If you are considering getting into the movie making business, it is crucial to understand that low budget film making is the best place to start. Even if you are considering Film College, consider making your own no budget film before you even begin. This article gives you 7 low budget film making tips to help you make your first no budget film.
Use A Camera You Already Have
There is no sense in buying a big fancy Hollywood type of camera. Many B movies have been shot on digital cameras. And the digital cameras today are pretty good. Even if you don't own one, borrow one from a friend or relative.
Don't Cast Actors, Cast Amateurs
Many times you can cast amateur actors for little to no cost. Don't look for normal actors; look for people you already know that will fit the part. Your goal here is to learn low budget film making, so keep your movie budget super low. Don't waste it on actors.
Don't Shoot Complex Scenes
Keep your scenes simple. Don't spread your actors into several rooms and try to bounce back and forth. Keep about 3-4 people in the same room, in the same shot. Don't get any more complex than a close up shot occasionally.
Keep The Movements Simple
You are not making a Hollywood movie just yet, so don't put any chasing or running scenes in the movie right now. Those are just too hard to film. Use the dialogue of the movie to advance the plot. Right now you really can't use fancy images or movements the way high budget movies do.
Shoot At Ordinary Locations
The best places to shoot movies is at your home, parks, your vehicle and basically anywhere else you can shoot without paying a fee. Talk to your friends and see if they'll let you shoot at their place. Maybe a relative of yours has a cool venue like a warehouse or something they'll let you shoot at. Keep it simple for now.
There Is No Perfect Take
Don't wait around for the perfect take or the perfect scene. Your actors are not being paid so they are not going to want to wait around for your to get the perfect shot. Take all the shots you need and edit later. Your goal here is to release a low budget movie, not a Hollywood production.
Good Is Good Enough
Remember, you are learning low budget film making before you even waste your time of film college or film schools, so good is good enough. Edit the film and roll it out the door for production. If you enjoyed the whole movie making process, then you can look into some filmmaking courses that'll help you learn filmmaking.