That is the question facing many aspiring filmmakers. On one hand, the desire and need to create and tell a story can be overwhelming. I get it, I'm a creative person too. But what is also overwhelming is the how and should. Most new-ish and, quite frankly veteran independent filmmakers come in pretty low on the income scale. It is an unfortunate but true stereotype about the starving artist. A lot of us work those horrible day jobs to support our art and basic needs. So how do you get together resources to make that great film without blowing your budget? And I'm talking low budget here...waaaay low budget.
First recommendation: Learn to do it yourself. Yup, that's right, you don't have to spend money to have someone else do your editing for you. You don't have to hire an AD to do your scheduling for you. You can do it yourself. How? Buy a book and learn. Yes it takes a bit longer and a lot more effort but will save you a ton. The best part of it is that when you finally can afford to hire others to help you, you will be aware of what goes into the process and what to expect. I've use many a book or website to help me learn how to do things myself. Some have literally changed how I look at filmmaking!
Second recommendation: Meet and work with others who love their art too. This is particularly important for the low budget film. Unless you have access to a vast personal fortune, you probably won't be able to pay anyone on your first couple of sets. Luckily, most film folk love what they do and just want to do the work. They invest every extra penny they earn into their art and thus you will find many who own their own HD cameras, lighting equipment, and sound stuff. Ask for favours. Show them your script. See if they want to be involved. And most importantly, return the favour when they ask you to do the same. Don't know many people yet in the industry? Work on some student films and other low budget shorts. Use the internet to find productions that are looking for help.
Third recommendation: Find a good script that is affordable to do. OK this should really be the first recommendation. If your script and story are expensive garbage, you are going to find it difficult to crew and cast your production. Period. Not to mention that even if the film gets made, if the basics of the script and story aren't good, the finished film won't do well. And no one wants that. Better yet, write your own script and don't include anything in it that you don't have access to for free or really really cheap. So if your great uncle doesn't own that airport down the road, don't write in a scene that has a high speed car chase down a runway.
Fourth recommendation: Keep up on the news of the entertainment industry. This will help you to spot trends and foresee any potential issues when filming. No one wants to make any unions angry so also make sure you are at least a bit familiar with those too. I use IMDB as well as individual union pages to keep up.
Fifth recommendation: Never give up, keep learning and gathering your resources. It took ten years for "Good Will Hunting" to get made because Matt Damon and Ben Affleck stuck to their guns and insisted on making their film their way. See how that paid off? An Oscar or two ain't bad...
Despite all of these, sometimes it's just hard to keep inspired. Don't forget the importance of seeing great films and reading great books and articles. They help you keep your eye on the prize and keep the dream alive. I watch great classic films on TCM late a night to keep me inspired, not to mention working with inspiring people. They say in show biz that it takes ten years to make an overnight success story so work hard and use your resources. So gather those resources, learn about the entertainment industry, find some good books and people, and build your film empire! Happy filming!
About this Author
Tonya Dodds is an actress and aspiring filmmaker. From her forays into low budget independent filmmaking, she has learned the value of working with great people and learning how to do everything film related cheaply. She put together Film Resource Stop for those looking to do the same. Visit [http://www.filmresourcestop.com] to find great resources and tips on the entertainment industry and filmmaking in general.
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