Making an independent film – how it’s done!

   

There are a variety of reasons why some people prefer making an independent film. That is, the production of a film which sits outside of the traditional studio system. Independent filmmaking can be an excellent option for filmmakers. Particularly those who are just starting out or who are working with a limited budget. Independent films aka ‘indie films,’ are films whose substance, voice, and style are more directly within the creator’s control. Indie filmmakers are able to have a stronger hand in the production of their films. This is because they do not have access to a large budget and a large crew. As a result, they also have more creative leeway to tell the kind of stories they want to tell.

 

So what is an independent film?

Any movie, whether it’s a short or a feature-length production, can be considered an independent film. This is providing it hasn’t been produced by a large studio or production company. Low-budget filmmaking is typically associated with independent filmmaking. The term ‘low-budget’ can refer to anything from a few thousand pounds (micro-budget) to a few million. The Blair Witch Project (1999), directed by Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick, had a budget of approximately £50,000 pounds. While Juno (2007), directed by Jason Reitman, had a budget of 5.3 million pounds. And Slumdog Millionaire (2008), directed by Danny Boyle, had a budget of 12.3 million pounds. All three of these movies are considered to be independent films. Discover more right here!

 

Three things to consider before making an independent film

 

It’s all about the script. 

The script is the starting point for everything. That’s whether you are looking for a feature film to create independently or you are composing the story yourself. Although it is true that independent films provide filmmakers with more autonomy over the content of their films than studio films do, this does not mean that anyone can make any movie they want. It is highly unlikely that an indie film crew will be able to pull off a script that calls for extensive computer-generated imagery (CGI), many remote locations, or large amounts of special effects, and this is especially true if they are producing their first feature-length picture.

 

The production budget must be on point. 

How much money will it require for the production of your film? In terms of your own resources, how much can you individually contribute? How much money do you need to raise for this cause? If you haven’t already identified an investor or an independent studio that is eager to contribute, you’ll need to figure out a way to get your hands on some funding. Along with the cost of your production, the budget needs to account for pre-production and post-production costs. Post-production is where all of the editing and sound mixing will occur. Then there is also the cost of production insurance to consider. You might ask your family and friends for assistance. Another option could be to use a crowdfunding website such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo to raise money. These are just some of the numerous fundraising options available.

 

Your casting should be tactical. 

In order to successfully sell their films to audiences, studios frequently rely on well-known performers, but well-known stars command a higher salary. Perform a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the various casting options. For example, it is not necessary to invest a large sum of money in a supporting character in order to lend the movie some additional name recognition. Rather than doing that, you should put your money into an actor who will set a higher standard for the rest of the cast. Search for talent everywhere, whether it be through improv clubs, storytelling events, or open casting calls on the internet. You can also search for talent with ease via the FILMD collaboration platform. There are lots of brilliant performers that you can find who won’t break the budget if you look hard enough.

 

 

Seven steps to making an independent film 

The production of a low-budget film requires more of a do-it-yourself mentality than the production of a Hollywood movie. Without the resources of Hollywood studios, the roles they play will fall to you and your small crew. Although there isn’t just one approach to making an independent film, there are several fundamental criteria you should stick to.

 

Start with the script. 

A script is the first step in the production of every film, regardless of the budget. Ask yourself, can you execute the idea within the constraints of a production with a limited budget. For example, a science fiction movie that needs a lot of special effects, different settings, and intense makeup is probably not the best initial pick for an independent film. If you are the one responsible for writing the screenplay, you should give great consideration to the creative decisions you make. I.e. the genre, the number of characters, and the setting. To succeed, try to find a way to write a story that is more financially viable for you.

 

Budget sensibly. 

Once you have your screenplay in hand, the next step is to calculate how much it will cost. Cast and crew, equipment, locations, permits, and post-production will have an impact on your budget. Even if you are the writer, director, and lead actor of your production, you will still need to hire a handful of experienced people to help collaborate with you on the journey of filmmaking. Ideally, you should look for people who have previous experience working with a budget range similar to yours. You can track production funds more easily if you know how much money you will need to spend on each department. Plus, it will prevent you from going over the allotted budget.

 

Choose your crew wisely. 

Determine which of the roles in your production are the most important, and focus your onboarding efforts there. For instance, if you are the one in charge of directing, especially if it is your first time, you should look into hiring an experienced cinematographer. A cinematographer is also known as the director of photography, or ‘DP’. Having a director of photography who is familiar with your ideas and is able to handle the camera, lighting, and a variety of other technical aspects of your shoot can not only help to improve the production value of your film (that is, the visual quality of the movie), but it can also save you time, allowing you to concentrate on your other responsibilities.

 

Onboard the cast but consider the cost. 

Although it can be possible to strike low-budget agreements with actors, the associated expenditures may still be significant. If you were able to strike a ‘day-rate deal’ of just £100 for a micro-budget film, that’s already £700 if your production lasts for seven days. On top of that, you’ll still need enough money to pay for any more actors that you will require. You’ll also need to factor in contingency funds in case you go over time. When faced with a situation like this, it’s important to remember that filmmaking is a collaborative endeavour. Try to build connections with fellow cast, crew and creatives who are also looking to gain more exposure.

 

Plan for all scenarios on shoot days. 

Create a production bible that contains your shot list, scene layouts, character notes, schedule, and any other essential information you’ll use while filming. In addition, create a backup plan just in case something goes wrong. Every production goes through obstacles, such as the elimination of a location or the disruption of an outdoor scene by severe weather. If there are specific weather conditions in a picture, you should make preparations to take advantage of natural events. Of course, this might not always be possible. However, you can save money by delaying the filming of your scene until a real rainfall occurs, as opposed to staging weather conditions artificially with expensive equipment such as rain machines. You need to make preparations for the worst possible outcomes and figure out how to use those outcomes to your advantage.

   

Prioritise your post-production. 

Film editors have the ability to make an average film into a masterpiece. It does not matter if you have shot great sequences because they are useless if you do not have an editor to put them together. If you don’t have experience using editing software, consider paying a professional to do this essential step for you. The design of sound is also very important. A movie with poor sound mixing could give the impression that it has been made by amateurs. Conversely, a movie that has a superb sound design can give the impression that it was made by professionals. Bring your vision to life during post-production in the form of a finished product that has been polished to perfection.

 

Film Festivals are your friend when making an independent film 

After you have completed filming and editing your project, as well as showing it to your colleagues for criticism, it is time to release it to the public. If you do not already reside in the region, you will need to budget for travel expenses if you wish to attend one of the larger independent film festivals. For example, the London Independent Film Festival or Raindance. These festivals are among the most prominent in the world. Recognition by a leading festival may also assist you in securing a film distributor for your project. Audiences far and wide could see the independent movie you have put your heart and soul into.