10 Commandments For No Budget Filmmakers
1.
) Thou shalt have a fantastic screenplay It's basic stuff here, and it's the step most unsuccessful filmmakers skip over - and it's why they fail.
Get a great script and you are on the road to success 2) Thou shalt understand keywords and SEO tools Keywords is how people will find out about you and your film project.
Get the free keyword tools and learn how to incorporate them into your screenplay, film title and press releases.
Do a search for 'Keyword tools' or use Google's tool.
3) Thou shalt secure some development finance It doesn't need to be a lot, but a few weeks' money to keep the wolf and the landlord off your back will allow you to get properly organised, hunt down superior locations, get sponsorship and find a terrific production office.
4) Thou shalt spend proper time in pre-production The week or two before you shoot is pretty crucial.
If you have a well-oiled and organised approach, this time will make sure that whatever freebies, and cheap deals you have managed to gather will serve you to the fullest and not be wasted.
Make sure you have the legal angles cornered as well.
5) Thou shalt understand the film shoot and exploit it to maximum advantage Shooting on film, or Red, or another HD format can be intimidating and expensive if approached incorrectly.
Choose the camera that fits your story, and your budget.
Understand the work-flows through the entire production process and make sure everyone on your team agrees - from camera person to editor.
6) Thou shalt not fix it in Post-Production You can fix it in post, but it's expensive.
Make sure your editor has a voice before and during the shoot, thus avoiding costly pick-up shots.
7) Thou shalt clear all music in your film No music clearance means that you can't show your film in most film festivals.
It also means you can't sell your film.
Make sure you own the movie rights to use every single piece of music in your film.
8) Thou shalt prepare professional publicity and marketing materials Your press kit will form the basis of how your film, and your career is marketed.
9) Thou shalt use film festivals to launch your film 10) Thou shalt create a distribution strategy.
Until you can picture the acquisition executive of a distribution company, and imagine the poster and marketing campaign the marketing manager needs to put together, it is unlikely you will sell your film.
) Thou shalt have a fantastic screenplay It's basic stuff here, and it's the step most unsuccessful filmmakers skip over - and it's why they fail.
Get a great script and you are on the road to success 2) Thou shalt understand keywords and SEO tools Keywords is how people will find out about you and your film project.
Get the free keyword tools and learn how to incorporate them into your screenplay, film title and press releases.
Do a search for 'Keyword tools' or use Google's tool.
3) Thou shalt secure some development finance It doesn't need to be a lot, but a few weeks' money to keep the wolf and the landlord off your back will allow you to get properly organised, hunt down superior locations, get sponsorship and find a terrific production office.
4) Thou shalt spend proper time in pre-production The week or two before you shoot is pretty crucial.
If you have a well-oiled and organised approach, this time will make sure that whatever freebies, and cheap deals you have managed to gather will serve you to the fullest and not be wasted.
Make sure you have the legal angles cornered as well.
5) Thou shalt understand the film shoot and exploit it to maximum advantage Shooting on film, or Red, or another HD format can be intimidating and expensive if approached incorrectly.
Choose the camera that fits your story, and your budget.
Understand the work-flows through the entire production process and make sure everyone on your team agrees - from camera person to editor.
6) Thou shalt not fix it in Post-Production You can fix it in post, but it's expensive.
Make sure your editor has a voice before and during the shoot, thus avoiding costly pick-up shots.
7) Thou shalt clear all music in your film No music clearance means that you can't show your film in most film festivals.
It also means you can't sell your film.
Make sure you own the movie rights to use every single piece of music in your film.
8) Thou shalt prepare professional publicity and marketing materials Your press kit will form the basis of how your film, and your career is marketed.
9) Thou shalt use film festivals to launch your film 10) Thou shalt create a distribution strategy.
Until you can picture the acquisition executive of a distribution company, and imagine the poster and marketing campaign the marketing manager needs to put together, it is unlikely you will sell your film.
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