{"id":3876,"date":"2019-12-01T10:48:47","date_gmt":"2019-12-01T10:48:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new-blog.artlist.io\/?p=3876"},"modified":"2023-05-29T10:00:47","modified_gmt":"2023-05-29T10:00:47","slug":"indie-production-budget-how-to-make-it-stretch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new-blog.artlist.io\/blog\/indie-production-budget-how-to-make-it-stretch\/","title":{"rendered":"Indie Production Budget \u2013 How to Make It Stretch"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, you’ve finally managed to put together a film budget for your indie project, congratulations, now the hard part starts. Regardless of what amount of money you’re working with, you need to stretch that as far as possible. We don’t mean cutting corners. There are some areas of your production you shouldn’t skimp on, but with careful planning, you can make the most of your film’s production budget.<\/p>\n

Planning – AKA Pre Production<\/h2>\n

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First of all, pre-production is the area where you can potentially save the most money. Pre-production is also a hugely important part of the filmmaking process but can get neglected. We get it, making a film is exciting, and you want to get stuck straight in. Pre-production can be quite a dull process, but movies live and die based on the amount of preparation time.<\/p>\n

Thinking things through costs nothing but a little time, so make sure you give the project the prep time it needs. Breaking down the feature or\u00a0short film script<\/a>\u00a0you wrote\u00a0using storyboards<\/a>\u00a0and shot lists can be of significant help onset and can allow you to shoot things quicker. Similarly, location recces and lighting\/camera tests might be annoying, but they can show you a wealth of issues you hadn\u2019t considered. The shooting of any project will probably be the costliest part, so the less time you need to film, the less money you will spend.<\/p>\n

Starting with a realistic cost estimation will help you stick to your budget. An estimated budget gives you a solid benchmark to continuously compare with your spending so you don\u2019t stray. Tools like Promo.com\u2019s\u00a0Video Production Cost Estimator<\/a>\u00a0will help you calculate the cost of your video so you know what to expect before you even begin production.<\/p>\n

Get Local Businesses Involved<\/h2>\n

Pre-production is also the time to speak to local small businesses about adding to your film’s production budget in some way. Funding doesn\u2019t necessarily mean cash in this instance but can be providing an element of the film for free that would otherwise have cost you. For example, if you\u2019ve got a scene in a taxi, ask your local taxi company if they\u2019d like to sponsor your film by providing the car\/driver for the shoot.<\/p>\n

Forward planning can also cost you less in terms of props, costumes and special effects makeup. Whether you\u2019re sourcing items in charity shops or ordering them cheaply from abroad, you\u2019ll be grateful you gave yourself extra time. Above all, scheduling rehearsal time should be top of your to-do list.<\/p>\n

Networking<\/h2>\n

As the old saying goes, it’s not what you know but who you know, and that’s never truer than in indie filmmaking. Connecting with like-minded cast and crew at events or in online groups and forums can help you find the people you need to produce your film. Consequently, you might have to offer assistance on somebody else’s project first as building lasting connections takes time.<\/p>\n

Support your network\u2019s other endeavors, be it through sponsorship, helping out on set or just a quick share online. As a result of your good deeds, you will be surprised how quickly they’ll return the favor.<\/p>\n

Hire Don\u2019t Buy<\/h2>\n

It might seem like the ideal time to permanently upgrade your kit, as you\u2019ll have the equipment for future projects and save more in the long run, right? Odds are your film production budget couldn’t take that kind of cost, therefore hiring is the most viable option. Kit depreciates, and before you know it, it will need an\u00a0upgrade<\/a>. Hiring kit allows you to work with the best current cameras, without forking out the full cost. Sites like\u00a0Fat Lama<\/a>\u00a0will enable you to rent equipment from other filmmakers in your area.<\/p>\n

Don’t Over-Promise and Make Sure You Deliver<\/h2>\n

Every filmmaker hopes their movie will make it into the most noteworthy festivals or sell to a distributor or streaming service. There will be offers of new projects, maybe some cash, and you’ll be able to dish out those backend deals. It would be wonderful if that were true, but in reality, it’s the exception, not the rule.<\/p>\n

Being optimistic and having a plan is excellent; ambition is certainly the key to making an impact. However, if you over-promise the people who are helping you with the project, it can jeopardise your reputation and cost you more in the long run. Everyone has to start somewhere, so be honest about your plans and what you hope to achieve, people will still be willing to help you out.<\/p>\n

Location Hire<\/h2>\n

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Getting the right location for your project can take a considerable chunk out of your film budget. So, you also need to think practically about when and where you decide to shoot your film. Booking through a film location hire company is straightforward and relatively stress-free, but it does cost more than doing it yourself.<\/p>\n

You need to get creative with this one and leave no stone unturned in your search for locations. Speak to the people with access to the locations you need:<\/p>\n