Write the script. Since you are making the movie yourself you do not need a Hollywood-formatted script, but you should write everything out, separating the dialogue and action into different sections. Divide the script by scene or location so future planning becomes easier.
Create storyboards from the script. Storyboards help plan camera angles and different special effects. Draw basic storyboards on blank index cards and lay them out on a floor. Order the different scenes and remove or add elements to enhance the movie.
Cast roles and plan actors. If it is a free shoot, use friends and relatives that can give a lot of time to the project. Use yourself as an actor if needed.
Set up your equipment. Along with a camcorder, a small lighting kit adds a professional touch to the production. Wrap a large sheet of tinfoil over a piece of cardboard to create a make-shift reflector. Use the reflector to remove unwanted shadows during close-up scenes.
Run a rehearsal of the movie. First do a basic script run-through so the actors understand how to deliver the lines and what emotions you want in each scene. After the read-through, stage the scenes and run rehearsals to block the action and place actors around the set.
Record the different scenes. Use multiple angles and multiple takes for each scene so that you have choices while editing. Stick to the script in most places, but also allow for the expansion of ideas and some improvisation.
Tape B-roll footage for use in post-production. These are extra shots, like exterior buildings, cars driving or close ups without actors. This can help establish the time and place of many shots and helps the flow of a production.
Upload the footage to a computer. Video footage takes up a lot of hard drive space, so make sure you clear the computer and have plenty of editing space.
Edit the movie using the storyboards and script. Keep things organized and work on one scene at a time.
Add in special effects, titles, music and credits. Watch a test of the final production; then render the final movie.