Budget Video Notes

Low budget film-making

A method many people use when filming a low budget movie is resource filming.
This means using pre-existing resources to film your movie, for example using peoples costumes, props ETC. This cuts down a lot of money that would have been used to provide these resources.
You have to revolve the film around what resources are available to you to ensure you are saving the most amount of money possible. You have to make a list on:

• Locations available to you (houses, offices, parks)
• List of actors (family, friends) + extras
• Equipment (cameras, lights, gear)
• Interesting items or objects
• Local Events (parade, car show)

You have to minimise travel as that is costly and takes a lot of time. As well as this, you should try to minimise the amount of characters as this could also be costly too., and much easier to manage. As most likely none of the actors will be professional, you need to give them roles that are realistic to perform, and write them to their individual strengths. 

Do shoots in the day, because if you don't have the right equipment for lighting at night then you won't even be able to see the characters. 

Pre -production

You should go location scouting to make sure they are suitable to use for the film. You have to find the right time of day to go there and make sure there aren't any problems with the government for using them, or other people incase it is their property.

Make sure the equipment and actors are available at the times you need, because most likely you won't be paying a lot, so they may not turn up.

Production

You also have to provide accommodation and meals for actors/crew as they are doing you a favour, and they won't want to pay their own money for these things. Therefore, it would be smart to make bulk-meals to save the most money possible.

Post-production

After the movie, if you are able to edit and it special effects in your self this will save you a lot of money as you don't have to hire anyone. Also, if you know someone that can get music for free instead of having to pay for usage rights, that will also save lots of money.