Pre-Production
Funding - Screenplays - Writing - Filmmaking Links - Ideas - Storyboarding
Production
Cinematography - Acting - Lighting - Sound - Crew
Post Production
Distribution - Editing - Festivals - Online Screening
Forum
Articles - Projects - Profiles
Background
Books - Films - History of Film - History & Genres - News & Reviews - Glossary - Short Film Competitions
Animation
Photography
Home
Up until now, things have required time and effort, but from this point on you’ll also need cold, hard cash. And like it or not, you’re going to have to be as much of a businessman as a creative. Approaching local businesses with half-hearted pitches about being “part of something great” is going to get you nowhere. Doing it properly, and giving them the chance to make money, will make your project a much more attractive prospect.
Again, the key to success in attracting finance for your film is to be professional. A professional package, like a portfolio for a business plan that you would take to financiers to attract money for your business, is essential. The package contains several things:
-Script
-Synopsis
-Budget
-Names
-Your CV
Script
Make sure you get it right. You can't make a good film from a bad script. Time spent rewriting the script saves hurried on set and late night writing which often does more harm than good.
Synopsis
A page length summary of the plot.
Budget
A complete, detailed and realistic breakdown is an essential part of your package.
Cost-Cutting
Conversation is a mainstay of independent film. Talk is cheap. Stunts and effects cost. More locations also cost more money. Sending your penniless crew tearing round the country just to get a few minutes footage is not the way to keep the budget low. This doesn’t mean you should have your actors spend the whole film talking in one room, just that you need to be aware that scenes don’t all cost the same amount.
Scheduling
Budgeting and scheduling are closely linked because your budget affects how long you can afford to shoot for, and you need to determine how long you will need to shoot to calculate your budget. Aim to shoot all scenes at a particular location at the same time, as travelling from place to place costs time and money. Watch the continuity too, as problems with this can cause nightmares. Especially haircuts.
Budgeting
On a low budget production, the main expenses will be hire of the camera and lighting equipment, stock and processing, and feeding everyone. There are numerous ways to cut costs. Employing people for free or deferred pay, getting a DP with his own equipment, getting hold of equipment through a film school or club, or only using natural light. The film stock you use dramatically affects the budget. 35mm is the professional format, but it is the most expensive to buy and process. The huge cost of film means that more and more people are turning to digital video.
One thing you definitely need is a contingency fund. Things will go wrong and you will need something to sort out the unexpected problems.
Names
If you can get a "name" attached to the project, then finding finance will become a lot easier.
Your CV
Sell yourself. If you want to direct, then the money men will want to know why they should give you the job rather than one of the other hopefuls.
Feedback and Submissions screaming_reels@yahoo.co.uk
Remember to add the site to your favourites.
A Short History of Film
Pt. 1: Silent Cinema 1895-1927
Pt. 2: Studio System 1927-1945
Pt. 3: Post-War 1945-1959
Pt. 4: New Waves 1959-1975
Pt. 5: Blockbusters 1975-2002
