There are several types of stories that are well-suited for low budget films. By choosing a story that is well-suited for a low budget film, you can focus on strong performances and storytelling rather than relying on expensive special effects or elaborate sets. It’s something I deal with on my weekend masterclass: Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking
There are several types of stories that are well-suited for low budget films. Here are a few that I track. Im sure you will have your own examples that you can put into the comments box below.
1.Character-driven stories:
These types of stories focus on the development and relationships of the characters rather than relying on big action scenes or special effects. They can be set in a limited number of locations and are often driven by dialogue.
Here are a few examples of character-driven stories:
“Lost in Translation” (2003):
“Boyhood” (2014):
This movie follows the life of a boy named Mason (played by Ellar Coltrane) as he grows up over the course of 12 years. The movie explores the challenges and joys of growing up, as well as the complexities of family relationships.
“Moonlight” (2016):
This movie tells the story of a young black man named Chiron (played by Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes) as he grows up in Miami and struggles with his sexuality and his relationship with his mother. The movie explores the intersections of race, class, and sexuality in a powerful and emotional way.
“Frances Ha” (2012):
“The Florida Project” (2017):
2.Small-scale dramas:
These types of stories typically focus on a small group of characters and their personal struggles. They often take place in one or two locations and rely on strong performances from the actors.”Manchester by the Sea” (2016): This movie follows the story of Lee Chandler (played by Casey Affleck), a janitor in Boston who returns to his hometown after his brother dies and becomes the legal guardian of his teenage nephew. The movie explores themes of grief, family, and personal responsibility.
“The Wrestler” (2008):
“Blue Valentine” (2010)
“The Station Agent” (2003):
This movie tells the story of Finbar McBride (played by Peter Dinklage), a quiet and introverted man who inherits an abandoned train station in rural New Jersey. The movie explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the search for connection.
“Take Shelter” (2011):
This movie follows the story of Curtis LaForche (played by Michael Shannon), a man who becomes obsessed with preparing for an impending apocalyptic storm while also dealing with the challenges of his personal life. The movie explores themes of mental illness, family, and the fear of the unknown.
3. Coming-of-age stories:
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012):
“Lady Bird” (2017):
This movie follows the story of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (played by Saoirse Ronan), a high school senior in Sacramento, California, who dreams of leaving her hometown and attending college on the East Coast.
“The Breakfast Club” (1985):
https://youtu.be/BSXBvor47Zs
Mystery or thriller stories:
Here are some examples of low budget thrillers:
“The Invitation” (2015):
This movie follows the story of a man named Will (played by Logan Marshall-Green) who attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, only to realize that something sinister is going on.
“Coherence” (2013):
This movie tells the story of a group of friends who gather for a dinner party, only to experience a series of strange and increasingly frightening events that threaten to unravel their relationships and their sense of reality.
“Creep” (2014):
This movie follows the story of a videographer named Aaron (played by Patrick Brice) who takes a job filming a strange man named Josef (played by Mark Duplass), only to realize that Josef is not what he seems.
“Hush” (2016):
“Green Room” (2015):
Here are some examples of low budget mystery or thriller stories:
These movies demonstrate that a low budget does not necessarily limit the creativity or effectiveness of a thriller, and that a great story can be told without the need for extravagant production values or big-name actors.
“The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017):
This movie follows the story of a surgeon (played by Colin Farrell) who befriends a teenage boy, only to realize that the boy’s intentions may not be entirely innocent. The movie is full of tension and suspense as the surgeon’s life and family are threatened.
“The Guilty” (2018):
This movie tells the story of a police officer (played by Jakob Cedergren) who receives a distressing phone call from a kidnapped woman, and must race against time to save her. The movie is shot almost entirely inside a single room, and relies heavily on the tension and drama of the phone call to create suspense.
“Blue Ruin” (2013):
“The Invitation” (2015):
“Cheap Thrills” (2013):
These movies demonstrate that a low budget can actually enhance the creativity and ingenuity of a mystery or thriller, forcing filmmakers to rely on storytelling and suspense rather than expensive special effects or elaborate sets.
Romantic comedies can make great low budget film stories :
Here are some examples of low budget romantic comedies:
“Before Sunrise” (1995):
This movie follows the story of two strangers, Jesse (played by Ethan Hawke) and Celine (played by Julie Delpy), who meet on a train in Europe and spend a romantic night exploring Vienna together. The movie is shot in real-time and relies heavily on the chemistry between the two lead actors to create a sense of romance and intimacy.
“Ingrid Goes West” (2017):
This movie tells the story of a young woman named Ingrid (played by Aubrey Plaza) who becomes obsessed with a social media influencer named Taylor (played by Elizabeth Olsen), and moves to Los Angeles to try to befriend her. The movie is a dark comedy that explores themes of social media, identity, and obsession, while also featuring a sweet and unexpected romance.
“The Big Sick” (2017):
This movie follows the story of a Pakistani-American comedian named Kumail (played by Kumail Nanjiani) and a white woman named Emily (played by Zoe Kazan) who fall in love, only to have their relationship tested by cultural differences and a medical crisis. The movie is based on the true story of Nanjiani’s own courtship with his wife, and features a heartfelt and honest portrayal of modern love.
“The One I Love” (2014):
“500 Days of Summer” (2009):
This movie follows the story of a young man named Tom (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who falls in love with a woman named Summer (played by Zooey Deschanel), only to discover that she does not believe in love. The movie is a bittersweet and unconventional romantic comedy that explores the highs and lows of modern relationships.
FADE OUT
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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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I’ve been totally blown away. As a low budget film maker, it was always difficult for me to find a great story that would fit my budget. But with blog, all of my worries have gone away! It provides me with amazing low-budget stories and ideas that are guaranteed to capture the audiences’ attention. Truly invaluable service!
Thanks for your kind comments, and please let us know what your learnings are as you trailblaze away! It could be a great blog post!