Photos: Tenzin Dorj
10. Embracing technology
In a fast moving age of technology, choosing the right equipment can be overwhelming. After much homework, we narrowed it down to Canon 5D. It´s cost effective and produces brilliant results, both technically and creatively. Due to its reasonable price, investing in two cameras turned out to be a sound idea. This allowed us to take two takes simultaneously, which not only gave the actors freedom to improvise but also quickened the shooting process.
9. Innovation
Coping with adversaries is a challenge but it makes way for innovation. While shooting “Uma,” we tapped into solar energy to battle long load-shedding hours. And DIY low-energy LED bulbs (18 watts) provided the required power to light up a scene.
Photos: Tenzin Dorji
8. Post production
Known for their brutality on the chopping board, a good editor is essential for a film. While the director´s word is final, there´s no denying that a film can fall flat if not for an editor who has the eye and the judgment to know what stays and what goes.
7. Music
John Williams, Howard Shore, James Horner, Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard, A.R Rehman. Need we say more? It´s gradually taking precedence in Nepali films as well. A film is incomplete without the score and the soundtrack.
6. Props
It´s not enough to just select a good pool of actors; it´s important that they are geared with the right props. It´s a support system that helps them get into their character as well as make the experience more real for the audience.
5. Location
The backdrop not only sets the tone of the film, it also provides for great cinematography. We found that in Salmitar Village in Khopasi, a natural studio.
4. Team
From the spot boy to the director, no matter how big or small the role, it´s equally important. It´s the team that pumps blood into the project.
Also, special attention should also be given to the food, as that keeps the engine running. After all, “the army marches well on a full stomach.”
3. Actors
Actors are the face of the film. They bring the characters to life, and so a good selection of actors is paramount as it’s their performances that carry a film.
2. Story/screenplay
It´s been proven time and again that a film can hold as much as the weight of the story. If the storyline is weak, then at some point the film is going to fall apart. It’s the backbone, really.
1. Director
The captain of the ship. The end of the food chain. The ultimate force. The buck stops here.
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