Low-budget filmmaking tip #203
Even a cheap homemade dolly (or wheelchair!) can give you interesting results. Sometimes it’s better than a tripod. But be sure to stay smooth!
Low-budget filmmaking tip #184
There’s only two reasons to do another take: because you want a safety, or because you want something done differently. If you want a safety-take, say so. If you want something changed, say so and explain it. Doing multiple takes without knowing why can be very frustrating to the cast and crew. It’s okay to say “I only want a couple of safeties,” by the way. Just don’t be “mysterious.”
Be very careful of line readings. Sure, sometimes there’s a certain emphasis the actor isn’t “getting,” and that is something upon which something else depends, but a director who line-reads too often is probably someone who ought not to be directing, but probably acting.
I think it’s one of those things that has to be approached judiciously.
I’ve done it a few times, reluctantly, but with talking with the actor about it. Each time I can recall, it was because there was an element that they weren’t understanding about the line. Once they got the joke, they usually did it better than I could have.
Which is why they’re actors and I’m not.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #139
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. Talk about it, discuss it, and once some decision’s been made, work with that decision. There’s just no need to fight.
(thank you, Travis, for reminding me of this)
Low-budget filmmaking tip #112
The fewer the actors, the fewer the sets, the fewer effects, the simpler the movie will be to make. Be realistic about what you can chew before you bite. That said, however, it’s okay to think big. Don’t be afraid of a challenge. Sometimes you never know what you’re capable of until you have to solve some seemingly unsolvable problem.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #109
Seagulls will act for breadcrumbs. So will pigeons and doves (even in slow motion!). Dogs can act for their favorite treats (for example, bacon, which could indicate I was a dog, too, I suppose). Good luck with cats, iguanas, snakes, spiders, or anything else. I hear cats can be trained, but I probably won’t be counting on a decent cat trainer being nearby when I need a highly trained cat.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #74
You don’t have to make a feature every single time. You can make a short movie, ten minutes long. Or five minutes. Or even a minute long. Some ideas aren’t worth ninety minutes — they’re only worth five. And a five-minute movie is a lot easier to complete and enjoy than a ninety-minute movie, especially if you have a short attention span.
Low-budget filmmaking 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. After the movie’s done, if you guys still want to, fill your boots , but the project’s more important than getting laid.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #63
The same technique that will help you write a script will help you complete a movie: bum glue. Spread it on your chair, sit down, and do what you need to do.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #60
Remember you have a life outside of production. Everybody else does, too.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #44
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. Gotta balance that one carefully.