When you are planning to make a film, there are many factors that go into the cost of making it. Equipment, location, crew, etc. If you really want to make your film successful then you need to act like a professional right from the beginning and plan it well before any filming or production starts. This article will highlight some tips which can save time and money when considering shot ideas for your next film.
If you have ever thought about making a movie but were scared off by stories of budgets running into tens of thousands of dollars, you might be pleased to learn that it is possible to get great production values for little or no money.
Check your budget and see what you can afford
It is a big waste of time to put together an ambitious plan for your film if you can’t afford it. Make up your mind about which part of the production process will involve the most expensive items and work from there. For example, editing on a computer can cost nothing or quite a bit depending on what equipment you have and how much you use it, but actors and locations tend to be pretty pricey.
Know what kind of film you want to make
is it action-packed with expensive special effects, dark and moody, comedic? This will help you determine how to approach the shoot and your final product.
Plan ahead and have a script
Just because you are shooting on a budget does not mean you can’t plan ahead. A good script with well-defined character arcs and an easy-to-follow plot will help immensely when it comes time to shoot your film. This is especially important if large sections of the script call for special effects or stunts.
Plan your work and work your plan
Take advantage of computer technology these days so that you don’t need to rent out space at a studio in order to get what you want. Use programs that can write up a script, Pinterest for planning out shots and pegs, online software for editing, etc. There are free trial versions that can give you a chance to see if they fit your needs.
Create a detailed shooting schedule so there is ample time for set-up and takes
Budget well ahead of time to give yourself enough time. Work out how much money you need, divide it by the number of days you have available for shooting, and set a strict budget that won’t be exceeded! Be realistic about what you can achieve with your budget but also allow for some contingency cash in case something unexpected happens.
Be resourceful
Use props and costumes that you already own, borrow from friends and family, rent items that aren’t essential, look into local film co-ops/community groups which may have access to low-cost gear. Get creative with makeup, wardrobe, and lighting. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shot styles or camera angles for your film; don’t just stick to the ‘norm’ because you think it’s what people expect.
Don’t hire crew members or cast for their resumes
When you can get someone who actually knows what they’re doing and has proven experience in the business it will save time and headaches later on when people come up with all sorts of new ideas for your movie who just happen to involve blowing the budget out of the water. With even a modest script you can usually find someone who knows how to do what you need them to do. A lot of these people are working professionals who do this kind of thing every day and will give you great value for money. You may also want to consider friends and family if they have time for you. Even if it’s just one person helping out, however – keeping your costs down can be as simple as finding someone with the right equipment already in their possession!
Keep locations simple
It may seem like an obvious one but a film can look really cheap when all the action is happening in a single room or location. Try to make use of interesting locations that you have access to for free or at very little cost, such as your own house and garden, maybe a well-used bar/nightclub in the area if it looks right, perhaps a family members house if they’re happy for you to shoot there, etc. You might well need permission from whoever owns the location before using it but remember that these people are usually keen on doing anything in their power to help out because they want to see themselves in a movie one day!
Pick the best equipment for your needs
If you are a beginner and want to get your feet wet without spending too much money, use free software from the Internet. There are some great source editing programs out there, and most video cameras come with at least basic editing software built-in. You might not need to buy sound equipment or lights, even if your budget is very tight. Try borrowing equipment from friends or relatives; they’ll probably be happy to help out especially if they see it as a way to be part of the film industry in some small way.
Don’t forget about audio!
Make sure you have enough microphones on hand in case things get too loud, and make sure there’s good sound quality when recording dialogue so you don’t need to do much post-production work afterward. Remember that the dialogue is often what matters most in a film so it’s worth spending money on getting good quality sound recorded. You can never go back and ‘get’ sound effects after the shoot is over, whereas you usually have time to correct mistakes in post-production if you’ve got solid audio recordings.
In conclusion, to make a film look good on a minimal budget, use the actors and actresses you know or can spare their time for you. Make sure your script is well put together so that your story comes through clearly to the audience. Pick good locations that are free or inexpensive to film in. Be creative with your shot choices and angles so that your movie isn’t completely predictable and boring for the audience. Don’t hire or pay people more than they deserve – you can find someone who knows what they’re doing very easily. Film on cameras that will give you high-quality images and audio, and consider using free software if you want to cut down costs even further. Overall, have fun with your filmmaking and try to make it the best project that you can with what you have available – who knows? You might just be the next big thing.
Veronica Fortuna is a content writer and PR outreach specialist at VEED.IO. She also self-published a poetry collection entitled Wait in Hope.
