10 Commandments For Low Budget Filmmakers

By Elliot Grove

Making a movie is hard work. But it's not difficult if you follow these 10 basic steps:

1.) Thou shalt have a fantastic screenplay

It's basic stuff here, and it's the step most unsucessful filmmakers skip over - and it's why they fail. Get a great script and you are on the road to success.

2) Thou shalt understand keywords and SEO tools

Your keywords is how people will find out about you and your film project. Get the free keyword tools and learn how to incorporate them into your screenplay, film title and press releases.

Do a search for 'Keyword tools' or use Google's keyword tool.

3) Thou shalt secure some development finance

It doesn't need to be a lot, but a few weeks' money to keep the wolf and the landlord off your back will allow you to get properly organised, hunt down superior locations, get sponsorship and find a terrific production office.

4) Thou shalt spend proper time in pre-production

The week or two before you shoot is pretty crucial. If you have a well-oiled and organised approach, this time will make sure that whatever freebies, and cheap deals you have managed to gather will serve you to the fullest and not be wasted. Make sure you have the legal angles covered as well.

5) Thou shalt understand the shoot and exploit it to maximum advantage

Shooting on film, or Red, or another HD format can be intimidating and expensive if approached incorrectly. Choose the camera that fits your story, and your budget. Understand the workflows through the entire production process and make sure everyone on your team agrees - from camera person to editor.

6) Thou shalt not fix it in Post-Production

You can fix it in post, but it's expensive. Make sure your editor has a voice before and during the shoot, thus avoiding costly pick-up shots.

7) Thou shalt clear all music in your film

No music clearance means that you can't show your film in most film festivals. It also means you can't sell your film.

8) Thou shalt prepare professional publicity and marketing materials

9) Thou shalt use film festivals to launch your film

10) Thou shalt create a distribution strategy.

Until you can picture the acquisition executive of a distribution company, and imagine the poster and marketing campaign the marketing manager needs to put together, it is unlikely you will sell your film.

SEE: http://www.raindance.org/site/10-commandments-for-low-budget-filmmakers