Producing : Getting tired of waiting for funding. Let's make films without money! by Vee Harrison

Victor, no matter what - it takes money to make a film - period, full stop! I'm a proponent of the no/low budget filmmaking at my production company (SLB Films). The last 8 minuet zero budget film I Produced cost me about $600 for a two day shoot; lunches & a wrap party. I directed, edited, provided the camera/lighting and Produced it. I doubt you can get cheaper than that.

Thanks, Dan. Thanks, Doug. I think Doug sums up how it is totally possible. Especially if you understand the technology and the production workflow. And also if the script is written according to available resources.

And it really isn't about being cheap about it, it's more of a creative challenge. To better understand how this works in filmmaking, check out the movie "The five obstructions".

I's possible...did my first 4-5 short movies on 0 budget....last one got me prize I've woulda dream of, A list FF with film stars as companions...but this was all pre-pandemic...

People gone apeshit these days... would recommend different scope of business...you can always have filmmaking as a hobby...

Let’s do it! Dm me

Have fun!

I appreciate that you call it "without money" because you clearly still need resources. This is why one-day shoots are rad for no-money shoots. People are willing to buy their own lunch for one day or drive an hour for one day or work without pay for one day. Just make it short and fun, and bring your friends, and you can totally get it done. The trick is, when you do finally spend money, what is it on?

I learned from Emily Skye that upgrading your lenses, hiring a colorist in post, and a sound mixer in post are the biggest things you can do to ensure the end product is festival-worthy. Oh, and maybe foot the bill for a hot meal for lunch for your crew so they know you appreciate them. Here is her blog about the experience (and it was so popular that she got funding for a feature): https://www.stage32.com/blog/How-to-Film-Safely-During-a-Pandemic

Best of luck, and let us know how your shoot goes!

Thanks, Karen-Kay.

Crew? What's that in this situation? I write features that can be shot in a bedroom. No locations, no spectacular/expensive moments. Just a few good crew/cast friends hoping to get a screen credit and a producer credit. Check out Robert Rodriguez' "Rebel without a Crew", or Shane Carruth's "Primer" produced for only 8k, mostly for festival promotions. I'm not trying to emulate the big films, only trying to break into the industry with a few pals who feel the same. We could even vote to go union after about a month and become full members of IATSE. Win-win.

Try not to worry it's good you got pulls for people, but don't worry that much imma need your email boss

I know funding is tight but pay people something, unless it's your close friends, because people are unreliable when they aren't being paid...

@Mackleen I would want to talk to you more it looks like you are in a prime position

I tend to agree with you, @Mackleen - especially the better they are and the more in demand they are likely to be, yeah, pay them a base rate at least so they can justify penciling you in.

He is busy bro lol idk

Mackleen, young folk today are unreliable when they are paid (so I don't hire 'em anymore).