This October I will be embarking on a new venture... (writing and) Directing a World War II film that will be shot on a microbudget!!!
I am based in England, so locations and infrastructure in rural areas will be more in keeping with Europe during that time-period. I have a friend who is a collector of WWII uniforms and weapons, and his prize possession is an M8 Greyhound armoured vehicle!
So I have access to a number of items that won't eat into the budget too much.
Because this will be shot on an extremely low budget, the writing will have to be strategic to get the most out of the recourses I have available to me.
I have a basic outline that still has to be approved by the Producers, but if all goes well I will begin writing imminently.
Does anyone have any advice, experiences, anecdotes, or any other comments about how to properly and respectfully bring a WWII film to life?
Craig
2 people like this
What is the story line? I am working on a big budget WWII miniseries. It seems most period pieces will have a significant budget. I can't wait to see what you can do on a microbudget.
4 people like this
Battlefields are expensive - the action & casting alone will blow the budget. I don't know your story but my advice is to make it a personal relationship tale.
2 people like this
I commend your zeal. It's daunting work but it seems like you have the strive and the dedication. Really curious to see what you can pull off. Wishing you the best of luck, Craig!
5 people like this
The script I have planned is going to be a contained tank crew who go on a solo mission. The action will have to be minimal in order to save on the budget, so it will be the relationships of the crew members. All the weapons are deactivated so the muzzle flashes and hits will be done in post.
But planning each shot will be the top priority so there will be no wasting time on set and giving the vfx artist everything they need to make it as realistic as possible.
2 people like this
That sounds great! That could fit the small budget.
2 people like this
Listen to Doug. Also shoot it tight so you don’t show a light post or electrical wiring from this time.
1 person likes this
I am very interested in yours, Deborah Jennings. It sounds like it will be truly amazing!
4 people like this
It is an 8 hour limited series about the women pilots in WWII in the UK and the U.S. who did stateside flying duties to release men to combat duty. And I tell the rest of the Tuskegee story through the female pilot there who could not fly for the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) due to segregation laws in the U.S.
1 person likes this
These are the stories people need to know about, Deborah.
6 people like this
Craig McLearie To be respectful, your situations and the challenges should recognize the real challenges at the specific time the events take place. IMO pay attention to specific tactics and challenges, rather than writing generalized ww2 situations. Because especially relating to tanks, tactics, dangers and challenges changed constantly, and the stress level of tank personnel rose accordinglyy. You really need to do some serious research (if you haven't) as to the capabilities, armament and of course effectiveness of the specific armor, to make it real. Veterans, military historians and hobbyists know these things off by heart and if you can hit the right notes they will be happy and tell people about it. Depending on the time in the war (and of course your script) certain tanks were rolling coffins and the only tank which could reliably match a German tank in the European theatre was the modified Sherman - and the Sherman was no match at all for many later German tanks. As well, the German 88mm gun was ubiquitous and a tank killer. I would love to know how this works out.
3 people like this
A noisy tank on a solo mission with no infantry ? - the officer giving such an order is degraded . Panzerfausts were used as early as 1943. Maybe it is better to make a comedy out of it ? Lower costs.
2 people like this
Thank you, Shadow. The M8 is by no means a tank in the strictest sense. Its an armored vehicle with a 37mm gun and a Browning machine gun. Mainly used for reconnaissance due to its speed. I'll be including its specs in the writing process.
The story will be fiction, but I would like to keep it as accurate as possible.
2 people like this
so my take on this post.....we have enough films of this nature.....it would really have to be a smokin cast or something to get my attention
2 people like this
I hope you see my miniseries someday. There are few films about women in WWII and zero about women pilots. They didn't have to go into combat to die. It was an inherently dangerous job. I don't think any women died playing baseball - yet "A League of Their Own" still plays on.
2 people like this
There is some truth to @Shay says - you should really find your hook, and a "WWII setting" isn't it. For example, a friend of mine did a short about a young man with down syndrome during WWII to bring attention to how they were targeted. It was new and it was compelling.
From what you've mentioned in your post, the most compelling part is the history behind the stuff you have access to. Have you considered making it into a docu-series where you could make some part of it interviews, some part of it B-roll, and the rest of it narrative recreation using all the stuff? That way you can maximize your few narrative scenes and offset the cost with other, less expensive footage. Plus, you may uncover some really great hidden nuggets of history.
Not a sermon, just a thought ;-)
2 people like this
Thank you, Karen. That's not a bad idea!
Thank you :-)
2 people like this
Some said the one convoy won’t work. Did you see Fury? Try to out do that film in every way.
2 people like this
@Craig An interesting challenge ahead and I look forward to seeing the film. (Agree with @Shadow on doing extensive research & @Doug Less action more psychology & @Karen props seem to be high on agenda but you need work more on a unique hook.) With micro budget rare or quirky props that are generally hard to come by are only a huge bonus if the story itself is equally unique. If WW2 era is your passion then you may well pull off a “relationship” budget story but if not you could write “around the props” without it set in 1940’s. EG A film crew today making a vintage war film where one of the cast turns psycho or a supernatural film of a couple who keep dreaming of a past life they had ETC The past mixes in small doses with the now, cutting out the constant struggle to suspend audiences disbelief we’re always in WW2 which is hard to sustain on micro. Also don’t let budget stop you from writing “The” story driving you, get it out as a novel & script then make key believable scenes to pitch for or build Transmedia or another idea as @Karen suggested a Docu Series/B Roll. I can go on forever about Vintage props/clothes but since it’s a niche topic you can message me if want to discuss further.
