Preproduction, Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #147 by scrappy Jun 26, 2023 Target: Good boundaries! If you want to get a little experience under your belt, browsing online classifieds (such as Craigslist, Mandy, etc.) can help you find productions in your area that are crewing or casting. Usually, they pay little or nothing, but if you’re just starting to learn, this sort of experience can be invaluable. Read More
Philosophy, Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #145 by scrappy Jun 26, 2023 Plus, it adds adventure to your life! Find those people who — when presented with a problem — ask “How can we make this work so we can keep moving forward?” Those are great people to have on set. Cultivate those connections. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #139 by scrappy Jun 26, 2023 Nobody Wins Anyway Don’t fight. Seriously. Yes, there will be disagreements. Yes, there will be frustrations. Yes, there will be setbacks. That is normal. But please, don’t fight about it. There’s no need to yell or shout or scream or whinge on. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #132 by scrappy Jun 26, 2023 …assuming you have a trailer. The night before a shoot, check all costumes, props, locations, actors, gear, food, and crew. make sure everything’s ready. Make sure batteries are charging, tapes are striping*, etc. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #114 by scrappy Feb 20, 2023 Plus, they eat your food. Yes, being on a film set can be fun, but think very hard before allowing people on set who are neither cast not crew. They can be dangerous wildcards. Previous Tip Tippy Top Next Tip
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #113 by scrappy Feb 20, 2023 “Oh, we thought he was with you!“ Spooky locations where mischief can happen invite mischief, such as dark woods, insane asylums, corn mazes, etc. Assign people to buddy groups for safety. Read More
Philosophy, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #106 by scrappy Oct 25, 2022 A rising tide lifts all ships. Share cast and crew links with your gang. For example: http://www.mandy.com/ Previous Tip Tippy Top Next Tip
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #105 by scrappy Oct 25, 2022 And wear boots! Find out before you go how far a hike it is out to the location. Make sure everybody knows — you don’t want to lose an hour hiking at the wrong part of the day. Previous Tip Tippy Top Next Tip
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #102 by scrappy Oct 25, 2022 We can replace interns! Tape every cord down, except for under the tripods and C-stands, lights, etc. You don’t want people tripping over cords. Read More
Philosophy, Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #100 by scrappy Oct 6, 2021 Plus, celebrating is fun. If you find out it’s someone’s birthday, take five and congratulate ’em, as a crew. Birthdays are fun. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #90 by scrappy Jul 19, 2021 Somewhere, there’s a big box of tribbles. Having extra props means you have extra gifts at the end of production to give particularly hard-working people. People love souvenirs. Sure, maybe they end up selling them on e-Bay, but think of it as trickle-down economics. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #87 by scrappy Jul 19, 2021 Although the outtakes are awesome! If it’s an intense scene, try to not crack jokes getting ready for it. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #86 by scrappy Jul 19, 2021 It’s like being a superhero. If you’re crewing, bring a pair of gloves. Even cheapo dollar store gloves. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #83 by scrappy Jul 19, 2021 Plus, you live in a glass house. Even if you had a crappy time on set, keep it to yourself. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #78 by scrappy Jul 8, 2021 Hush! If you can hear “Quiet on the set!” before a take, then that includes you. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #69 by scrappy Jul 8, 2021 What did you expect for Tip #69?! Don’t sleep with your leads, your stars. Sure, they’re attractive as crazy, but right now, your priority is making a movie. Read More
Preproduction, Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #68 by scrappy Jul 8, 2021 Choose Wisely Trust your Assistant Director. If you can’t, then at least figure out what your expectations should be and make sure the two of you are on the same page. If your AD is both untrustworthy and unpredictable, get a new AD. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #54 by scrappy Jul 4, 2021 Remember, though, that power corrupts. If you don’t know who your boss is on set, then your boss is the Director. This doesn’t mean who gets to boss you around, it means who helps keep you steady-on with your piece of the big puzzle. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #47 by scrappy Jul 2, 2021 When’s the last time you read the script? Your Script Supervisor is supposed to get in your face and interfere — their job is to make sure you aren’t screwing anything up. Listen to what’s being said. Read More
Philosophy, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #46 by scrappy Jul 2, 2021 Look! The Sun! Network, network, network! Meet other people making movies! You’re all in this together and you all offer unique talents. Yes, there’s a lot to be said for keeping your head down and working, but once in a while, you need to get out and meet other filmmakers. Read More
Philosophy, Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #45 by scrappy Jul 2, 2021 The world needs more ‘Lerts. Be secure. Lock your personal stuff in your car or keep it on your person. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #44 by scrappy Jul 2, 2021 “Fourple” On a low budget movie set, a lot of people have double, triple, or fourple duties. On a low budget set, “fourple” is a word. No matter what you’re supposed to be doing, chances are, you’ll wind up doing some other things, too. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #42 by scrappy Jul 2, 2021 Wish there was a spray for ‘em. Watch out for drama queens. Drama belongs in front of the camera, not behind it. If they are indispensable, contain them severely. If they are not indispensable, dispense with them. Read More
Production, Tip Low-Budget Filmmaking Tip #10 by scrappy Jun 28, 2021 But not the single malt. Sometimes, after a late shoot, when everyone’s busted hump and created Great Things, it’s okay to overspend the Craft Services budget and treat ‘em to a few beers, or a hot meal at the nearby tavern. Everybody can use a little occasional decompression time with the gang. Read More
