Making a short film gives you a chance to bring a story to life right in front of your eyes. That short film may then garner some serious attention online (with many great directors having made their start in short films!), get you that university grade you’ve been wanting, or even help you win an award at a film festival.
So, how do you do it if you don’t have a massive budget to work with? Many films are undeniably expensive, but there are ways to cut back on costs. Here are some of the best tips for doing so.
1. Find a Budget-Friendly Script Printing Service
One of the earlier costs is printing out scripts. The number of scripts you need will depend on how many actors/crew members you have. Naturally, the more scripts you need, the higher the cost, but you can slash this by finding a budget-friendly script printing service. Look for anything under around 12 cents per page, and, if you’re printing in bulk, see if there are any bulk-printing savings to be had. You should also consider sticking to black and white (rather than adding in color), as this will save you some money, too!
2. Hire Student Actors
Hiring student actors is a cost-effective method for minimal short film budgets. Plus, colleges are full to the brim with fresh, burgeoning talent, and there is a strong chance you will find a student actor that perfectly embodies the role you have created. Plus, the student actors you meet may help you network with other professionals within the industry, including future directors and film editors.
3. Be Smart with the Equipment You Use
You don’t need to go out and buy expensive filmmaking equipment to complete your short film. Instead, think about what you already have. The chances are, your phone camera can capture pretty high-quality videos! You can also borrow gear from your university if you are studying. Otherwise, look into renting equipment such as lighting, tripods, and audio gear. When it comes to props, try getting creative with DIY.
4. Keep the Story Short and Tight
The cost of short films ranges significantly, and a big part of that is the story the director and writer are choosing to tell. If sticking to a small budget is important, you need to write a story for the screen that you can tell with minimal expenses. To do this, keep the story short and tight, with only a small number (or even just one) location involved and minimal actors.
5. Learn the Basics Yourself
There is a lot that goes into making any movie, including lighting, sound design, and video editing. Naturally, big movie makers hire professionals to do these parts for them. You don’t need to do that when making a short film on a budget, though – instead, you can learn the basics of these yourself to save money. It will take more time, but it will mean you don’t spend as much.
, get you that university grade you’ve been wanting, or even help you win an award at a film festival.){kind=link}