Making Movies On A Budget

Making movies doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. It is possible to make a movie on a budget with just a little planning.

Making movies has always been an expensive business. Heck, the actors alone can set you back millions of dollars, and that's just for starters. Johnny Depp will cost you an average of $72 million for one movie, (but some might say he's worth every cent), of course, not all of us have the $72 million spare, that's the problem. Anyway, the fact is that a big Hollywood star doesn't even guarantee that your movie will be a success. Recently, Will Ferrell has come into a lot of stick for being the most overpaid actor of the year; his films only make an average of $3.29 for every dollar they pay him, (according to Forbes), mind you, that still doesn't alter that fact that Talladega Nights – The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is one of the funniest movies in the entire universe!

Making Movies on a Budget – Where to Start

Now, the simple truth is, that there are some very talented potential movie makers, they have the vision, they have the tenacity, they have the talent, but they're just a bit short of cash! What's the best way to go about making movies on a budget?

• Be absolutely sure that this is what you want to do. It's going to take lots of time, energy and passion to see it through, but what could be more fun that roping a load of mates into making a movie and spending your time being the center of attention?
• Get the outline of your idea. Maybe you've already written something original and unique, or maybe you just fancy making a spoof on some other film, it's completely up to you.
• Write the screenplay. This doesn't have to be written in stone, you can, and probably will, change it loads when you get cracking.
• Write up a shot list and create storyboards. Don't worry if you're not an artist, stick men can do the job well enough.
• Gather your friends (I mean 'actors') and get them to rehearse. This way they can get a feel for their characters before you start wasting your time or equipment actually filming. It also gives you all a good idea of what will work, and any bits which might be better improvised.
• Gather your other friends (uh,'crew'). Depending on how low budget your low budget movie is going to be, it might be worth trying to find somebody who has some experience of sound/lighting/film making for you to learn from.
• Decide on your shooting schedule and budget. You are going to need to spend some cash, so decide on where it will be spent for the best advantage. You're going to have to spend some cash on the movie making equipment of course, and also props, food, transport, unless you can talk your Mum into letting you shoot your movie in the back yard and leave her to supply the sandwiches – Mums can be so useful, don't you think?
• Beg, borrow and steal stuff. Okay, well maybe not the last one, but it's important to scrounge as much stuff as you can for free. You might be surprised at just how much stuff people will be willing to let you have, for a good cause. People just love the movies, and will be thrilled to bits at the prospect of seeing their old garden bench/gramophone player/straw hat in the finished production.
• Start shooting!
• Start editing! Yes, you'll have to cut out some of those scenes that didn't really work, and risk the wrath of the star of the scene. But realistically, over 12 hours of shooting does need to be cut back to a more reasonable hour or so, wouldn't you agree?
• Make the movie credits
• Make the popcorn.
• Invite your friends round for the premiere!
• Sit back and wait to bask in the glory of your final achievement.