Low budget film making

Tips and advice video - notes

Resource film making- 

Resources first = working with what you've got. When the whole production is based on what you've got first.

E.G. paranormal activity 

List locations - What areas do you have access too?

List actors - Who will help out with the production and work for you? (friends and family and their experiences)

List equipment - What gear do you have, it is free or cheap? (lights, camera, stage etc.)

Interesting items - Props and costumes that can be included in the theme and genre of the production. These interesting items usually is what determines the genre

Local events - Incorporate production 

Minimize locations - 4 or 5 main locations for a lower budget film 

Minimize characters - 4 or 5 main characters and a few other supporting ones. This should total with around 8-10 characters. No more than 10! Another tip: don't use all the actors at once in one scene. 

Write to your actors strengths - Cater roles to each individuals strengths. 

Fill all scenes and places with people of don't write  the scenes in the first place. (Use and take advantage of local events for back ground settings)

Avoid exterior night scenes - Bad lighting is major if you do not have the budget for the correct equipment.

Avoid special effects - Unless you can budget and have good special effects. Avoid them, it will look awful and will ruin the production especially if you don't know what your doing with them.