Cheap Movie Tricks

Rickey Bird of Hectic Films is building a filmmaking empire on a budget. His short films, feature films, micro docs and tutorials have landed in some of the biggest American film festivals and been seen online throughout the world. The result? Millions of views worth of exposure from films online, in festivals and creative marketing literally on the street. His many projects have seen leading B actors like Hulk Hogan and Vernon Wells (Mad Max Road Warrior), make-up artists from the TV show Grimm, and stuntmen from the Call of Duty games.

1. Introduction To Short Films: Big Tricks, Small Packages

Get your ass off the couch! Did you know small ideas turn into big ideas? Short films are

the way to get noticed!

Callout: Figuring Out Your Short Film End Goal

Callout: Short Films Made Into Indie Features

2. The Location Situation: Staying Out Of Jail

Aha! You thought it was the script that came first. Not in low budget cinema. The real

trick is how not to get arrested.

Callout: Some Of Our Favorite Location Cheats

3. Stories That Don’t Suck: Help Me Think, Please

Most ideas suck. So we’re starting with some basic yesses and no-nos. What is a story?

What are its parts? What is conflict?

Callout: A Brief History Of Stories

Callout: Why Horror Matters

Callout: Why Drama Matters

Callout: Why Action Matters

Callout: What Makes A Good Character

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4. No Room For Shitty Scripts: Filmmaker Revision Made Simple

How do I write a script that fits my budget and doesn’t sacrifice story? The secret?

Creative filmmaking early in the writing process.

Callout: Tarantino-Style Heroes Journey

Callout: Working With A Team Of Writers

5. Um . . . Money: Planning & Budget Made Easy

We will show you how to plan your shoot and raise the funds without robbing

convenience stores. Well that’s kinda our plan . . .

Callout: Easy Planning Spreadsheet Set-Up

Callout: Easy Budget Spreadsheet Set-Up

6. This Movie Needs Style! Set & Costume Themes

Believe it or not your movie needs a look and feel. We’re going to help you with style

points.

Callout: Sexy Style Tips Via Color Filters

7. All Aboard! Talent And Crew On A Journey Together

This is the heart and soul of any film production. Even if your crew only consists of you

and three other people, we’re going to show you how to make it happen.

Callout: How To Get Name-Brand Talent

8. Action! Shot Planning & Filming

Figure out your shots and then execute . . . Doesn’t that sound easy?

Callout: Make A Shot List

9. What If My Movie Needs A Puppet Baby? Special Effects & Make-Up

At Hectic Films we do practical effects as much as possible because we appreciate the art

form and because CGI Developers ain’t cheap. Ain’t cheap at all . . .

Callout: How To Do Blood Hits

Callout: How To Make Guns Look Real

Callout: Bullets, Sounds, Lights & Muzzle Flashes

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Callout: Punching & Kicking Made Easy

Callout: Prosthetics Are For Everything

Callout: CGI Do’s And Don’ts

10. Shoot Days And Pick-Up Shots: The Mini Guide To Panic Attack Prevention

What might foul up a shoot? Oh, just about anything and everything. We’ll break down

some of the biggest potential panic attacks so you can refer back here and do some

filmmaking yoga.

Callout: How To Pull Off Pick-Up Shots By Yourself

11. The Experience Of Sensory Detail: In Other Words, Light & Sound

Believe it or not you actually need to care about light and sound if you’re going to have a

career as even a novice filmmaker. We’ll help you figure out the basics.

Callout: Lighting Comparisons

Callout: Lighting Graph

Callout: Sound Effects Made Simple

12. Editing & Color: What If Nothing Looks Right, Ever?

Editing and color correction requires skill and patience. Don’t worry, we’re here to kick

you when you scream for help.

Callout: Our Top Five Edits

Callout: Our Top Five Uses of Color

13. Sound Edits, Music, and Score

These are things that you may have to trust others to do. Done incorrectly and your film

might be better off sent to the trash bin. So pay attention.

Callout: Free Music Checklist

14. Your Marketing History Matters: Kick-Ass Movie Posters & Other Artwork Tips

If you want people to watch your movie then you need a poster so eye-poppingly cool

that they have to see your film. Think about it: Would you eat a cupcake that looks like a

turd?

Callout: Comic Book Style

Callout: Hectic Films Poster Collection

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15. Screenings & Promotions

When you make it this far you may feel like you’re done—you’re not. This is the time to

start promoting your film. You do want people to watch it, don’t you?

Callout: How To Get Theaters For Cheap

16. Film Festivals

There are many film festivals out there. What should you look for? We can show you

how to avoid the circle-jerk festivals. You know, where the judges only pick their friends?

Callout: Keys To A Good Film Festival

17. And Now For The Big-Time, Baby: Getting A Feature Deal

It’s time to truly get prepared. What if someone sees your short film and asks, “Do you

have a feature-length script for this?” Are you ready? Are you really ready?

Callout: Brainstorming A Longer Story

Callout: Don’t Be a Douchebag. Ever