How to Make a Film Based off a Video Game

Play the video game all the way through at least once., Figure out what you want your video to be about., If you plan to include dialogue from the game, write a transcript., Study the game's visual style., If you haven't done it already, assemble...

26 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Play the video game all the way through at least once.

    Pay attention to the plot and dialogue, as well as the visual style.
  2. Step 2: Figure out what you want your video to be about.

    With a lengthy game like Portal, you might not be able to do include everything from the game in your video, but then again you might, with careful editing.

    You could focus on a particular character in the game, a particular relationship, a specific scene, or just do a battle-themed film including the game's combat elements. , Check it against other transcripts online, to make sure you have the words right. , Note the characters' costumes, appearances, weapons, and fighting moves in as much detail as possible.

    Study other fan videos, conceptual art for the game, and any other resources you can find. , Get people who like you and like the video game, so they will enjoy the work and do their best at it. , Sketch out some plans and show them to your friends, so you can decide together what would sound good and what would be workable. , Digital is probably the best choice, since you can easily upload the movie to a computer and edit it. ,, Cosplay resources may be helpful.

    This will contribute a lot to the quality of your film, so give it your best effort. , You might need to build some "sets" with furniture and background.

    Look around your community for good places to do some of your filming, like a park or the beach.

    Outdoor settings have better lighting, but with indoor sets you have more control over the details of the scenery. , Be prepared to spend more time at this than you think! , This is going to take a while, so take it a little at a time and be very patient.

    Don't forget to add a "credits" scene at the end. ,,, Feel free to show "bloopers" as well as the finished film.

    Now is your last chance to take comments on the film and make any last-minute changes before you publish it. ,, (Not sure is it works that way, but hey.

    We aren't perfect.)
  3. Step 3: If you plan to include dialogue from the game

  4. Step 4: write a transcript.

  5. Step 5: Study the game's visual style.

  6. Step 6: If you haven't done it already

  7. Step 7: assemble some actors to star in your film.

  8. Step 8: Write and choreograph the scenes you plan to film.

  9. Step 9: Acquire a video camera.

  10. Step 10: You will need a fairly powerful

  11. Step 11: new computer with a lot of processing power (the more the better) to edit your movie.

  12. Step 12: Replicate the clothes and weapons of the characters.

  13. Step 13: Create the scenery for your movie.

  14. Step 14: Rehearse the scenes with your friends and film them.

  15. Step 15: Upload the video to a computer and edit it

  16. Step 16: using video editing software.

  17. Step 17: Once the film is edited and the scenes are arranged to your satisfaction

  18. Step 18: add music and sound effects.

  19. Step 19: When everything else is complete

  20. Step 20: you can add some special effects (such as a portal gun) if the film calls for them.

  21. Step 21: Throw a "viewing party" and invite everybody who worked on your movie.

  22. Step 22: Burn the finished product to DVDs

  23. Step 23: upload it to Veoh and Youtube

  24. Step 24: share it with your friends

  25. Step 25: and generally show off your masterpiece!

  26. Step 26: (Optional) Mail it to a movie production studio or the game makers to make a real movie!

Detailed Guide

Pay attention to the plot and dialogue, as well as the visual style.

With a lengthy game like Portal, you might not be able to do include everything from the game in your video, but then again you might, with careful editing.

You could focus on a particular character in the game, a particular relationship, a specific scene, or just do a battle-themed film including the game's combat elements. , Check it against other transcripts online, to make sure you have the words right. , Note the characters' costumes, appearances, weapons, and fighting moves in as much detail as possible.

Study other fan videos, conceptual art for the game, and any other resources you can find. , Get people who like you and like the video game, so they will enjoy the work and do their best at it. , Sketch out some plans and show them to your friends, so you can decide together what would sound good and what would be workable. , Digital is probably the best choice, since you can easily upload the movie to a computer and edit it. ,, Cosplay resources may be helpful.

This will contribute a lot to the quality of your film, so give it your best effort. , You might need to build some "sets" with furniture and background.

Look around your community for good places to do some of your filming, like a park or the beach.

Outdoor settings have better lighting, but with indoor sets you have more control over the details of the scenery. , Be prepared to spend more time at this than you think! , This is going to take a while, so take it a little at a time and be very patient.

Don't forget to add a "credits" scene at the end. ,,, Feel free to show "bloopers" as well as the finished film.

Now is your last chance to take comments on the film and make any last-minute changes before you publish it. ,, (Not sure is it works that way, but hey.

We aren't perfect.)

About the Author

J

Jeremy Cruz

With a background in lifestyle and practical guides, Jeremy Cruz brings 6 years of hands-on experience to every article. Jeremy believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.

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