Do's and don'ts of production, filming and editing

Do:

• Consider the type of shot carefully-taking careful consideration to the rule of thirds
• Make sure the camera or people filming are not within the shot e.g. seen in any reflective surfaces
• Consider lighting e.g indoor lighting can result in a poorer quality image and makes it more difficult to see the subjects, bright back lighting can make it difficult to see the subjects' faces, bright lighting can cause subjects to squint which affects the plot of the scene
• Select the most appropriate partners if working in a group
• Take time to create a thoughtful plan
• Use a high quality camera
• Use the 180-degree rule if showing subjects' conversing with one another
• Use lots of different shots, angles and editing techniques for different resounding effect

Don't:

• Shoot scenes where ambient sounds are loud and intrusive 
• Create unsteady shots where the camera shakes
• Cast people unsuitable for the role (appearance, age etc.) 
• Cast people bad at acting
• Use music which you don't have the rights to use (copyright laws)