3 Tips for Producing Low-Budget Independent Films
We all have to get started somewhere; I’m starting right here. In 2022, creative storytelling is a competitive and lucrative career in which many aspire for fame, money, and international validation. The accessibility of high-quality cell phone cameras has inspired us to be a more visually expressive culture. Now that social media has empowered the generation of content creators, the push for low-budget quality filmmaking has exploded. We shouldn’t be tricked by what becomes meme-worthy and instead strive to refine the filmmaking process. The goal is to make filmmaking accessible so that independents with unique visions and ideas can find their audience.
1. Producing Independent Films Working with a Small Budget
Small budgets for a film could mean anything between $100,000 to $30 for snacks. Money is not always behind an idea, but the story needs to be made. This is probably the most challenging aspect of producing a high-quality, low-budget film. Considering that it’s nearly impossible to create a movie without funding, if you can budget the economic advantage of making connections…anything is possible.
The first thing you must consider when budgeting for an independent film is who you know. Independent filmmakers rely on good favors, service exchanges, and professional friends to get things done. Create a budget for cast and crew that reflects the expenses for each day of shooting. You don’t need to sacrifice your crew’s pay when budgeting. Negotiating with the people you bring on to the project as compensation is a sure way to get people enthusiastic about your project, even if it is low budget.
You have to feed your talent and crew well; that is a must. On the lucky strike that you get good people to work on your film for little to no money, ensure they are fed and comfortable. Budgeting for 1 to 2 meals daily and an assortment of snacks and coffee is essential. If you have a good friend at a restaurant that would do you a favor in exchange for credits on the film or a small cameo, that works well.
Good films are made with good equipment. Have a budget for camera and equipment. Understandably, equipment rentals can be too expensive for low-budget productions. I propose to see if you can connect with filmmakers with equipment that will work with you or even let you borrow equipment.
Other important things to budget for include:
Location: I recommended doing a deep scout of free/low-cost spaces.
Props and Costumes: This is an opportunity to practice recycling and craftiness.
Transportation: Determine how to get your crew safely from one place to another; you might need to carpool.
2. Casting for a Low Budget Film
Casting the right talent for your film will set you apart. Connect with a casting director and see if you can budget to hire one for your crew. Make sure that you give them an ample amount of time to find the right talent. It’s common to skip the process of auditioning and pre-production when trying to put together a film with a limited budget. Scheduling the time to rehearse and find the right actors will increase the quality of your work exponentially.
A product’s job is to find a balance between what everyone wants from the role. Negotiating with actors can be difficult. It’s important to allocate space for them on set, work with their schedules, and feed them correctly.
For directors, the task is to find people who will work well with each other and with the crew. Don’t underestimate your ability to cast a well-known actor on a limited budget; Idris Alba is in everything.
3. Developing the Look of a High-Quality Film on a Limited Budget
You don’t need all the latest technology to develop convincing images. A huge part of filmmaking is creating a convincing space. In many instances, real-world streets and buildings with the right lighting will suffice. To stand out, however, the image is manipulated with camera tricks that will help the story move forward. A low-budget film can be well composed with backgrounds that establish the characters and lighting that reveals them. These are simple elements that successful filmmakers take and mold.
Producing an exciting look takes planning. Developing a sturdy plan of action with a storyboard and shot list will save you time and money. Filmmaking is an art, and sound artists always sketch before they start making.
This part should be included in the budget calculations as well. For many productions, Post-Production is entirely separate. For many limited-budget productions, the same people may work the camera and the editing room; this is understandable. Utilizing editing tools to your advantage will be the key to your budget film’s quality. You've done it if you can budget for Color Correction and a professional score.
Producing low-budget independent films takes a lot of calculated effort. Your connections to other filmmakers and finding supportive people will be your greatest assets. Hire the right people and treat them right. Take these appropriate steps, and you’ll quickly produce high-quality, low-budget films.