You do not need a fancy camera to produce a film; there are several prosumer models that will produce great results.
Developing and making a motion picture can constitute an overwhelming challenge. An infinite number of variables can hinder a production. Producing a film on a low budget is even more challenging. As a producer or director, you need to stay aware of all the various costs, which can easily get out of control if you don't keep a tight rein on them. However, you can keep the expenses to a manageable level without compromising the integrity of your film.
Instructions
1. Write your script. It does not matter how much money you have for the film, or whether you possess the latest equipment. The strength of your story will dictate the quality of your film. Write a draft and put it down for a couple of days. Pick it up again and read it with fresh eyes, then revise it until you have a tight, solid and fluid story.
2. Find locations that are privately owned. It may be tempting to just set up in a public area and begin shooting, but this usually requires permits and clearance from city commissions. Barter with privately owned businesses to shoot on their property. Provide them exposure in the film or offer to produce a promotional video for them in exchange for using their location.
3. Find a cast for your film. If you need to keep to a low budget and cannot afford to pay for actors, then visit a local college or drama theater. You can often find students and actors looking for exposure, who may be willing to work for cheap or even free. You can also offer to produce audition videos or demo reels for them.
4. Schedule your film and outline your production process. This step is critical; organization constitutes the most important weapon in the low budget filmmaker's arsenal. The better prepared you are, the more adeptly you can handle issues that arise, allowing you to stay on schedule and keep from wasting money. A general rule of thumb is to take the time you think you need to film a scene and double it to give yourself some buffer.
5. Prepare your camera. Most films are still produced on 35mm celluloid reels which are extremely expensive. Many independent filmmakers now use HD cameras which provide comparable images. Make sure that camera will accept audio signals from an external source. The on-camera mic usually isn't sufficient to pick up actor dialogue clearly.
6. Set up your audio gear. Shotgun or directional mics make a popular choice for films and are usually held over the actors' heads on a boom pole. For cleaner audio recording, aim the shotgun mic at the actor's mouth. You can run the microphone cable directly from the mic and into the camera, though you will have better control using an audio mixer to monitor the signal.
7. Use natural lights. Lighting plays a large factor in image quality, and with some creativity, you can achieve a professional look without spending much money. If you can schedule scenes outdoors, you can take advantage of the most powerful and cost effective light there is: the sun. Pick up some white poster board from your local craft store to serve as cheap reflectors and use them to fill in shadows and add highlights to your actor. If you need cheap lights, you can usually find scoop lights and fluorescent bulbs at a hardware store for around $10.
8. Connect the camera to your computer. You can use "Windows Movie Maker" or "iMovie" that come free with the operating systems, or you can purchase a more robust editing application such as Avid Media Composer, Adobe After Effects or Final Cut Pro. Capture all of your footage.
9. Put together a rough cut of your film. Do not worry about titles, music or special effects yet. Get your footage together in sequence and focus on editing it so that it effectively tells your story. Take the time to make revisions, and tighten and rearrange your edits. Remember that the story is the most important part of your film, and this will be your last chance to make sure it flows properly.
10. Add your music, sound effects and special effects into your film. Only use music that you have the rights to. You can purchase royalty free production music collections that allow you to use all of the tracks as much as you would like. This is a very inexpensive option compared to licensing costs if you used popular music.
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