Making Your Own Super Micro Budget Feature

As an independent producer, I'm always planning my next project. With a stack of screenplays (many of which are my own), and no Mr. Moneytree waiting to spread his love, it can be challenging. This is why I've taken the Robert Rodriguez approach when it comes to filmmaking. For those of you unfamiliar, Robert Rodriguez's first feature film, El Mariachi, had no crew. And almost no budget. At a meager 7k, he was the writer, director, cinematographer, location scout, sound, and editor. With inflation, that would be about 15k today.

Taking a page from Robert's book, I didn't go to film school and am entirely self-taught. So doing things a bit unconventionally is my style. This is why I've coined the term: Super Micro Budget.

For those of you who know nothing about me, I'm a full-time photographer. In 2010, I decided to take my childhood passion and start making independent films. Each project was a chance to learn and get better in the process. Being a photographer, I had an understanding of lighting and composition. But it takes trial and error to make a film! Fast forward, over the last few years, I've had projects air on PBS, A&E, and Hulu. This all comes from having a 'go for it' approach!

A few months ago, I chatted with a client of mine about an idea I had for a feature film. They loved it so much that they offered to finance it! I wrote the script and waited for that financing to come through, so we could start production. Sadly, this individual passed away suddenly. My heart goes out to their family. But, I wasn't ready to throw in the towel on the project. After all, like Mr. Rodriguez, I've made many films for next to nothing. And, like Robert Rodriguez, I can wear many hats on set.

Let's Circle Back! What do you need to make a Super Micro Budget Film (or even a no-budget production)? To keep everything as easy as possible, I've broken it down for you!

What's Your Budget?

And, where are you going to get it? When I say Super Micro Budget Film, I'm thinking 25k or less. Most of these tips could work with a budget of 100k or less. But for me, I like to work with budgets I know I can get! At this level, most of the time it's self-financing. Or, donors who'd like Executive Producer Credit, as well as on-set experience. It can even be crowdfunding. But before you go any further, you need to know how much money you have to work with! If it's zero, you can still make a film, but it may have to be a short with 1-2 actors volunteering time. Even then, you'll likely need a little money.

You Need A Screenplay!

Write one. Find one. Either way, you need one. And, to make your project work on a Super Micro-Budget, you'll need a great one! To say that story is everything is not an understatement. It's the truth! You need a solid foundation if you want your house to stand. Your story being the house.  For me, I wanted to ensure I can do my project for as little budget as possible. So, I've limited the story to one key location, a creepy old house! Granted there are other spots, but they need to be easy to get. For example, a local park, my home, a neighbor's home, a car, etc. The key is to keep it simple! Do not overdo it.

Less is more! Don't go overboard with your cast! Three to four main cast members with a handful of extra roles are plenty. If you have 20+ roles in your film, chances are you may need to beef up your story a bit more!

Don't forget to have a few friends read your script and give you feedback. Or, Stage 32 has services right here for feedback. You can join the Writer’s Room or check out the Script Services.

For me, I decided to write a psychological thriller. There are four main cast members, with a primary focus on one of the actors. This means fewer people to schedule and move around.

Seek Out Your Local Talent!

This is the fun part! Finding your cast! Try to keep your cast local. It'll save you on lodging and depending on your call time, an extra meal! You can post a listing here on Stage 32 or Backstage. Usually, I'd suggest doing both! The more options the merrier! The same goes for your crew. I've met a great Script Supervisor from networking here on Stage 32.

What About Your Crew?

Now is the time to think like a Super Micro Budget Filmmaker. It’s time to ask, what can you do yourself? For me, I take the path of early Robert Rodriguez. I personally write, direct, camera operate, light, edit, etc! This saves me a ton of time and money. Fewer people on set mean fewer cooks in the kitchen and quicker decision-making. On the flip side, I love having someone on set to keep track of continuity and help me move things around. The point is to keep the budget low, but it means you have to wear many hats.

However, if you've never operated a camera before in your life, or are a hobbyist, start with a short and build up. Or consider hiring a seasoned camera professional. It's not as easy as buying a fancy camera and light package and then calling “action”. In fact, if you know what you’re doing with it, you could even use a mediocre camera.

There are other crew decisions you can make to save money. Craft services, location scouting, casting, lining up crew and cast, it all ties into your budget and what skills you have available.

Quick Tip: Find crew members that can multitask and are multi-hyphenates in their interests and skillset. For example, a Director/DP all in one. Some may frown on this idea, but one has to be realistic about what is achievable with a smaller budget.

Time To Set A Date!

When you schedule a date, you're putting yourself on the line. Be realistic, based on your own experience or the advice of those you trust, as to what you can pull off solo. Give yourself extra time if needed. Remember, there are amazing resources to learn more about scheduling, producing, and budgeting indie shorts and features available at your fingertips on Stage 32. Use them! Meet people with similar goals and ambitions. Network! Ask questions! We all have to start somewhere. Stay positive and don't let anyone hold you back. Life is too short to do everything by the books.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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