How to Make an Indie Movie Without a Lot of Money

Indie movies are a dime a dozen, it seems, yet with low-budget flicks like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Paranormal, and The Blair Witch Project becoming so popular, many amateur filmmakers have picked up a camera, wrote a plot, and filmed their own short films. If you're looking to get into amateur filmmaking for the first time, or if you're seeking tips on how to film a full-length movie on a low-budget, read on to find out how.

Anticipate Needs

Work your story out so thoroughly that you know every aspect of the plot inside and out. Though things will still change during the filming process, knowing what your needs will be ahead of time will allow you to look for deals on necessary gear ahead of time. For example, if you're filming a scene where you'll need fireworks, knowing this in advance (and preferably around Independence Day) will allow you to actively watch for deals. This is a better than waiting until the last minute, when you'll be forced into buying whatever is available, even if the cost if prohibitive.

Get a Good Camera the First Time

Too many amateurs make the assumption that they'll be able to make a decent or mediocre camera work for them, when in reality that is rarely ever the case. Unless you're familiar with your camera and have developed a style that uses its weakness to your advantages, you will need a good camera.

Tailor the Film to Your Equipment, Not the Other Way Around

If you can only afford a single microphone, or to use the microphone that came with your camera, don't write scenes that are going to require multiple cams or mics-it is simple beyond your budget, and it will cause stress if you try to figure out how to make it work.

Use Other's Ideas

No, I'm not advocating that you violate copyright. What I mean is use other filmmakers tips and tricks. For example, watch the 'how we did it' videos on YouTube for the Robin fan trailer. They show a number of ingenious techniques, such as using firecrackers on a sewer grill to simulate gunshots pinging off the metal, and a toy with perspective manipulation to make it appear that there's a huge statue of Batman in a graveyard. These tricks were learned through years of experience, and those individuals offer them to you, the amateur, so that you won't make the same early mistakes that they did.

Use Free Filming Locations

Don't trespass, though. Trespassing on private property can get you arrested, and bail definitely isn't in the budget. Instead look for abandoned locations and ask for permission to film on site if necessary. Use public land. Post an ad on Craigslist requesting permission to film use an empty house or the secluded part of property to film your scenes.