If you dream of a career in movie making but are not quite sure how to begin, here are a few tips to help you along the way. These tips have been assimilated from books, online resources and even a few personal experiences.

1. Any story rests on its narrative. It is therefore of utmost importance to posses a good script. Moreover, the storyteller needs to be passionate about his story-telling. A half-hearted approach would dilute the effect of a good script. A low budget movie would thrive on blowing up buildings or having long chase sequences to divert the audiences' attention from the story or lack of it. It is therefore advised to venture into the art of movie making once in command of a good script.

2. It is advised not to buy equipment but to use whatever you have, even if it is your $300 handycam! As a matter of fact even the cheapest consumer MiniDV camcorder can make your movie look neat, when you use a tripod under proper lights. Contrary to the belief, it is not the camera, be it a sparkling new HDV cam or even a Final Cut Pro, but the technique used that makes for good cinema. It is therefore camera angles, light, music and household props that add that creativity to your masterpiece. Innovate!

3. It is also suggested to plan the plan, and then to allow that plan to materialize into a good final product. A shot list needs to be prepared and executed with finesse. The locations, actors, sets, props and type and nature of the shots need to be documented for future reference. Planning and organizing will enable you to shoot your day. Multiple shots at the same location can be shot on the same day. This saves time and money. So plan your day before beginning the actual shooting.

4. Never be satisfied. Keep your creative responses open. Make sure you are not short on coverage. If you have fulfilled POINT 3 (PLANNING) to the fullest, this should not be much of a problem. Make sure you are not short of shots. You don't lose anything by making that extra effort.

5. Give respect to gain respect! Actors are fascinating and talented individuals. It is advised to treat them with a little patience and respect. You are after all a director, not a dictator! Being a hard taskmaster is one thing, but to treat condescendingly is juvenile. Be open to feedback. However the final decision rests with you alone. Your crew therefore is an extremely important ingredient in movie making.

6. Don't stop! Keep up the good work! You will learn along the way. Learn from criticism and mature from mistakes, but don't ever stop making movies!! It's worth it!

These tips will not guarantee you an immediate box office hit, but it can assure you of creative satisfaction. After all much of movie-making depends on the creative sensibilities!