Hellbender Media

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #9

by scrappy Jun 28, 2021

The Director’s supposed to notice these things…

If you notice something that nags at your brain while you’re shooting, fix it then. Learn to trust that little voice. If you don’t at least speak up, then forever afterwards, you’ll see that same glitch and cringe inside. Chances are, three other people have noticed, but no one wants to be the first to say anything.

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #8

by scrappy Jun 28, 2021

Practice, practice, practice!

Rehearse scenes before shooting. If possible, at least a day ahead to give people a chance to work out the kinks, and if not, give them a few hours break between rehearsal and shooting. Actors need to work on their roles, sleep on ’em, and dream a bit. It’s usually worth the effort.

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #7

by scrappy Jun 28, 2021

It was brilliant!

If you can’t light your action, then at least try to light your set. Dark figures moving around in a room can be spooky and still tell a story, but poorly lit figures in a big black meaningless space is hilarious. And not in the way “hilarious” is intended.

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #6

by scrappy Jun 28, 2021

Although we might need a gritty reboot of Gilligan’s Island.

Pick one person to figure out what the actors are wearing during each “day” and to keep track of that for everything you shoot. Give that person the authority to keep costumes and props with them. Unless you’re shooting Gilligan’s Island, people change clothes once a day. The viewers will notice.

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #5

by scrappy Jun 28, 2021

Where the buck actually does stop!

The Director determines the mood of the set. If the Director is cheerful and having a good time, chances are everyone else will be, too. If the Director is being bitchy and fussy and demanding, everyone else gets that way, too. It’s a law of nature.

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #3

by scrappy Jun 28, 2021

Of course, without a broom, you’re hosed…

Get it right on set – fixing it in post takes ten times as long and is twenty times as expensive as doing it again right there. Probably more, by the time you read this. Yes, I’m guilty of saying “we can fix that in post.” And for each of those instances, yes, I suck.

Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #2

by scrappy Jun 28, 2021

Jump in the Line…

Rehearse any physical effect or stunt. Film the rehearsals in case you need some handy pickup footage. If people are rehearsing a physical effect or stunt in costume, even better. After a half dozen rehearsals, you may find that you have the footage you need, with everyone relaxed and focused during shooting. But that’s just a bonus. Rehearse the crazy stuff regardless.

Preproduction, Production, Tip

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #1

by scrappy Jun 25, 2021

Safety Third!

Avoid the use of real guns. You can buy fake guns that look just as good as real guns and make realistic sounds in post. It’s practically impossible to hurt someone with a fake gun. Fake guns are cheaper, so you can buy more, which is useful because they often fly to flinders.