Filmmakers, like their other fellow artists, are also required to keep a mound of paperwork. Unfortunately, it’s often a lot more than the poet or concert pianist must keep.
Thankfully, there are resources out there that provide not only the know-how of such things, but also absolutely free copies of them to use.

Dependent Films is one such resource. In just one location, it lists just about everything you need to keep up with your paper pile, including the following:

Script Formatting: Don’t pay hundreds of dollars for fancy programs when you can get iScript, Scriptmaker and other programs for free.

Storyboard Tools: From widescreen to standard format to other variations, they’re all here for your convenience.

Logs, Equipment, and Other Forms: Call sheets, contact sheets, location scouting and release forms, editing logs, production reports, budget proposals… all of these forms and more can be downloaded and used for your own production.

Miscellaneous Forms: Sample materials, such as performer releases, compensation contracts, and script agreements, will come in handy if you’re not yet familiar with these. They will also help you look more professional and develop your skills. Film journal, budget, equipment list and other sheets will also help you keep organized.

Be sure to bookmark Dependent Films–you’ll definitely come back to it as you work on your filmmaking career.

The sound effects, for one thing, should be considered in every scene of your movie.Is the killer slicing someone’s guts out? You’ll need to create the sound of flesh being cut without actually cutting your actor’s flesh. Are your characters going over a waterfall? You might have the boat jostling around pretty well, but do you have the rushing sound of the falls in the background?

Without these aspects, your scene is going to lack its auditory depth, which will detract from the film as well as the viewers’ experience.

You may also have some conceptual sound involved in your scene. If you’re looking for an abstract, satirical or otherwise offbeat feel, you may want to get the help–or at least the advice–of a sound designer.

He or she can help you with montage sequences (think of the “Gonna Fly Now” scenes from the Rocky movies), inserting ironic song choices into scenes (such as how “Singin’ in the Rain” was used in A Clockwork Orange), or using unusual sound choices for key moments in the film (monkey chatter being used over human voices to illustrate idiocy, for example).

You’ll also have to strategically record all of your sound with appropriate use of microphones and recording devices. For this, the help of a sound recordist can be invaluable. He or she can help direct you with exactly what equipment you will need–and be able to get with your budget–as well.

Finally, your sound will have to be edited before your film is complete. You will need some sort of sound editing equpiment, and may want to ask a sound editor for help with this.

Here are a few more tips for shooting like a pro.

Get familiar with your camera. Learn how to zoom in, pan out, tilt, and take the shots you need (medium, close-up and wide shots) effectively. Practice filming life, such as animals, moving objects or friends who volunteer to get better. The more you practice, the better you will be.

Keep your camera still. You already know you need a steady hand for this (unless you’re recreating The Blair Witch Project or Cloverfield), but did you know that many scenes can be shot with your camera still on top of your tripod? Once you have mastered the uses of your camera, you will be able to shoot much of your movie with the aid of your trusty tripod keeping your camera still.

Rent a fog machine for interior shots. This can add some dramatic flair to your scene very cheaply. Just remember to use it when appropriate; if your scene is in a classroom that doesn’t include zombies or vampires, you should skip it.

Use a shallow depth of field. Learn what this is and how to do it for a very polished, professional look in your scenes.

Use professional lighting. If you can afford it, invest in your own lighting kit to create the different lighting needs for every individual scene.