The love of film is often a labor of love for those who want to contribute to the art form. Festivals like Sundance encourage independent filmmakers to pursue feature films. Making movies is no longer relegated to mega producers with million dollar budgets. With some creativity and know how, a film producer can create a feature film for under $10,000.
Instructions
1. Plan the entire project from the beginning to the end. This starts with the creation of script and ends with the last day of filming and post-production editing. The producer needs to understand that many things will not go according to the plan. Have a plan including a budget with possible alternative plans when things don't work out. Weather, actors and script changes are just a few things that can affect the outcome of a film.
2. Hire friends and family. Nepotism works when attempting to cut corners. It is important to manage expectations with family and friends who work on the film. Determine who is willing to help for little or nothing as well as who needs some monetary compensation. Labor costs are a large portion of any film budget.
3. Rent used equipment. Camera equipment and boom lighting are just some of the equipment costs associated with a film. A film house will rent used equipment for minimal costs. This is also a time to get creative. Work with the director to work around more expensive aspects a filming. Wheel chairs or shopping carts, for example, can be used instead of film tracks to create a fluid film shot.
4. Create or get a writer to create a script with one to two film settings. Multiple film sites will increase the cost to make a movie. Films that take place in the course of a day or occur in one place are less likely to go over a $10,000 budget.
5. Find film school graduates to shoot and edit the film. Young graduates are looking for experience to create a non-existent body of work. They are more likely to work for very low pay and in some cases, no pay. Drama majors will be eager to fill acting positions in the forthcoming film. Be prepared to deal with artistic people with opposing points of view. Remember that the producer need to remain the guiding force throughout the film.
