10 Common Mistakes New Filmmakers Make & How to Avoid Them

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▼ Timestamps ▼
» 0:00 - Intro
» 0:41 - Mistake #1
» 1:26 - Mistake #2
» 2:13 - Mistake #3
» 2:44 - Mistake #4
» 3:45 - Mistake #5
» 4:53 - Mistake #6
» 5:49 - Best Place to Find Music
» 7:26 - Mistake #7
» 8:46 - Mistake #8
» 9:46 - Mistake #9
» 10:23 - Mistake #10
» 13:21 - Outro
#FilmRiot #Filmmakers #Mistakes
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[@motobob]

For the pops, you can set your default audio transition to a super short cross fade, then select your whole timeline and hit Cmd+Shift+D in Premiere to apply it to everything 👍

[@AndrewPRoberts]

That's exactly what I do

[@silverstaralchemist]

@@AndrewPRoberts saaaame. Also, hi Andrew.

[@AndrewPRoberts]

@@silverstaralchemist Fancy seeing you here

[@silverstaralchemist]

@@AndrewPRoberts gotta support our fellow alum's KZbin channel, amirite? Haha

[@zaymax_7]

On final cut, its just highlighting the audio and clicking option+T. Super neat feature they recently added!

[@EricLefebvrePhotography]

OMG!!! MISTAKE 8!!! I gave someone feedback on their short where literally 2/3 of the film is him wakimg up, having breakfast going for a run, taking a shower, going to work, watching tv. LOL.

[@OlgaKuznetsova]

Getting into a scene late and out early is such great advice! Cut out everything that is not essential! If you can cut it out, it's extra, so cut it out.

[@ryanworkman3032]

Best example of expositional dialogue: "The Terminator" placed most of the expositional dialogue in the middle of a chase scene.

[@IgnaceAleya1]

100% agree with the tips. All great ones to keep in mind when creating any type of video!

[@orcanimal]

8:17 this example from The Rock is actually a good way to incorporate a lot of exposition into a scene. Watched without context like this it can maybe feel a bit on the nose, sure, but in the context of the story and the very previous scene, it makes prefect sense for them to argue about this guy (Mason/Sean Connery's character) and what he's done/been through the past 3 decades, as it's integral to the story (he's the only person to successfully break out of Alcatraz and is a skilled escape artist). So while I agree many professional studio movies can have abysmal exposition dumps, I wouldn't categorize this barley 30 seconds scene as such.

[@kustomkool]

Best advice I ever got (from a big-deal Hollywood writer) was "learn how to artfully hide the exposition." (...as he proceeded to *RIP* my script apart!) :)

[@FlightPatternPictures]

I used to work as an editor for this independent streaming channel, and the producer asked why he could never see anyone talking. I told him that some of the reactions were more compelling then the actor just saying his lines, but it got me thinking that when I actually am in a group conversation, I find myself looking at everyone other than the person speaking. I just thought it was interesting since you brought it up in #10

[@YourMentalHealthGuy]

I still remember your advice about pacing years ago. And the tips on pacing you give in this video is amazing. Thanks!

[@potatoface4698]

This should be Mandatory viewing for all Filmmakers 😆🎬 I've encountered these countless times working with/judging film festivals the past 5 years. Pacing is a huge issue for most submissions, as is too much unnecessary dialog that's poorly written and acted. If you can't write compelling dialog and/or have inexperienced actors, cut it out and get more creative with telling the story visually. I'm glad you mentioned the "fade to black" transition as it's always irritated me even as a kid many years ago. The fade to black is sacred and only use it before end credits unless absolutely necessary to the plot. In festivals (without exception) a fade to black always makes the live audience think the film has ended and they start clapping which means the next scene is awkward because they miss whatever audio or dialog starts while they're still clapping lol.

[@jordanjoestar-turniptruck]

I recommend Garth Merengi's Dark Place for a great example of everything not to do. It's like they made The Room, but on purpose.

