Give yourself time to work on the script, the better it is developed, the better story you will be able to tell and the stronger the story you have. With independent films the story is the vital part of any movie since low budget filmmakers can’t really compete with the big budget films when it comes to special effects, distribution opportunities, movie stars, huge crew and loads and loads of money.
I would advise anyone to base your film on a strong story, which I know isn’t easy. That’s why I would recommend giving yourself as much time as you can.
When the script is ready it’s time to look for the crew. Check out our WHERE DO I FIND CAST AND CREW tips to find out more.
When the cast and crew positions are filled and everyone know what they are doing you should set the shooting date. Sometimes finding the right time for everyone to be able to appear on your set might be a challenge but you can always work things out. And don’t forget to sign contracts with everyone. This is your insurance policy securing that the film will actually belong to you and you will be able to use it.
When the date is set, you need to look for the equipment. Many cinematographers have their own equipment. If your cinematographer doesn’t have camera and you have no money to pay for one, go to the hire place and ask them if they could make you a deal. You might even be able to get it for free because the hire company may want to invest in you. It may be that you’ll be the big shot and then they would want to see you again and if they do you a favour you might be more willing to come back. Besides if the equipment isn’t used, it’s not good for the equipment itself.
When it comes to the lights, if you don’t have your own lights and you need it, you might either go to a hire company (many of them will give good deals to independent filmmakers) or have special sets for less money which are still very good to use. If you have no money, ask around. There may be someone who will be willing to lend you the lights for free or go to your local film school and ask if they could help you. When the worst comes to worst, you can always make your film without lights and it still may be great.
Sound people very often come with their own equipment. If you have a sound person who is without equipment, look for one who has equipment because hardly any company would hire sound equipment; that is very expensive anyway, without supervision too. Good sound is very important so it’s worth looking for good sound people.
Very often you get locations free of charge as long as you give credits to the people who helped you with it. One very important thing you have to always remember is CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF AND LEAVE AS GOOD IMPRESSION AS POSSIBLE. This way you make it easier for the next crew to get access to the location. Otherwise you ruin the opportunity for everyone, maybe even for yourself.
Make up assistants usually come with all the necessary equipment. Very often you will have to pay them at least for the products they use. The make up products are very expensive so it’s only fair to do it.
Costumes: many high street shops have a “film division”, which is a shop from where you can borrow clothes for the shoot. Of course you will have to return everything you or your wardrobe person signs for. You will also have to give credits to the shop and the management. It is very important so don’t forget it.
For the period films you will most likely have to hire costumes from either a shop or a theatre. This is going to cost you a bit. That is why I never make period films.
Before you start working get the contracts signed, especially if the people you work with are your friends. It makes it easier and clearer for everyone to know what he or she is doing and what they are getting out of the whole experience. Check out contracts section on www.bulletfilm.com
So to make a film you need:
- Script.
- Cast and crew.
- Location.
- Equipment.
- Make up and costumes.
- Contracts.
- Good organization.
- Some money to pay at least for the transport and food (this is very important if you aren’t paying anyone for the work; the least you can do is feed them well).
