Low-budget filmmaking tip #176
There will always be someone better than you. There will always be someone worse than you. Comparing is a losing game. Make your own movie — be your own voice.
It’s one of those oddly useful things even off set.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #129
Always lock your car doors when you go on set, and keep valuable hidden. Better yet, keep valuables either at home or on your person. Sure, it’s a closed set, and sure, everybody’s buddies, and sure, there’s Security keeping an eye on everything, but still. Lock your car.
(thanks, Brian Oberquell!)
If you don’t lock your car, who will?
Low-budget filmmaking tip #92
I’m not going to tell you not to film without insurance, because that would be very unwise. That said, many of us find that expediency, budget, and wisdom don’t always go hand-in-hand. If you find yourself on the short end of that equation, be very, very careful and extremely aware of what you’re doing.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #45
Be secure. Lock your personal stuff in your car or keep it on your person. Sadly, not everyone is part of the “family” and sometimes things walk off. Pay attention to your own things and, please, to things going on around you, too. Theft, vandalism, and other mischief can be a real gut-punch to morale, as well as a loss to everybody.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #28
Bagels and doughnuts are not the same thing. Not even close. No amount of goo spread on a bagel makes it a doughnut. It’s still a bagel, only now it’s a bagel covered in schmeer. If your crew asks for doughnuts, give them doughnuts.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #19
Making movies is fun. Never forget that. Maybe some folks do it only for the money, but I doubt it. I think they still want to have fun, and making movies is fun. If you’re not having fun, you’re probably not doing it right. Don’t get me wrong — it can be hard work, but the big picture is that it should be fun. Have fun! Love what you’re doing!
Low-budget filmmaking tip #9
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.
If you’re not sure about this, watch the last movie you finished. I’d bet three juicy fish-heads that there’s at least one wince-worthy moment in the movie that if you look back, you’ll remember when you saw that on set and thought “Oh, I’m sure it’ll be fine…”
Plus, it’s a lot more ‘spensive to remount a set. Even if you’re not sure, or being dismissive of that little voice, it rarely hurts to film one more scene with that little thing taken care of. I mean, while the crew’s there and the actors are there and the set is still prepped and lit and, well, while you think of it…