warned!

Bearleft.tv's Real Ghost Footage...Maybe?

Bearleft's Mountain Rescue Presentation Another Success!

For the third time Bearleft.tv are proud to have been asked by the UK & Ireland Mountain Rescue Conference to create their opening presentation. Over the last few years it has become something of a tradition and originally the presentation was played before the start of the conference. We have been reliably informed that our work now IS the start of the conference as people enter the hall quickly so as not to miss it!

This year, the film was so well received that it will be made available to teams across the UK to assist in their fundraising. Naturally we are delighted and look forward to working with Mountain Rescue in the near future!