Low-budget filmmaking tip #181
Quick way to build a sword: If it doesn’t have to be a hero prop, just make it out of thin plywood wood and paint it. With a jigsaw and a file and a sander, you can have a smooth and ready-to-paint sword in less than an hour. With five buddies all working together from the same paper pattern, you can probably make half a dozen or so in the same amount of time.
You can also ask around for any friends in the SCA.
My friend Geahk Burchill adds “Specifically, use MDF plywood, NOT, Particle board, CDX or OSB. The type of plywood will make a world of difference to your props. MDF will sand very smooth and will look more believable once you paint it. I recommend you prime it first with matte black spray primer and then hit it with your choice of metallic spray paint.”
Low-budget filmmaking tip #166
If you don’t need a detailed hero prop (one that looks extremely realistic), you might find something that works great at a toy store. Nerf gun + spray paint = Plasma Rifle Mark VI.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #164
Try to avoid making a movie that takes place in a cramped location, such as a bathroom stall. If you must, then build a bathroom stall in your garage, with removable walls. You’ll be a lot happier if you do it this way, as will be your crew and your cast. Don’t be seduced by the idea that it’s easy to write.
(thank you Ryan K. Johnson for this tip!)
One of the shorts we’re planning to do for our upcoming web series all takes place in a tiny little coffin-like box. We definitely plan to build removable walls. Trying to shoot inside such a tiny thing would be stupid!
(not that we don’t do stupid stuff on occasion…)
Low-budget filmmaking tip #163
If a prop or setpiece or other object breaks, immediately let someone know. The Production Manager, the Director, somebody. It might be something that can be quickly replaced or it might take three days to replace, but finding out it’s broken once you’re rolling is no picnic for anyone. Don’t be worried about the messenger being shot — only assholes do that anyway. Just get the information to the boss as fast as possible.
Low-budget filmmaking tip #122
Continuity’s still important! If you’re using a revolver in your movie, make sure the bullet counts are accurate. Nothing makes you look more dorky than a character talking about how she only has one bullet left when the viewer can plainly see five.
(thanks, Brian!)
Low-budget filmmaking tip #90
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. besides, you’re keeping SOME stashed away, right…
Low-budget filmmaking tip #89
If you have a special hero prop, try to make twice as many as you might need. If you need four “phase pistols,” make eight. You definitely won’t regret it. Special hero props often get destroyed while making the movie (it is inevitable).
Low-budget filmmaking tip #76
Make your props out of something sturdy. Cardboard and balsa wood will shatter if you look at it cross-eyed.
I can’t tell you how many props I’ve broken right at Go Time by manhandling them. More than half a dozen, including two very delicate fancy sci-fi pistols and a few swords. Gr…
Low-budget filmmaking tip #48
When loading shells in a mortar, try to drop them in with your non-dominant hand (if you’re right-handed, drop with the left hand). That way, if you experience Sudden Massive Tissue Loss, you still have your favorite hand. (thank you, Brian, for today’s Pyro Tip!)
Low-budget filmmaking tip #35
When shooting with a greenscreen, make sure the model is away from the screen. You don’t want any light reflected back from the greenscreen onto your model. Your effects person will bless your heart, assuming they’re on set.
Being able to pull a clean key right away is… wonderful.