Low budget film making...

Low budget film making tips:

Resource film making:
  • List locations - ask yourself "what access do I have?"
  • List actors - to save money,  you're probably going to have to rely on friends and family
  • If you have experience, then try get some extras in the cast for your film
  • List equipment - i.e. cameras, lights (try to borrow or rent your equipment as this will be cheaper than purchasing brand new technology for your film)
  • List your props - again, see what you or friends/ family already own before you buy new props.
  • See if there are any local events nearby that you could film - this gives you free production value
Writing your script:
  • In order to minimise travel costs, only write about 4-5 locations in your script.
  • Try to use about 4-5 characters as this will make the process of making the film a lot easier
  • Don't create great, theatrical, oscar-worthy roles for your actors as they probably won't have much experience. Keep the roles fitting for your actors to make the quality of the film better.
  • Avoid scenes with extras - i.e a bar scene thats empty won't look realistic, so keep it simple and minimise scenes that require extras
  • Unless you are experienced, void night scenes as you will probably need to get hold of lighting, which will just end up costing you more 
  • Avoid using CGI as it will only add time and cost to the film making process 
Pre-production:
  • Location scout - find and even book your locations well in advance of filming
  • Check your actor and equipment availability 
  • the more planning you do, the easier production will be
Production:
  • Try to simplify your work flow - don't over complicate things, it will only result in more stress
  • Create bulk meals for your cast and crew - because hungry staff = angry staff
  • Try to film during magic hour (sunset) - Easy lighting and means you won't have to pay for extra lighting. Also creates beautiful scenes
Post-production:
  • When putting music in your film, make sure you use a local band or create your own - Do not use copy write music as it will be expensive to use
  • Going behind the scenes of a film is very helpful - gives insight to how films are made and edited 
  • Watch other low budget/ independent films - get ideas and inspiration from these films and learn how they use different techniques

Comments

  1. JCoSS Media Dept16 October 2017 at 15:38

    Excellent notes, well done. From this you should be able to spot the elements that make up pre-production.

    Mrs E

    ReplyDelete

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