How to make a budget short film that you can actually execute successfully

In today’s world, it is very easy to make a film because smartphones nowadays have good cameras and easy video editing software and apps available for free, everybody can now become a storyteller but not everyone can execute successfully, so here are some tips to make a great short film successfully especially if you are in a budget: -

1. Develop a script: It is very important to write a script for your short film that is within your budget constraints, you can’t write an Avatar 2 script with a budget of an indie film and hope to pull it off.

2. Determine your budget: Even before writing the script determine how much money you have available to spend on your film and create a budget plan, don’t just aimlessly guess, or else you will face a lot of problems.

3. Scout for locations: Also look for locations that are both suitable for your film and available for free or at a low cost and accessible, don’t write a script that has a beach scene in it when you are living in the mountains, and doesn’t have a budget to travel.

4. Assemble your crew: Hire a small, dedicated crew that can work for low or deferred pay or even free and who are passionate about filmmaking and will support you genuinely, can be your friends or family members.

5. Use inexpensive equipment: Use an iPhone or any good smartphone with natural lighting if you have almost no budget or rent low-cost equipment such as a DSLR camera and basic lighting to save on production costs.

Behind the scenes of our upcoming short film "Serial Contract : Blind City"

6. Be creative with props and costumes: Use items you already have or can acquire inexpensively to create props and costumes, almost everything in your house can be useful as a prop.

7. Look for grants and crowdfunding: Look for grants or crowdfunding opportunities to help fund your film, only involve people who genuinely will help you without expecting anything in return.

8. Keep track of your spending: Make sure to keep track of all your expenses during production to stay within budget, very important to be mindful of spending and be mindful about post-production costs, such as editing and sound design, which can add up quickly. Plan accordingly and make sure to have enough budget for it.

9. Market and distribute your film: Once your film is complete, develop a marketing plan and distribute it to festivals, online platforms, and other outlets. There are many free forums and websites and film festivals where you can send your film at no extra cost and if you want the best place to distribute your film for free worldwide, there is no better place than YouTube.

So, I hope you start your filmmaking journey soon and start entertaining and inspiring people, you never know that one day your ideas and creativity might impact millions so don’t ever stop expressing your creativity be it film or any other medium. Cheers!