Even if you didn’t dig the movie, this is a great little filmmaking class.
If you want to be a filmmaker, all the knowledge you need can be found in your DVD/Blu-ray collection. The special features, especially commentary tracks, included on the home video releases of your favorite movies often dig deep into the process, providing a wealth of information that you don’t need to pay a ton of money to learn at film school. So watch. And pay attention.
One of the filmmakers who’s really great about sharing his secrets is David F. Sandberg, who directed Lights Out and this year’s Annabelle: Creation. Sandberg spends a good deal of time on social media talking with aspiring filmmakers, and he’s always eager to share information. To that point, he’s just uploaded a YouTube video that takes you behind the scenes of Lights Out.
Titled “Planning the Scares,” the 20-minute mini documentary can not be found on the Lights Out DVD or Blu-ray, and it covers the extensive pre-production planning process. Enjoy.
