My name is Elliot Grove. I’ve been running Raindance since 1992. Back in those days everyone shot on film – 35mm if you could afford it. We made expensive film prints that showed in cinemas. To promote the screenings we printed and mailed expensive leaflets and posters, and bought ads in newspapers.
We don’t do any of those things any more. And moviemaking has changed direction big time. The only thing that has stayed the same is that making a movie is hard work. But it’s not difficult if you follow these 10 basic steps:
10 New Commandments Of Low Budget Films
1.) Thou shalt have a fantastic screenplay
It’s basic stuff here, and it’s the step most unsuccessful filmmakers skip over – and it’s why they fail.
Get a great script and you are on the road to success.
Read: Creating Character Web
2) Thou shalt understand keywords and SEO tools
Your keywords are how people will find out about you and your film project. Get the free keyword tools and learn how to incorporate them into your screenplay, film title and press releases. Get more people to follow your Twitter and Facebook account. Do a search for ‘Keyword tools’ or use Google’s keyword tool.
Learn about Marketing Digital Content
3) Thou shalt secure some development finance
It doesn’t need to be a lot, but a few weeks’ money to keep the wolf and the landlord off your back will allow you to get properly organised, hunt down superior locations, get sponsorship and find a terrific production office.
4) Thou shalt spend proper time in pre-production
When budgets are slim you can’t ‘buy’ your way out of a cock up. You need to plan, plan and more.
The week or two before you shoot is pretty crucial. If you have a well-oiled and organised approach, this time will help you make sure that whatever freebies, and cheap deals you have managed to gather will serve you to the fullest and not be wasted. Make sure you have the legal angles covered as well.
5) Thou shalt understand the shoot and exploit it to maximum advantage
Shooting on film, or Red, or another HD format can be intimidating and expensive if approached incorrectly. Choose the camera that fits your story, and your budget. Understand the workflows through the entire production process and make sure everyone on your team agrees – from camera person to editor.
Why not learn how to Shoot on a Cellphone?
6) Thou shalt not fix it in Post-Production
You can fix it in post, but it’s expensive. Make sure your editor has a voice before and during the shoot, thus avoiding costly pick-up shots.
Read: How film directors screw editors
7) Thou shalt clear all music in your film
No music clearance means that you can’t show your film in most film festivals. It also means you can’t sell your film.
Read: Clearing music for independent films
8) Thou shalt prepare professional publicity and marketing materials
‘Nuff Said: Read the 7 Essentials Of A Press Kit
9) Thou shalt use film festivals to launch your film
Film festivals are the new theatrical releases. Pick and choose the film festivals that get behind your film. We are pretty certain Raindance has launched more film careers than any other British film festival – but we aren’t the only good festival in the UK.
Read: World’s Top 100 Film Festivals
Read: The 4 Reasons To Attend Film Festivals
10) Thou shalt create a distribution strategy
Until you can picture the acquisition executive of a distribution company, and imagine the poster and marketing campaign the marketing manager needs to put together, it is unlikely you will sell your film.
Share your Commandments Of Low Budget Films
List your important top 10 Commandments Of Low Budget Films in the comments box below.
Did You Know?
- Raindance Film Festival is considered one of the top fifteen film festivals in the world?
- The Higher Education programme at Raindance Film School offers HND, BA and MA in Filmmaking and Screenwriting?
- Raindance members support indie film, and enjoy a range of benefits
- You can call us on +44 (0) 930 3412
Photo Credit: Bertie Watson
I founded Raindance Film Festival in 1993 because the British film industry was closed, polite, and congratulating itself while shutting new filmmakers out.
I co-founded the British Independent Film Awards in 1998 because British indie film deserved more than a shrug, a pat on the head, and a Tuesday night screening.
Raindance didn’t start as a brand. It started as a rebellion: film training without gatekeepers, a festival without permission, and a community built by filmmakers who weren’t waiting to be invited in.
Later, we took it global: Toronto, Vancouver, New York, LA, Berlin, and Brussels, because independent film doesn’t belong to one city, one class, or one accent.
I’ve produced 700+ short films and seven features, including Deadly Virtues (2014) and ALICE, which won the SXSW Grand Jury Prize (2019) not because someone “discovered” us, but because the work earned its place.
I’ve written three books used by filmmakers worldwide because too many courses taught compliance instead of survival.
In 2009, I was awarded a PhD for services to film education, ironic, given that most of my career has been about tearing down the rules that education insisted you follow.
I don’t believe in waiting for permission.I believe in making work, building systems, and forcing the industry to catch up.
Specialties: Independent Film (the real kind) · Producing · Writing · Film Education · Festivals · Breaking Broken Systems
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