10 Things Filmmakers Need To Stop Doing Immediately

Just stop.

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20th Century Fox

There is little doubt that filmmakers have a tough job. Not in the same way that coal miners or paramedics do, of course, but making a film is difficult; making a great film, even more so. There are so many variables at play, from budgetary and time constraints, the scheduling of everyone involved, and the pressure from producers to do things a certain way or with certain people.

The variable most difficult to predict, and the one that is impossible to get right for everyone, is the eternally annoying fact that people’s opinions on what is good or bad varies wildly.

Filmmakers have to contend with full reviews from professional critics right through to any Tom, Dick or Harry on Twitter, in which this piece of art that they have poured their heart and soul in for months, or even years, could potentially be summed up with a glib hashtag, like #theworst

That said: this enclosed list contains things that – in the perfect world we are all trying to create together – should not be happening in motion pictures from this point forward. None of the things listed will completely ruin a film in most cases, or even get close to doing so, but it is still best to play it safe and stop doing them immediately.

10. Showing Too Much In The Trailer

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Marvel Studios

It is exciting to see glimpses of upcoming films but watching trailers can be minefield, especially for the regular cinema-goer. Comedies with trailers full of jokes, however funny, are bound to be less enjoyable by the time you actually watch the film in full.

Hulk’s surprising and humorous entrance into Thor: Ragnarok is a great example of something that would have been better left out of the trailer. And it is also the perfect example of why stuff like this happens: money. “Hey cinema-goers!” shout the film producers (presumably twirling their moustaches evilly); “this is a Thor film but if that isn’t enough to get you to see it, you’ll also get The Innnnncredible Huuuulk!” Two for the price of one, if you will.

It is possible to make nicely crafted teasers that intrigue but don’t give away the best lines, the best bits, the whole film etc. That first trailer for Godzilla (2014) - with the 2001: A Space Odyssey music and the skydiving and the red smoke and the glimpse of the monster – is at least ten times better than the full film.

It is especially unnecessary for popular franchise films – it is unlikely Hulk being in the Thor trailer made more people go to the cinema to see it. Also, any Star Wars movie would only need the classic theme over the logo with the release date: sold to everyone who was going to buy that anyway.

 
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Contributor

I write in many forms - articles, reviews, stories, poetry, and screenplays. I have a blog in which I mainly rant about film and politics, as well as showcasing my street art photography. I also make films and occasionally illustrate. Blog: https://wherethewildingis.wordpress.com