This is Alex Ranarivelo's Rule: The 4 D's of student filmmaking.

Death

Drugs

Drinking

It was all just a ... Dream.

These are the easiest things to use to get drama out of a story. They are usually done very badly. Make a short film without using one of the four D's, and there's a chance it might turn out good.

Location: Westlake Village, CA USA

How about the misunderstood artist? Please get a life. PS- I love this list. It could be retitled "You May Be a Director If..."

Location: USA

Alright, I'm 16 and I could do with a bit of help because next term I'm directing my first play. It's basically Shakespeare. I have no money but my school has a wealth of resources eg. lighting.....errr, dry ice......cotton wool, ketchup etc. If anyone wants to do a poor English orphan boy a favour, or simply wants to inflate their personal ego on the basis that your a better person than me, I'd really appreciate a bit of advice or reccomendations or summint. Cheers

Location: Newcastle, England

I'm a 17 year-old high scholl student and I've been part of the Film Club for about a year (note: this is for those people who feel that credintials=credibility, in which case I have none.)

First, a commentary on the commontary. It reminds me of the bickering scrawl I saw on a bathroom wall once. About half is part of a "This site sucks. No it doesn't" argument. Be origional.

Oh yeah. People will take what you write more seriously if you pay closer attention to spelling, grammer, etc. I suck at this, so when I see glaring mistakes I know it's pretty bad.

I wrote a script for a kung fu spoof that we are shooting. However, I only have it loosly making fun of that film genre. A lot of it is drawn from Japanese comic books, which are drawn in a highly cinamatic style. Because part of it is taken from a lesser-known area of a foreign culture, my script has an outward appearence of semi-origionality. Also,

I did not try to put any symbolism or messege into it. It is soley for the purpose of having fun and the fact that it is filmed on a digital camera means it costs almost nothing to do. Having fun is the most important part of making a film. If you don't enoy it and your not getting paid, why the hell are you doing it?!

Location: Eugene, OR USA

We(the ignored indies)need somebody to come to Belfast and help us. The N.Ireland Film Commission is a closed shop and only friends of friends get anywhere(and they are crap). The real talent doesn't have an outlet.

Location: Belfast, Ireland

OK, you've dumped on most of the things film students like to do, that they think is neat! What do you expect them to do, then? Just NOT what you don't like? How about giving them some inspiration instead?

Bob

Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

Reading through the replies to this great list and I get depressed.

This list is the most enspiring thing I have read ever! It gives tips and warns of pitfalls, but it also lets me know that others see what I see in mediocraty (forgive the spelling).

It is harmfull to the careers and confedence of those who are truly creative to have their work flooded out by large amounts of bad or "barely acceptible" work, and then be grouped in with this work by individuals and the media. This happens far too much with all forms of expression. Yes it may be fun to claim you have talent when you don't, but when it numbs peoples reactions when they are realy confronted by someone of "True Genius" claiming their work IS something special pandering to these people (even if they do pay well) does cause harm.

Location: New Zealand

I would like to suggest an addition to the the list of DUMPS. Blair Witch rips.... it's gotten to the point where you can't swing a dead cat around with hitting some sort of parody or a striking similar plot line. In the last semestere, I've seen TWO out of my school alone. I shudder to think of how many more are being produced. Thanks.

Location: St. Louis, MO USA

Sir, you seem to forget, some of the greatest stories and films ever made are about the subject matters that you are condeming. I think it is important to distinguish between - ideas that are bad and bad writing. Student films exploit good ideas and employ ultra bad writing. SIMPLE IS BETTER AND SMARTER. Story and style must be equal and trust each other!

Location: L.A., CA USA

I am a begining young film maker and I have completed a script. I need help getting started on everything else. Please send advice. Also, I think you forgot one thing, along with the walk-in/walk-out transition, I know a film is bad as soon as I see a transition where they show the wall in one set and then suddenly it turns into the wall of another set. I really like this site though. Bye

Location: NJ USA

The PUNCHLINE film is the one I saw way too often at film school, both as a student and as a instuctor. It's similar to the One Joke Film, but in this case we must wait until the very end to "get" what is going on. We reach the conclusion and slap our foreheads and say somethig like, "Oh, I get it, he's blind!" Film students make their films like comedy sketches. They don't tell stories jokes. But I can't totally blame the students, for that's just what they are! They've learned this shit somewhere, either through faculty memebers who make no effort to teach their students elsewise or through watching films that use these cliches. You've done a good job of pointing out the bumps in the road, but you need to also make a list of things that make for good short films. It's very easy to excentuate the negative, but what is it worth if you don't illuminate the positive?

