PRODUCTION TIPS

We've been producing episodes for years on $0 budget and this is what we've learned so far:

* STORY - The Hunted is more about social commentary than it is about vampires - alcoholism, aids, boy meets girl, greed, stalking, news stories or the latest movies, twinkies. Look around and see what could make for an episode in your area. Also note that our vampires can't be killed by a stake through the heart. For more info on vampires, slayers, and the rest of our world, check out http://www.thehunted.tv/profile_frameset.htm

* COMEDY - Regardless of the subject matter, try to keep it light. Audiences tend to forgive other details if you can make them laugh. Keep an eye out for great comedy writers and improv artists. They can save your show.

* FILMING - The concept of the show allows for episodes to be filmed with virtually any video camera with existing light and sound.

* PRODUCTION VALUE - Not all of us have access to professional lighting, sound, cameras, crew and talent. With most of our episodes, we make up for our lack of traditional production value by focusing on the resources we have - great fights, awesome locations, simple well-told stories, cameos, etc. Look around and see what's unique to where you live - people, locations, events. See if you can somehow incorporate that into an episode.

* ACTION - We rehearse fight scenes throroughly before putting them on film. If you aren't a choreographer, find one. The SAFD (www.safd.org) has certified fight directors all over the country with additional contacts around the world.

* EDITING - There is plenty of editing software out there. We use Adobe Premiere, but there is also Final Cut Pro, Vegas Video, IMovie. Use whatever works for you.

* MUSIC - We use ACID Music for our soundtracks, but there's plenty of other software out there. You can also just find a band on Myspace and ask them if you can use their music.

* EFFECTS - The majority of our visual effects are a simple eye glow which I track in Shake or After Effects. I've also had to paint out wires with Combustion or Shake and add a speeding truck with Maya. Unless you have unlimited budget and time, don't try for elaborate practical or CG effects. Keep it simple.

* ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - If you're looking for writers, editors, equipment, props, crew, talent, music, effects, etc, there's plenty of resources out there, it's just a matter of hooking up. Check our our Community Forum at: http://www.thehunted.tv/phpbb/index.php and note if you have any services you'd like to offer. You can also find messageboards on our Yahoo, Youtube and Facebook groups listed on our community page. Places like Craigslist have also come in quite handy.

If you have any other questions, contact us at affiliates@thehunted.tv

Good luck and happy hunting!