Make Your Short Film
in 3 Hours
1h30 Writing
Group Selection of Genre, Title,
and Scriptwriting
1h Filming
Shoot Your Scenes
Within the Sets
0h30 Screening
DVD Cover Design and Group Screening of the Completed Film
The HMF Since 2007
Presentation
The Home Movie Factory invites you to create your own film by following a simple protocol imagined by Michel Gondry, using sets specially built for the occasion. Just like Jack Black and Mos Def in Michel Gondry’s film Be Kind Rewind, you’ll have the chance to make a movie from A to Z in record time (3 hours!).
Want to take part?
This activity is free and open to everyone. We recommend signing up in advance to form or join a group of 5 to 15 people. After a first visit of the venue and a stop by the props area, it’s time for action — from writing the script and casting the roles to shooting and crafting handmade special effects right on site.
No prior experience is required — the goal is simply to enjoy yourself while making your own film. A full range of indoor and outdoor-style sets and equipment gives you endless storytelling possibilities. All the tools you need are provided, so you can work independently.
Three hours later, you’ll leave the Factory with the DVD of your masterpiece!
A Participatory Experience
Michel Gondry souhaite donner la possibilité au plus grand nombre de participer au processus créatif lié à la réalisation d’un film. Il partage son expérience avec les participants et les participants partagent leur expérience ensemble au sein de leur groupe. La réussite du projet tient dans l’efficacité du protocole de l’Usine de Films Amateurs imaginé par Michel Gondry.
Le protocole a été pensé pour servir 4 objectifs :
- Libérer la créativité en proposant un cadre dans lequel l’imagination peut se développer (décors, accessoires, méthode d’écriture),
- Accompagner le groupe en lui donnant la trame méthodologique et les outils nécessaires à la réalisation d’un film,
- Favoriser l’intégration et la participation de tous les membres du groupe en donnant un rôle à chaque participant, en favorisant la prise de parole et en valorisant l’aspect collectif des prises de décisions,
- Mener le projet au bout en veillant à éviter tout perfectionnisme, l’idée est bien d’être spontané et de ne pas se perdre en chemin.
The Protocol
Step 1 – Writing
Workshop 1: Finding a Story (45 minutes)
The group (5 to 15 people) visits the sets before starting the workshop. They then collectively assign a timekeeper, a note-taker, and a camera operator. Each participant proposes and votes to choose the genre, title, and plot of the film.
Workshop 2: Writing a Script (45 minutes)
The group refines the script, selects the characters, and chooses the sets.
Step 2 – Filming
Using a small video camera, the group shoots its own film in chronological order, following the “shoot-and-edit” method: one take per shot.
Step 3 – Screening: A Cinema Session
Once completed, the films are screened for the group. A copy of the DVD is added to the video club collection located at the entrance of the exhibition, where all films can be viewed by visitors on a big screen.
Three hours later, the group leaves the Factory with the DVD of their masterpiece!
Map Example of the HMF
Example Layout of a Home Movie Factory
