Making a movie can seem like a daunting challenge. It's hard enough to write a story, but how do you get started when you haven't made a movie before or know any filmmakers?

We sat down with Wes Throneberry who leads the film collective Charm City Filmmakers to discuss this problem.

Through Charm City Filmmakers, Wes regularly mentors first-time filmmakers making their first film. We discuss the common challenges many first-time filmmakers face and some advice you can use to make your first film.

This was a great conversation you don't want to miss!

https://www.storyprism.io/
https://www.charmcityfilmmakers.com/


Show notes:

0:00 - start
0:10 - intros
1:04 - Charm City filmmakers
2:22 - Charm city filmmaker background
7:52 - common mistakes from first-time filmmakers
9:50 - types of filmmakers in charm city filmmakers
12:00 - the importance of knowing different roles on set
14:52 - editing a movie
17:58 - the importance of being a writer/director
18:57 - how charm city filmmakers works
21:25 - most challenging aspect for new filmmakers
24:04 - pre-visualization & communicating with collaborators
27:24 - important meetings to have in pre-pro
30:01 - key crew for first-time filmmakers
31:00 - various roles on set
34:28 - why do you limit first-time filmmakers to one-day shoots
40:12 - making a short / trailer for a feature to attract investors
42:20 - what is the Baltimore film scene like?
44:18 - how much does the script change from pre to post
46:35 - the importance of being open to changes to your script
48:40 - what are the common things that cause a budget to skyrocket
53:45 - filmmaking resources and groups in other cities
58:24 - what is a production like
01:01:14 - advice for when things go wrong on set
01:02:25 - final thoughts