How to make a film with very little money (What we learned)
The Do's and Dont's of No Budget filmmaking
Over the summer, we created our own feature film with no outside funding etc. We've decided to share with you a few tips on how we did it. Check it out below and follow @Grittyvibesfilms for updates on the film!
Write a really good script
This sounds obvious but the script is 100% the most important part of the filmmaking process. If it seems like no one wants to collaborate with you, chances are they took a look at your script and decided it's not worth investing their time into. SIMPLE. People will work on a bad project if they're getting paid, but if there's no dough involved, your project has to be good enough for them to be able to proudly add it to their resume or reel. That goes for actors, Cinematographer's, everything. All artists want to be apart of QUALITY!
Write according to your budget
When writing your script, your budget and execution has to be in the back of your mind at all times. DO NOT write in any crazy explosions, shootouts or situations that you can't afford to shoot. You'll either have to sloppily change it at the last minute or do a really cheesy rendition and blow your cover as a low budget film maker. Also, script-wise don't have the scene take place at any location that you don't have access to. Instead, focus on things that money can't buy: Great dialogue, great characters and a great story.
Utilize family and friends, but to an extent.
Friends and family are a great option when you need a hand on set, but positions where an actual creative/professional is needed, DO NOT have your friend do it! It isn't hard to find talented actors looking to be in quality projects. Many of these actors are just as talented as the people on the big screen, and are simply looking for an opportunity to display that, which you are helping provide.
Assemble a team
Backstage.com is the best resource to find actors. You can have actors send in auditions, resumes etc. You can find these people for free on the site. The hardest part is finding a crew. Most times, finding a sound guy, cinematographer etc is extremely hard when working with a low budget. The best way to receive help though, is to help others. Get on as many sets as possible (Student films and other low budget productions are everywhere) and do what you can for other people's projects. You can join film groups on FB etc to meet these individuals in your area. Many times, when you've proven to be helpful to others, you can receive services at a fraction of the price and sometimes free.
Pay close attention to detail
You can't be so focused on the big things that you forget about key details. Sound is the most important thing in film and the easiest way to tell if you're dealing with an amateur or not. There's cheaper alternatives to mostly everything, but when it comes to sound, you get what you paid for. If your money's going anywhere, it should go to getting a quality microphone and some lavalieres. You should be thinking of sound when you're picking your locations. If you're anywhere that the audio can be potentially terrible, avoid it. Trust us. IT WILL RUIN THE WHOLE SCENE. And no, don't say "We'll fix it in post production." That's not always the case.
Get help when needed.
Make sure you have a right hand man/woman who can take care of the logistics of it for you. It is possible to do it all yourself but it will take away from your creative mindset. If you can find someone who will send out schedules, updates etc to the cast and crew, your life will be a lot easier. This person can also make sure everything is going according to the plan and the schedule so you can spend all your energy locked in on the shoot. A good family member, friend, girlfriend/boyfriend will do this job just fine.
Cast the RIGHT TYPE OF PEOPLE
The type of people you cast and put in positions should also be closely examined. They should be just as excited as you (Or close) about being apart of the project. If you have to beg that person to send in an audition tape or return an email. Just move on. Chances are, when it's shoot day, they will waste your precious time and flop out on you. If it doesn't matter nearly as much to them, they will act accordingly at the most INCONVENIENT times.
Improvise!!!
When it comes time to shoot, have a very specific plan & method of execution BUT be open & flexible to the changes that will inevitably happen during each shoot. Sometimes sticking to the plan can be detrimental to the success of the shoot. The best part about a low budget production is the spontaneity. Use the random things that happen on set to add personality and flavor to your shoot. You couldn't get this from a big budget production that shuts down the entire block for a shoot.
Keep the crew/cast happy
Create a great environment on set. If you can't pay the actors, you can at least hit up Walmart and have a decent spread of snacks/fruit/water for them and the crew. Hungry and irritated actors creates unnecessary tension on the set, you don't want that! Keep the food light and the atmosphere positive.
Put your fingerprints on your film!Finally, as a filmmaker, tell a story that is uniquely your own! Do not conform to what you think the masses want to see! Use your surroundings to your advantage and create something authentic! Make sure you have something to say, and through your art, say it like no one else can.We did it, now it's your turn.