Location: Tampa, FL USA

Interesting site. The author(s) of this site should provide a sample/link of their filmwork, so aspiring filmmakers have a model of an acceptable student film. Otherwise, all this valuable advice shouldn't be respected.

Location: Miami, FL USA

I believe that by absorbing as much from the greats and the not-so-greats, you can evolve and develop a style completely your own... And just two more things: 1. No more "Summer that changed our lives" films 2. Eliminate all frat house fun student flicks. The world would be a better place without such films. Also, I'd like to see more silent film projects with music. I think every filmmaker should be fluent at telling a story with images before attempting dialogue... Just my opinion. Thanks. -Rob Neal-

Location: Columbus, OH USA

Wow! I almost busted a gut reading this list. As a current film student myself, I can tell you honestly that I've been guilty of making these mistakes many, many, many times. (I like to think I've learned from them.) I've also seen these same problems in innumerable films from my classmates � if I have to sit through one more "tortured artist" film, or one more film that dwells on depression and suicide, I think I'm going to throw up. Trust me, guys, this list is spot-on � read it and take it to heart. (As for those posters who write things like "this whole site is shit and you should just ignore it and be creative and do your own thing cuz if you just put your soul into it it'll be great" � I know students like that, and you know what? Their films SUCK. And by the way, you don't have to be a genius to criticize other people's work. Shit is shit. I don't have to be William Faulkner to know that Danielle Steele is trash.) For any of you readers who may be getting discouraged from reading this list, cheer up: Many of those directors that you look up to made these very same mistakes in their student films � trust me, I've seen them, I know. About the only difference is that instead of wanking off to Tarantino or the Coen Brothers, they were wanking off to Truffaut and Godard. It's true � film school is the time to screw up, make mistakes, and make masturbatory films filled with self-indulgence. The important thing is that you get it out of your system QUICKLY and start learning from your mistakes, start learning how to stop being a STUDENT and how to start being a FILMMAKER. Two more bits of advice: 1. Have fun, for crying out loud. As one poster said, "If you don't enjoy it and you're not getting paid, why the hell are you doing it?!" The worst student films I've seen, including my own worst output, is overly-pretentious, hyperserious dogshit. Even if you're going to make a serious film, you should still have fun doing it. You are not Francis Ford Coppola. You are too young, inexperienced, and naive to be "suffering for your art." There is nothing more pathetic than a student filmmaker who acts as if every film they make is a great revelation from God on high. The best student filmmakers I know never take themselves too seriously, and they always approach their films with a sense of fun � even when they do "serious" films. 2. Like all rules, all the suggestions on this page are made to be broken, and no, that doesn't contradict my earlier statement. Breaking the rules is great when you know exactly what you're doing. My beef is with people who just break the rules for no reason. For example, 99.9999% of the time, video effects really do suck. (And believe me, I've been guilty of screwing up my own work with cheesy video effects.) But the best student film I've ever seen � and I've seen hundreds � was a film that relied heavily on video effects. The difference was that the filmmaker really knew what he was doing, and he used those effects in a beautiful, creative, and original way that was completely in line with the the story he was trying to tell. So don't throw out the script of your film just because it breaks a few of these DUMPS rules. Just take an honest look at your work and ask yourself if this is really, REALLY necessary. Be honest � you might be able to rationalize it to your professor or your classmates, but deep down inside, you know when you're doing something just for a cheap effect. That's all guys, keep up the good work and have fun!

Location: LA, CA USA

So funny, so true...I am guilty of all of them... whoever wrote this is funny...a good writer...he/she probably did it all too. Hopefully none of my films will be judged this truthfully, actually do you critique screenplays? I need it for my new short I'm doing soon.

