Low-Budget Filmmaking: Scripting, Scheduing & Budgeting

Recap of the scripting portion of your project.

What is a slugline? How to write your sluglines so your script can be broken down efficiently.

How to structure your action and scene descriptions.

Final notes on perfecting your script and its structure.

After creating the breakdown by scene, the next step is to break down the script by location.

Using the breakdown by location, create the temporary schedule.

After creating the schedule, then you need to know how many days each actor works. Create the DOOD.

How to handle a physical shooting location differently from a studio.

Recap of breaking down the script and creating the schedule.

Using a scheduling program to create the strips for your schedule.

How to take the information you have acquired so far and begin building your budget.

What is the difference between Above the Line and Below the Line?

How to choose your director. What to look for in their aspects and talents.

What are fringes, and how do they affect your Above the Line?

Do you need name talent? How do you secure them and deal with their agents?

How did the SAG union strikes against producers affect the industry over the long term?

Negotiating with Agents and Managers and how to get actors to lend their name to your project.

What are per diems and who gets them? How did you determine the amount of the per diem?

Recap on hiring your director and your cast while dealing with their agents and connecting them to your project.

What positions are Below the Line and what does that mean for the budget?

What do you 1st and 2nd AD do? What are their duties, and do you need them for a low-budget film?

Learn what script supervisors do and what benefits script supervisors provide.

When do you need an on-set teacher? Find out how to work with animals and children on your set.

How important is having a photographer and videographer for Behind the Scenes on set? Find out in this section.

Background actors may be necessary, but can also be a draw on your budget. Find out how to handle booking and using your background.

Discover the uses of your art director and how they can bring your sets to life.

Find out what positions make up the Set Operations line item of the budget and what they do.

What positions need prep days and how many? Find out in this section.

How many people do you need your wardrobe department and what do they need to accomplish?

Find out how to work with your hair and makeup department and how many people you need. How much time do you need to dedicate to prosthetic applications?

One of your most important departments on your set. Your camera department creates the look of your film. Learn what each crewmember does.

How important is your sound department? Find out if you need a boom operator and what other costs are required for the department.

Cast trailers, bathrooms, office trailers, honey wagons, and trucks - which are needed for your production?

How to negotiate with location owners and what you need from each location.

When do you need picture vehicles? What does it take to do a car chase, and what are the risks involved?

Additional costs for the production and when to use stages as opposed to locations.

What is grace and when do you invoke it? Will you get push back from the crew?

Now that you know what everyone does in the crew, what do you pay them? Find out in this section.

Recap of the crew, what they do, and Below the Line Budget.

Another very important component of your set. PAs are the glue that keep your set running. Find out how many you need and what they do.

After your principal photography is completed, it's time to put the pieces together. How to work with your editor and what to pay them.

Meeting with your director and ensuring that a shot list and storyboards are ready for production.

How to find the best composer and how to make sure your music drives your film.

Do you need stock footage in your budget? Find out in this section.

How much do you budget for your graphic visual effects? Learn the things you need to budget for even if you don't have a high visual effect movie.

What are clearances, and how much publicity do you need? Find out in this section.

Do you need insurance for your low-budget film? Find out what certs are and how they are used.

What professional fees are required for the budget? How are these used for tax incentives in certain states?

What items are added to the budget as an overall percentage? Find out what those percentages are.

How do you raise money for your film? What do you have to give up? Find out in this section.

A wrap-up of all of the items we have gone over through this course and how to contact me in the future.