DO'S and DON'TS
Do's:
Always do a storyboard before filming in order to plan and gain an idea of what you want to include in the shots.
Including a variety of camera angles is very important because it means you can keep your target audience occupied when watching the film/clip. It's also a very convenient way to re-present characters and show different perspectives on objects or people.
Keep the narrative simple and easy to follow so you and the audience don't get too confused or lost in a complex plot. It will also make filming easier because you can develop your ideas as you go along but not make it too confusing.
Use a tripod to film; unless a hand held camera effect is needed. Using a tripod will make filming much easier to get the right angle and shot you need. Although using a handheld camera movement can be effective, too much and it makes you dizzy!
Consider the right characters fit for each role because the actors/actresses need to look convincing to the audience to truly understand and relate to the plot. For example, a small, geeky boy with glasses wouldn't fit the required role for a killer in a horror film.
Make sure the lighting is good and appropriate so that you can set the scene according to the atmosphere. It is also important in a horror film to vary the lighting because you don't want it to be too dark throughout.
Always stick to the brief as you need the genre or sub genre to be clear to the audience so they know what they are watching.
Don'ts:
Pick a location not related to the genre. Setting the scene is very important in a film because it also has to set the atmosphere. Therefore, it has to be suited to the genre.
Never use the zoom on a camera because the quality becomes worse. It is better to move the camera instead of the zoom in order to get a clearer image.
Don't delete any footage that could be used in the future. Filming a good quality shot or clip then deleting it means it cannot be accessed again. It's always best to keep a backlog of footage which you can always go back to.