
An introduction into the concepts of no budget filmmaking and how it can kickstart your film career.
In this lecture, we go talk about identifying your strengths and what you can bring to the table as a filmmaker embarking on a no budget project.
Before starting out, I talk about why it's very important to know exactly why you want to do the project. This is crucial as it determines the motivation and purpose of the film.
In this lecture, I talk about what to keep in mind when crafting a story for a no budget production.
The filming stage could possibly be where most expenses are used up. Learn how to effectively strategize on how to keep your budgets low for the shoot.
I give advise on simplifying your edits and how to maintain your production value.
I wrap up this class by sharing some ideas how to market your short film.
Examine a no budget short film case study from the pandemic, detailing target and goals, audience reach via YouTube or video on demand, and simple one location production with rehearsal.
Use a phone to shoot a five-minute short film, exploring mobile gear pros and cons, low-light challenges, Mavis app, and mood creation with red and blue gels and lighting.
Case study #1 - SAPU
Hello everyone, here is the link to the short film for the case study.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghsEyOhyIHY
Case study #1 - SAPU
Here is the link to the short film for the case study.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghsEyOhyIHY
Focuses on preproduction and no-budget setup, guiding actors to self-film via video call, frame shots, and manage gear and audio with dry runs and ADR when needed.
Case study #2 - WE ALL NEED SOMEONE TO STAY
Here is the link to the short film for the case study.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JubmARQicHU
Explore how to shoot feature film for a thousand dollars. Cobus case study in no budget filmmaking outlines practical reasons, end goals, and strategies for selling to VOD or licensing.
Set practical guidelines for no-budget filmmaking by choosing a high-concept, easy-to-shoot script, collaborating early with a scriptwriter, and negotiating affordable deals that meet halfway.
Seek feedback on your script from your DP, producer, team, friends, family, and other filmmakers, sharing your budget, to decide what to cut or simplify for different platforms or festivals.
assemble a lean production team on a low budget by recruiting collaborators through social media, scheduling weekend shoots with breaks, and assigning multiple roles to core crew.
Approach sponsors before filming with a concise deck detailing plans and shooting dates. Pursue optional sponsorships to ease production, while avoiding creative control or intrusive product placements.
Prioritize festival submissions after filming by shortlisting and ordering festivals by value and likelihood, manage deadlines, and begin approaching VODs and broadcasters early with compelling visuals beyond the script.
Send watermarked copies to DVD and broadcasters, gather feedback, and pursue licensing; a low-budget film can secure a theatrical release or VOD through distributor deals.
Filmmaking is an expensive and time consuming craft. At times, it can get frustrating. Based on my experience, I have come up with a compact and easy-to-follow approach to get started on your short filmmaking journey.
In this course, I talk about understanding what 'no budget filmmaking' is and what it entails. I will also guide you on how to produce a 'no budget' short film, utilizing whatever resources you have. I also teach successful approaches to producing a short film with a limited budget and finding the right target audience to get views.
Making films with a very limited budget is no easy feat. With the lack of funds, one must find clever and intuitive ways to make a film. My course will explore on how to develop these methods to your advantage. With references to other short films done with little to no budget, I share their approach and what worked for them too.
Learn why it is effective especially for young, aspiring filmmakers and step-by-step strategy in planning your no budget short film. Everything in my course is based solely on what I have learnt myself, my journey into making films and also finding a sustainable way to continue doing it.