3 people like this
There are a lot of interesting stories in the memories of tank drivers. Among the soldiers of the 8th Army, legends circulated about a tank crew who got thirsty for tea in the middle of a minefield. Others placed cans of food near the exhaust pipes and in this way dinner was cooked while driving. Tank crews in Italy discovered that wine bottles fit perfectly into ammunition racks, and some crews recalled that in Cassino, live chickens were kept in turrets, ensuring a supply of fresh eggs. During combat, proper ventilation of the inside of the vehicle was a big problem. Thus, it was common to see tanks conducting fire with open turret hatches, from which, not infrequently, during worse weather, an umbrella could stick out! Or, for example, such a story : From a distance of thirty meters, he fired three shells at the Tiger. All of them bounced off, causing no damage to the German machine.
"Then I saw a German officer stick his head out of the turret and smile at me! Then he took a white handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped with it the side of the turret where my bullets had bounced off. He smiled again, as if forgiving me for scratching his machine, and put the handkerchief in his pocket. "
2 people like this
Congratulations!
4 people like this
Hi Craig McLearie - looks like your countdown is on to October! Do you have have any Jewish characters or storylines in your script? If so, there's a whole distribution outlet of Jewish Film Festivals you can consider submitting to. Happy to chat about it!
2 people like this
Hi, Shellie. Unfortunately no, but if all goes well there will be another film and I could easily incorporate that into it.
3 people like this
Contracts were signed yesterday, so pre-production is officially underway!
Locations and cast are already being sourced, working around the small budget is a logistical nightmare!
But we begin shooting (location availability permitting) on the 22nd of October!
2 people like this
One way to look at it positively is that your logistical nightmare will resemble a war, and you had the courage to go for it. All the best!
3 people like this
Congratulations on the contracts being signed, Craig McLearie! Writing and directing a World War II film on a micro budget is ambitious, but everyone has given you great advice, and you already have the M8 Greyhound and other props that won't take up the budget. Excited to see where the project goes!
3 people like this
Hoping everything goes smoothly. It has to be tense with a small budget but I hope everything falls into place for you. I can't wait to see it!
2 people like this
Congrats! Having worked in production in remote locations, I would advise to have a medic full time on-set! please share footage when you can! Good luck!
2 people like this
Thank you everyone! I will upload and send links as things progress.
It'll be an uphill climb, but it'll be worth it to see the view from a height.
2 people like this
Hello, everyone.
It's basically two weeks till we start filming, and it's been a beast all in itself trying to organise this thing! But the closer we get the more things are falling into place.
I'll keep you posted.
2 people like this
It sounds difficult and but I look forward to seeing your progress.
3 people like this
Thanks for the update, Craig McLearie. Hope production goes smooth!
2 people like this
Congrats, Craig!
2 people like this
Amazing good luck and keep us up to date!
2 people like this
Another true stories about tanks in WW2 1. German Panther tank stood masked in the village .
"We do not have a cannon that can pierce the armor of this tank," - the commander said sadly.
One of the tankmen suggested that they drive forward quickly , fire 3 fragmentation shells , maybe they can hit his turret and burn out the electrical cables . After which we will run back.
So they did - luckily they managed to hit the antenna , and the fire made a short circuit . So the German crew , unable to start the tank abandoned it . News of the capture of the tank spread quickly and the division headquarters came to see the capture .
2. The column of tanks received the order to march forward . And just out of the first tank escaped the mascot - a white rabbit , which hid under the tank . The tankmen tried to lure him out from under the tank, but neither pleas nor threats helped. A general was passing by and stopped, seeing the protruding butts of the tankmen. So he asked loudly if the tankmen wanted to get something for their protruding naked buttocks. The tank commander, sitting lying under the tank, answered him loudly to watch his mouth because he might come out from under the tank and silence him.... So the general calmly waited until the tank men grabbed the rabbit and came out from under the tank.....
2 people like this
A sneaky still from the shoot
3 people like this
Looks like it could be a WWII battlefield!
2 people like this
Craig McLearie - wow! looks great!
2 people like this
Thank you for keeping your finger straight and off the trigger! Weapons safety 101, but gets overlooked so often in film!
1 person likes this
All the boys...
2 people like this
Wow, that's pretty cool, Craig McLearie! It really looks like World War II time.
1 person likes this
https://youtu.be/R73sHSOtogw
Trailer is now live!
2 people like this
Wow Craig!!!! I think that looks very professional for a low budget! Good for you and good luck!
1 person likes this
The trailer is incredible, Craig McLearie!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0CGZWWQHP/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
The full feature is now available to view on Amazon Prime!
Wonderful! Good for you!