[@AndrewVaughanOfficial]

Also how not to broadcast, with respect to everyone but the Peruvian market (thank God for the Peruvian market)

[@AndrewJosephKeith]

Fairly new to the channel but this is my favorite video so far. I love getting the big mistakes and seeing examples. Great video.

[@jibinjoseph4828]

yaayyyy !!!!!! the ultimate online filmmaking academy. you guys are amazing. thanks for helping all this creators with so much of valuable informations 😇

[@clonkex]

More of this please! As a brand new film maker the super practical stuff (like demonstrating how to cut dialogue scenes) is incredibly helpful. More!

[@SourceAwareness]

Pure Gold in every video, thanks Ryan and crew!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Sticks]

Love mistake 10, you can finesse pacing more and more with more time and that’s when you get the best results! Great video 🙌🏼

[@timgleaves9496]

Good ideas! I appreciate the input and the channel! Very helpful!

[@TheTMax]

I use your tips for my travel vlogs and I've gotten so much feedback on how much better my newer travel vlogs are. Thanks Ryan!

[@IamColt13]

That last tip was fantastic. Makes total sense

[@user-pi1yv6wg3t]

As always great video!! Thank you so much for helping me fix that popping issue!!! I had no idea it was soo easy!!!!

[@storybart]

I cannot express how valuable your content is to beginners like me. Not only are the tips great, but learning so much and getting a good explanation on how and why really motivates me to start on the next project and improve myself!

[@rokkfilms]

Great Tips Ryan! I will def take this to heart in my future shorts!

[@fleur6711]

Thanks for the tips, I'll keep them in mind when I'm filmmaking! Would you guys consider making an updated video on tips and techniques of writing, shooting, and editing music videos?

[@SmartphoneFilmmaker]

Super helpful for new filmmakers and hilarious too! Great job guys!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

This is one of the best videos I've seen on filmmaking mistakes to avoid. Thanks, Film Riot.

[@raulpierri]

This is so useful! Thank you!

[@mrg1700]

I just wanna take this moment to thank film right for doing what they do as it’s really helped me in my filmmaking journey you could say. I’ve just completed my first film project for media in secondary school or high school as you call it in America. I couldn’t of done it without film riot. So what I wanna say is just thank you so much and keep doing what you’re doing you’re really helping a lot of people realise their dreams.

[@pipquixnostalgia6626]

My American ass thought you were in college until I read the high school part T-T that's so cool! Im just now (in 10th grade) starting to move off of iMovie where Ive been stuck since 4th grade to after effects/premiere pro and I completely agree! His videos are very helpful!

[@Icufilmz]

I need this, I catch some of my mistakes on set, others in the kitchen (editing) but I don’t know anyone that I can get experienced filmmaking feed back from thank you

[@maenzeidan9154]

Thank you, that was deeply helpful

[@Redpill73]

Great advice and I will be sure to keep them in mind.

[@sabsdelgado]

I like how Justin and Josh act more like brothers in the bits than Josh and Ryan lol

[@LAPortillo77]

Great info Film Riot! Please send (upload) more.

[@laderabajo]

Thanks, really liked the video!

[@brandonjacksoon]

Amazing, really useful! Thank you, dude!

[@KevinTSolomon]

I’m actually about to shoot a short film next week. These tips are really great. Definitely going to apply them. Thanks Ryan. 💪❤️

[@tallguytrav]

#8 had me cracking up. You've come a long way since The Cup J-Rob

[@Met9171]

Wow thanks this year it be my 1st time to be entering any movie competition which I am not sure if they've commenced; this helps me a lot!

[@mindfish21]

The opening scene to season 2 of Lost is the best example of showing someone's mundane morning routine adding to the story.

[@timfritz7367]

This was awesome! I’d love to see your top 10 for first time KZbinrs 🙂

[@cannafodder6761]

Mistake #8 counter argument. The intro to Dexter. Genius.

