The single biggest challenge that independent filmmakers face when embarking on a feature film project is raising funds. While there were certain eras – like the early 90’s – where it was a little easier to get an indie film financed, generally speaking fundraising has been the achilles heal for most filmmakers.
Even today as modern camera and production technology allows filmmakers to shoot on lower budget than ever before, raising capital hasn’t gotten any easier. In fact it’s gotten harder. There is a certain purity that comes along with micro budget filmmaking.
It’s something that you can’t experience on any other level of production, even on ultra low budget films. This may or may not be a deal breaker for you, but if you are trying to make the type of film that pushes boundaries, experiments, takes risks, or breaks new ground in any way, you may be better off keeping your creative team as small as you can. Part of this means saying no to outside money.If you have an unlimited budget, you could come up with a story idea that has every element you could ever imagine in it. Car chases, explosions, a huge cast, locations all over the world, etc. This might seem liberating, but it’s actually a terrible burden to carry. Rather than just writing in a car chase (which could be a cliché), you might be forced to write a completely different sequence that is far more original and interesting, all because you had no money.This is why so many blockbuster films are awful to watch. Anything that can be thought of essentially can be achieved, but the filmmakers aren’t often forced to break away from cliché and try something new. Micro budget films on the other hand, force you to be more creative and less conventional – whether you like it or not.
Add comment
Comments