1. How do you make movies with the sims 2?
Many people have answered this question much better than I ever could in the form of very comprehensive and snazzy tutorials. Have a good read of them.
2. Where do you get your custom content?
The sites I use to get my CC are listed on my links page. If you want to ask me about where I got a specific item/clothing – then feel free to contact me, and hopefully I’ll remember =)
3. What editing software do you use?
I use Magix Movie Edit Pro 11 for the bulk of my video editing, and then I use Windows Movie Maker for rendering purposes. For sound editing I use Audacity (it’s free!). And to write my scripts I use Celtx (also free!).
If you are starting out, I recommend using WMM first as it is very simple to use. Once you have exhausted that, then move on to buying more advanced software. You can download trials for Magix and Vegas, and pretty much any video editing software. Download, test them out – and then decide what suits you.
4. How do you add voices to your movie? Where do you get the voices?
I send my lovely voice actors the script, they record their lines and send them to me. I then insert the audio into my movie using my editing software. I get most of my voice actors via sims99.
5. Can I be a voice actor in your show?
Email me your voice audition – serenity_productions@hotmail.co.uk. I only use people with clear, good quality mics. Also, please don’t be offended if I don’t choose your voice straight away. I am very specific about what I am looking for when I cast my voices, and I might love your voice – but it might not be right for the parts I am casting at the time.
6. How long does an episode take to make?
The first one took me about a month…the second episode took me 2 months (not including script writing time). Basically, it takes time. And there is no telling exactly how long the future episodes will take, maybe I’ll be quicker or maybe I won’t. Also, please keep in mind I don’t do this as a full time job, I have other committments I have to juggle as well – so this has an impact on how long it takes me to make episodes.
7. When is the next episode of Cupid’s Arrows coming out?
Erm – I suck with deadlines and release dates, so I tend to be vague with my answers to this question. I deal with a busy life outside my machinimating, and I can’t make episodes as often as I would like. If you check out the main Cupid’s Arrows page on my website, in the newsbox you will find the latest updates on what is happening, and how far along I am in an episode. Please do not leave me constant messages demanding I hurry up – I appreciate enthusiasm, but I don’t appreciate harrassment.
8. Do you have any advice for new directors?
Make sure you read all the tutorials so that you have a basic idea of how to get started. But once you are familiar with the basics, the best thing to do is jump in and practice. Have fun with it as well! Watch other movies, good and bad – read the reviews, see what to do/not to do. Of course, there is no set method – everything you read/see can be used as a guideline, but it is up to you how you want to execute your film. Be original! And don’t be disheartened if you don’t get a big response to your film straight away, keep at it, promote it, and keep machinimating.
9. Can you put your characters/sets up for download? I would like them in my game.
I currently have no plans to put them up for download. I may do so once I’m finished with the series, but not yet 
10. I have something else I wanted to ask that isn’t covered by this F.A.Q. How do I get in touch with you?
2 ways – via the contact form on my website, or just email me directly: serenity_productions@hotmail.co.uk. Please be patient when waiting for a reply! I do try to reply promptly.