[@Jon-mf1qp]

I want to act for you guys so bad! I’ve watched you guys for so long and have given me so much inspiration and knowledge when making my own stuff. You guys do it the right way and you can tell you you guys are a family, which is something I’m trying to build for myself. One day!!! ✌️

[@giulianojahn]

11:47 is actually a great scene though, I laughed my ass off.

[@OwenTuson02]

Yeah I preferred the first one!

[@robertsaca3512]

Agreed, the timing of the first was funnier, the second was rushed and less successful as a result.

[@lawes88]

Agreed, so happy others liked the first one ;) It depends on what the point of the scene is but the timing was on point for me :)

[@itsjantore]

@@OwenTuson02 I enjoyed the first one too. It added to the comedic effect. At least the first two cuts. The proceeding could be tightened. This is why its so hard to edit..

[@ballardcainstudiosl.l.c1548]

Thank you for this helpful information

[@jetty_sound]

Perfect timing for my next set of projects. THANK YOU

[@calebgerst3721]

for the rode reel competition? :D

[@curtisung7359]

I concur good sir

[@jetty_sound]

@@calebgerst3721 if i can get it out in time. Are u?

[@jetty_sound]

@@curtisung7359 HAHA fancy seeing u here

[@calebgerst3721]

@@jetty_sound I´ll try. I shot a movie on the day Film riot released the announcement. (Video was uploaded while I was shooting) but I´ll try to get a band together for another cool story I´d like to do for the competition.

[@nicoa.levicki5773]

Some of the mistakes are hidden in plain sight, so thanks for the reminder Ryan, much appreciated!!!

[@filmowaniezprofitem]

Some of them are obvious for me, but some of them i never herd of. As always good piece of knowledge. Thanks!

[@TheRoboRai]

Thank you so much guys for this tips

[@bandobandit353]

Pretty sure that transition to music bed was planned in pre-production

[@kennethmotley2483]

Thanks that helped a lot!!

[@Winnerslay1]

Great pragmatic tips, thanks a lot!

[@TheLastNewYorker]

Thanks. Needed this. Kudos 👍👍

[@Vatoum]

Amazing as always!

[@RaoulEnoiu]

Pacing is always tough and cutting dialogue is only something you get with a lot of practice. Great advice though loved all of it!

[@GCRJ6]

Tighten the flow was very detailed, 👏🏿

[@devink.hansen4686]

Great tips thank you!

[@dulmin_]

Thanks for these 👌

[@saiganesh7944]

You are somewhere beyond great film riot....I am happy that I am following you for years...You are indeed a great teacher for me...Thank you ❤️❤️❤️Love from India 🎈

[@TheManOfTheeYear]

🔥🔥This is 110% solid facts for films I see from most filmmakers new and old. Great video to just send 1st time and more seasoned filmmakers to try and keep together from 1 till 10 in all films period.❤

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

Brilliant tips. Absolute gold...

[@DavidBrand]

Great video, Thanks!

[@jihadclaimon8447]

As you're talking about mistake #8 (mundane routine) my mind immediately went to Nobody and thought, "Nobody would be a good example of this right?", so glad you immediately mentioned it right after I feel validated lol. Brand new to all this stuff and been binging your videos and cross-referencing anything I need more clarification on and you guys have been great inspiration and just generally awesome, thanks a ton!

[@NickVago]

Amazing information! Love your channel. Btw, where did you get that filmmaker shirt?

[@rafalvonbur9946]

I love your channel and knowledge you are sharing

[@kayiet5169]

The cutting of the dialogues reminds me of something in the book "Blink of an eye"

[@perlmunger]

That exposition scene... oh man! Hilarious. Great illustration, but some comedy gold there. Nicely done!

[@lindalovehearts]

This channel is so helpful to me 👏

[@anthonykearneyfilms]

You guys are awesome! Keep it up! You should do something about Roger deakins lighting 🔥🔥

[@faisalf888]

Thanks for the information ☺️ always you save us ! You are superheros to the VFX & Filmmaking world and To All of us !

