What’s the most important thing to keep in mind when  starting to make a movie?

It’s not what camcorder to use.  Or what computer you want to edit on.

The story is the most important thing.

You should think about what you want to do in your video before you start to shoot anything.

Movies are fast becoming the new family album.

Try to tell complete stories about the people you know.

Keep in mind that a good story has a beginning, a middle, and an end.

As you shoot, keep track of where things would fit- and if you’re missing any pieces to your story.

Some Story Ideas to Springboard From:

• Your father served in the army during WWII?
  • He has an incredible story to tell.
  • Interview him and have him tell his own story.
• Your daughter won an award for creative writing?
  • Have her describe the process she went through to write her winning entry
  • She can talk about the judging.  Was she nervous?
  • This story could end nicely with the winning poem being recited to camera.
• The family went on a vacation
  • Edit a highlight reel from each day of the trip.
  • Each family member can describe their favorite activity during their vacation.