Here is some basic information for first-time student filmmakers.
Zoom
If you are making a feature movie, never, ever, use the zoom function of your camera. It may look cool and it could be pretty fun to do, but in making a film, it is a big no-no to zoom in and out of things. An alternative you could do is pan, move in closer or out, but do not zoom.
180 Degree Rule
There is a rule when taking over-the-shoulder shots (usually used when two people are having a conversation) and that is if you shoot over the right shoulder of one character, you have to shoot over the left of the other so that the backgrounds do not change and the viewer doesn’t get dizzy.
Script Continuity
If in a scene, your character starts off with a cigarette and then it miraculously disappears, then there is no continuity. Make sure that everything is as it would be in real life.
Story
What’s a movie without a story? Make sure that your story is good, even if you have to rewrite it over and over again. The story is the reason why people will like your films.
Final Thoughts
I hope that I’ve helped. These are just some basic information for students who are just starting to make films.