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

All too often, when you find a real good student film, its only good to other filmakers. Try to please others and not yourself, thats all i have to say. I like soda.

Location: keene, NH USA

This is a cool list of don't for films, but where are the DO's??? Also, each of these are often over-used and cheesy, but if they have a purpose and aren't used too much, then they are effective. Keep in mind that all of these DON'T's are a matter of degree. Finally, I strongly believe that the key to making a short film is extensive preplanning. Write, rewrite, double check, re-storyboard..etc etc.... until the film is exactly the way you envision it. A well prepared film will shine through, and those that are just "thrown together" will stand out as such.

Location: Butler, PA USA

Great list, but I seem to be missing the student films with all the nakedness. Everything else is right on the money. Here are a few more: 1. Excessive foul language. What is it with you kids and the "F" word? I just get TIRED of hearing it over and over and over. 2. FOCUS THE DAMN CAMERA AND HOLD IT STILL! 3. Insane and mentally disturbed people do not constantly spout dialoge from TV shows.

Location: Milwaukee, WI USA

One sure sign of a student film is that one person is credited with writing, directing, producing, cinematography, costumes, special effects, make-up, catering, etc. 1950's filmmaker Bert I. Gordon was a jack of all trades but looking at any of his pictures proves that by doing everything, he did none of it well. Let other people help you, if possible and be sure to give them credit for their work.

Location: USA

After reading much of this site, it seems people want tips for what makes for and makes up a good film, not just deconstruction. So I humbly offer some suggestions that, in my opinion, are a part of a good film. 1. Good cinematography is a must. This is much more than just putting a guy who knows how to work the camera behind it. Good DPs add so much more to the visual content of the story than most writers even imagine. Shaky or otherwise amatuer camerawork means that no one will take your film seriously. 2. If you think your film is good, show it to some people that are NOT fellow film students, or friends and family. Get others to watch it, so you can know that your film works on a level outside of insider film techniques and jokes. Do this, and see what works best with a wider audience. (NOTE This is not to suggest you should make a film strictly for commercial purposes at all). 3. Symbolism. And lots of it. But beware, symbolism when not used for the right situation is painful. But symbolism that adds to a story and gives into deeper meanings and double meanings of the situation and dialouge is priceless. It also helps add a lot more layers and double meanings to a short story and can make it way more intriguing. 4. Good, realistic action scenes. If you use action scenes, find actors who are willing to take abuse, and your scene looks way more realistic. TIP- If you know anyone in martial arts, get them to recruit for you and you'll find some amazing physical action actors who don't mind feeling pain. This entry is long, but I hope helpful. Good luck!

Location: Chicago, USA

Don't try to tell a gripping love story, unless you've actually had one. Because you are probably full of shit about what affection of any kind is.thanks.

Location: San Angelo, tx USA

Here's a big no-no I witnessed way too often in film school: Stealing music from the soundtrack of whatever movie is popular at the time, and for that matter, trying to copy the directing style of whatever movie is popular at the time, too.

Location: Chicago, USA

Great site, I feel like I'm in class all over again. This is a great list of what not to do but here's a suggestion of what can be helpful. A professor once told me to always use the K.I.S.S. acronisym in student filmmaking. (Keep It Simple Stupid) If you can't tell a good story quickly and visually you probably shouldn't be spending the money on the film and the processing. The best and most educational films I ever experienced and watched, was when my class shot five minute silent black and white. Everyone was forced to learn how to tell a story quickly with images rather than long effects heavy dialouge sequences. I suggest anyone trying to learn filmmaking make a couple films like this first and see if you can tell a story on screen rather than just on paper. Thanks again.

Location: Washington, DC USA

Yeah you've sumed up my major project film idea for next year. I'm working on a new idea now. Cheers for the inspiration. You've done good.

Location: Southampton, UK

I agree that these some of these examples can be used successfully if done correctly. The main thing is - if you're creatively gifted then great, go for it. But if you're just making films because you like movies and you think it would be cool to be a 'filmmaker', you should be in banking or something similar.

Location: Los Angeles, CA USA