Shooting low budget

On the flip side, if there's any project I've learnt from -that would be the low budget ones and personally funded projects, they really push your limit and stretch you as you make compromises. I'm not the type that shies away from a challenge especially if it's a story I'm so sold to tell. 

I'll love to share some pointers you should consider as you embark on your next low budget gig.

Be the juggler: 

Shooting low budget requires you wearing many hats. My background in visual effects really helps me in juggling a number of roles when there's financial constraint. After production I've had to sit through hours of edit, colour and effect work which would normally cost me a lot if I have to employ the services of an editor, colourist and effect artist.

All hand on deck: Have a list of people you've worked with. With low budget you are forced to call on favours, this would be difficult if you haven't been giving any. It's always a good habit to help friends out from time to time so that in time like this it won't be much of an issue calling on them. 

Don't over promise: Low budget is what it is. Don't raise expectation, in all situation it is safer to 'under promise' and 'over deliver'. That way nobody is disappointed rather everyone's happy,  if you are making compromises let people know the reason and why you're are moving from Plan A to Plan B earlier, rather than having to explain yourself at project completion.

Be realistic: I'm sure you've imagined how awesome the shoot will be, with the best of cast and crew, state of the art equipments and cameras but you can see how unrealistic that seems compared to the available budget. Don't be a dreamer, your time will come. Work with what you have available and don't wear yourself thin.

More time:

Low budget isn't on anybody's top list bear that in mind, as you are working on your low budget production or passion project other paid jobs must not suffer, your schedule still remains your schedule, your client wants their job on the front burner so your low budget gig will have to wait. What you don't get from having enough money you will most likely get from having enough time. It's also important to consider that people will not always be available when you need them work with their time, just hope they are reasonable. After all they are just helping a friend out.   

Spend that Money: Low budget doesn't mean No budget, you're still responsible for paying equipment rentals, it might come at a discount from a friend but you still have to pay a fee, it's really easy to call on friends and they rally round you but it would be unfair of you to make them incur expenses on your behalf, make sure you're responsible for logistics and welfare. You can't use them all day and leave them hungry or stranded at the location. Don't push your luck. It's easier to ask a friend to play a part for you for free than ask an editor to sit through hours of edit only for a pat on the back.

Give credit and referrals: It's important to appreciate your crew and anybody that supported the project in whatever capacity, remember its a community words will go round, you'll be talked about, there's always the possibility of another creative collaboration somewhere down the line and you want to be remembered as someone people love working with. Help your crew members by mentioning them and the part they played, most importantly remember to refer them when there's a production with a good budget.

Support the community: 


The community can use some great vibes, get into the social space, make mention, hashtag, like, tag, comment and support people and works that interest you, sometimes your word of encouragement or likes might be all the other person need to keep going. 

Next time you're working on your low budget make sure you're adequately prepared for it. And don't forget when the money is good, the more the merrier. To ba lowo je kawon padi e jen be ;)

Sample videos shot with zero budget.