Would you like to make a movie, but don't have a lot of money to spend? Don't let economic issues stop you. There are many easy ways to cut the costs of making a film, such as using low-cost equipment and resources.
Steps
Step 1. Decide if you really want to make your film
Keep in mind that this is a project that will take time and a minimal amount of money, and that it won't leave you much space to hang out with your friends and have fun. On the other hand, if you're making a low-budget film, what better way to do it by involving your friends, making them part of the project and having fun at the same time?
Step 2. Find an idea for the movie
It doesn't have to be completely original - it could be a remake or a parody. Who cares? Get inspired by a book - anything written before 1900 is now in the public domain and you can make use of it without any problems. If you want your film to be consistent, find an idea first. If you'd rather go loose, structure it as you go (like David Lynch with the Empire of Mind - you decide if you liked it or not).
Step 3. If you have a lead, write the script
It doesn't have to be perfect and you don't have to follow it 100%. It is mainly used to get an idea of how to get started. If you want, you can just write the scenes and let the actors improvise the lines.
Step 4. Be grasped by a vision
Step 5. Make a list of the shots and draw or create the storyboard
It will help you know which shots to take in the movie before shooting them. Storyboards don't have to be designed by artists. You can use stick figures, take pictures of models or help you with software like Storyboard Quick or whatever you prefer. The storyboard will give you an essential outline of what you will need to shoot and what will need to be in each individual shot.
Step 6. Find the actors and try, try, try
You'll give your actors a chance to really get into the part before they go out to shoot, and you'll avoid wasting time, tape and / or film. In this way the actors will be able to learn the lines together or, if they improvise, they will start to have an idea about the phrases to say.
Step 7. Get a crew together
By crew we mean a group of people who may or may not know immediately the work they are about to do. If you want to get serious about it, post an ad in the newspaper or in online forums to find people who have studied film and already have a smattering of lights, sound or visuals. As a director, you will have a greater chance of achieving the result you want if you surround yourself with people who already have a vague idea of what they need to do. Or, if you prefer a more on-the-ground approach and want to learn the various aspects of making a film yourself, ask your friends to help you keep lights and microphones in place. This way you can all learn something and appreciate the final result more.
Step 8. Create a shooting schedule and give yourself a budget
Decide how much money you want to spend and how to invest it. Remember, you will need equipment that allows you to record sounds and light scenes, and of course a video camera. Having other materials could be superfluous and complicated. In the budget you will also have to include props, food for the cast and crew, the cost of travel, and the rental of any locations. A well-detailed schedule helps everyone, so everyone knows when they need to be available and where to find you.
Step 9. Recover everything you can for free
Go to school? Find out if the school has a video camera. Get to know the technical education teacher. Do you know the owner of a hardware store or similar? It could be useful with lights and maybe in finding some props. Tell them you're making a movie and ask if they can give you a discount. Do you absolutely need a location but think you have to pay for it? Explain that you want to make a movie and that many people have already contributed. Everyone loves movies and would like to be a part of it in some way. If you tell people what your purpose is, doors will open for you that you didn't even know existed.
Step 10. Take care of legal matters
Making a movie is more than just taking the camera and filming something. There are some legal issues to deal with in pre-production, ie before you start shooting. You must obtain permission for film shooting in any city before starting work. If you don't have this permit and you get caught by the police, production will skip. You also need to protect yourself with insurance. If you don't have insurance and something goes wrong, you could be held responsible for any injury or property damage.
Step 11. Get organized
It's that simple.
Step 12. Stay true to your vision
Step 13. Start spinning
Be nice to everyone and tell them what you want without making them feel stupid. You want to have fun, right? Then let others have fun too. Remember to view the footage as soon as you can. Try not to miss a scene because it was shot in the dark and you can't afford to do it again because you only had the location available for one day. Don't forget the sound when filming. Shoot scenes where you don't hear too much traffic noise, otherwise you will have a hard time making dialogue heard. Don't lose your temper and never forget that it has to be a fun experience. You are not paid, so don't take it as a job. Take note of the scenes shot and use the clapperboard. There is a lot to learn, but you can throw yourself into this experience and learn directly on the field. Have fun.
Step 14. Follow the right rules
If your goal is the distribution of the film or participation in a festival, you are required to follow certain rules and to complete many files. If you don't, you'll end up with a movie that you won't be able to do much with.
Step 15. Learn how to use editing software
Most of the programs are simple to use and will allow you to synchronize audio and video without major problems. Do not rush. Editing takes time. It is useful to have software such as Particle Illusion or Fx Vision Lab Studios (both for a fee).
Step 16. Make the credits
Use software like Video Tagger.
Step 17. Show your friends what you have shot
If you are not convinced, make different versions and show them to your friends. They too will probably have seen a lot of movies, and they'll tell you what's right and what's wrong.
Step 18. Burn the movie to DVD and invite everyone you know over to your house to view it
You can take pride in the fact that you are an independent filmmaker. People will value you a little more now.
Step 19. Explain to your boss why you haven't been to work in the last few weeks (joke
).
Advice
- Invest your money wisely.
- Have fun while making your project.
- Read as many scripts, movie or filmmaking books as you can find.
- Look for any manufacturers in your area. If there are, ask to be able to become a production assistant. You probably won't get paid, but you can stay on set and learn!
- A good way to advertise your movie is to upload it to YouTube
- Watch some interviews with the directors.