[@johnstanson3479]

Thank you!

[@malako777A]

this channel is amazing... congratulations.

[@Humcrush]

You're doing the Lord's work, Mr. C. Film festival judges around the globe are golf clapping as I type this.

[@shubhankartrivedi]

thanks for great info.

[@FilmshooterOH]

Years ago I taught a beginning filmmaking class (on Super-8 film which tells you how long ago) and I outlawed the "getting ready for your day sequences." I still do it today. I hate those scenes.

[@matiashamalainen]

You guys are the best!!

[@southlondon86]

Sir thank you for this great video. Great advice 👍🔥👌

[@peterguava]

just nice and helpful. Thank you

[@PracticalMedia]

Really great episode!

[@ThePauseMenuVlog]

Thank you all for this info. It is invaluable

[@ignatheus]

Would love to see more like this.

[@kairukukirin]

I am quickly becoming enamored with your content! Thanks again for this information! Now to get my business partners in line with some of these ideas haha.

[@ballingwithbrooklyn]

Wow That was some really great advice For real Thanks

[@marcointhemiddle7568]

You are so good guys!

[@GregorPQ]

Great tips!

[@ArtRepository]

This is great!

[@MyJeanf]

Great episode Ryan 🙂

[@quinnhawse]

12:13 - One of the single most useful tips I have ever heard...

[@filmstuff6781]

Mistake 1: going with the first idea, "think differently". Mistake 2: audio pops on cuts (audio cut from one clip to other) "add a very short crossfade between the two clips". Mistake 3: audio only coming from one channel. " in premiere just use the fill effect, fill right with left" *check with headphones*. Mistake 4: not committing to the moment, (actors not giving their fullest) (when the person in front of the lens will be acting and then just stop after lens is focussed on opposite person who he spoke to) "its the directors job". Mistake 5: transition from one scene to another. How ur changing audience emotion from one scene to another ''Planning ahead if time". Mistake 6: Music. If you take the music to a 10 where the scene/emotion really needed a 5 then your gonna end up with laughable results. Mistake 7: overly expositional dialouge (also dont let characters say their or others name so much time). Mistake 8:

[@evilpigskin]

These are all great. I wanna watch a short film with all these errors and say, It's Still GOOD!!!!!

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

Google Tommy Wiseaus The Room

[@insanejughead]

@@dallasdandigitalproduction393 That one isn't quite "short"...

[@joseyanez8231]

Having characters say each other’s name helps the viewer remember names. Just pay attention to every show on tv. They constantly spout one another’s names. It also how movie themes constantly play through out a movie so the audience remember that ost.

[@rawlenyanzi6686]

I actually made the “front credits” mistake in my own short film. I have since re-cut it to put the credits at the end, and that cut is what’s on my channel right now.

[@HeroDestrin]

INCREDIBLE video but Josh apparently * gasp* DRIVES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD?!

[@episodicstudiosllc]

Even easier way to fill the missing channel, right click on the click and "Audio Channels..." then just change them both to right or left channel.

[@NickGrosvenor]

I was going to suggest this but checked to see if anyone left a comment. 👍

[@NollyCakeTv]

Thank you for this. Nollycake Tv will put it into practice in my movies

[@kasperstenbom]

I liked the blackboard 😎👌🏼

[@vincentsprocket]

Love this one, guys! :)

[@richardglady3009]

Thank you.

[@adventurepantsmcgee]

Wooooowww - I always wondered if that popping between clips was normal, like if others experienced it too. Excellent share. 🔥

[@JoseSpenaN]

LOVE THIS

[@mannyromero5322]

Thank you

[@TheArtOfB]

The transitions tip is great I feel like that is one people hardly take aboot but I've definitely been in edit with my face in my palm.

[@user-tr2th9cc9s]

Video is useful for me.. Thank ,bro