Nobody Will Tell You These Short Filmmaking Tips on a Shoestring Budget:
If you’re reading this, you must be someone who wants to make his or her first short film but lacks the necessary funds. Yes, this is a common issue for inexperienced filmmakers. This was a problem for me even when I first started making short films. I’ve created five short films. They were all on a tight budget.
Making a short film has become a relatively simple endeavour for most people, thanks to the availability of today’s technology. Assuming you have a decent computer, a digital camcorder, and some editing software, you should be good to go. You’re a filmmaker if you have some good actors and a simple script!
In this article, I will discuss how to make a short film on a shoestring budget. So, let’s get started.
Locate Available Resources
When making a short film, try to keep the story as simple as possible. Look around your room for resources. Now, build the plot around that resource. A clock or a mirror, for example, can serve as story elements. In my case, The Haunted Manuscript, my laptop, and the spectacle all played important roles. The film came in second place at the 2020 One Minute Film Festival. We frequently disregard what is available to us. Try to find things that will be used in your short film.
Seek out an abandoned house.
Only choose this option if it is possible. There’s nothing better than getting one. The advantage of purchasing an abandoned house is that you can set a story inside it and improve the interiors as needed for your script. Choose one room, paint it, add home accessories, and design it to your specifications. It will pay off when you see your finished film. If there is one, however, inform the owner of the house that you will be using it for your short film. You can repay him by painting the room you’ll be using.
Shooting at Festivals
The best time to shoot is during the holiday season. The abundance of lights lowers the cost of shooting lights. During Diwali, Halloween, or Christmas, the available street lights provide the necessary lighting for your shot. The street celebrations contribute to the overall atmosphere. It makes your sequence shot more humane. This low-cost method will save you money. All you have to do is position your characters correctly, and you’ve completed half of your work.
Make use of free film editing software.
Editing a film is an important part of the filmmaking process. There is a plethora of free editing software available online. Download the one you prefer and begin editing. Look for copyright-free music for your film’s background music. Give credit to where you upload your video. Editing software will round out your film’s overall flavour.
Cartons can be used as props.
You can use cartons as props if you have any around the house. Cover them with paper or whatever packing material you have on hand. Decorate them with rice lights to make objects. It will give it a mysterious feel. You can also use paper cutouts to create objects. It enhances the film’s appearance as realistic.
The tips provided above will assist you in producing a film on a shoestring budget. At the same time, it will provide your audience with an excellent cinematic experience. I wish you the best of luck with your short film.
