10 Tips for Successfully Producing A Micro-Budget Feature

10 Tips for Successfully Producing A Micro-Budget Feature

10 Tips for Successfully Producing a Micro-Budget Feature. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2015, from http://www.indiewire.com/article/10-tips-for-successfully-producing-a-micro-budget-feature

Producing a film on a low budget may be difficult, but it is possible. When writing a script for an independent film, it is necessary to keep in mind that you will be producing the film on a low budget. This means you must avoid scenes that include events such as car chases. Try to look into locations that are free and easy to film in. Your crew will not appreciate having to lug around heavy materials up and down stairs.

When it comes to the actual images that you will make, there is no excuse for having poor quality. Today’s technology allows for high quality frames to be shot on relatively cheap products. If it is your first time creating an independent film, try to contact some industry veterans that can guide you and help you stay within your budget.

"Work with people you like. You're not making money producing micro-budgets, so you’d better be having a great time."

" If you're going to go through the tremendous effort of making a feature, it had better look and feel like a "real" movie."

This article is very helpful with various aspects of the independent filmmaking process. It shines light on the idea of locations and trying to save money any where you can. It also brings up the important point that the script you decide to produce must be fit for an independent film that will be running on a low budget. I appreciate the fact that this article was written in a quirky manner, yet holds important information.

Marketing is Key to Indie Film Success

Marketing Is Key To Indie Film Success

Marketing Is Key To Indie Film Success. (2010, August 30). Retrieved January 22, 2015, from http://brolik.com/blog/marketing-is-key-to-indie-film-success/

When producing an independent film, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to have a marketing plan. Before even having a marketing plan, you must think of having a marketing budget. Even above blockbuster films, it is vital for independent films to have a marketing budget that is anywhere from two to three times the amount of the production budget. Coming up with the production budget is hard enough, so it is best to result to fundraising to raise the rest of your budget.

Once you achieve your budget, you must make sure that you use the money wisely. Make sure that you are focusing the largest portion of your marketing on things that will attract your ideal fan. Plan out and specify exactly what you plan to spend and how you will spend it, organization is key. Figure out the cheapest ways to market your film effectively. It is especially important to look into manners that will reach the most amount of viewers for the least amount of money.

“With so many options, you really have to focus on finding your niche audience and getting the most reach for your budget."

“Decide who is going to watch your film. Even more importantly, find out who is going to become a fan, tell all their friends, and blast your film across the online social universe.”

“There’s a major misconception that achieving distribution for indie films equals success.”

I really enjoy this article because I think it effectively points out common misconceptions while giving great advice.

I wasn’t aware of how large the marketing budget for independent films needs to be compared to the production budget and this article is able to inform me in a simple manner. I agree with multiple tips, it is profoundly important to get the most for your money, especially when you’re on such a tight budget.

What do I do about my movies and the film festivals?

What do I do about my movies and the film festivals?

How do I get my movie or independent film into Film Festivals? (n.d.). Retrieved January 15, 2015, from http://www.independentfilmadvice.com/IndependentFilmAdvice.com/Film_Festivals.html

Film festivals are the ideal way to get your film noticed, though it is important to keep certain things in mind.

Just because you submit your film to a film festival does not automatically mean that you will be featured in the festival. Think of this process as one that is similar to submitting college applications, you send in everything that you have completed, yet aren’t certain of whether you will be accepted or not.

When submitting your film to specific festivals, it is vital to read every rule. Certain festivals require formats that will draw the line between being considered for the festival or not.

Keep in mind that most festivals are not necessarily free. A submission fee could cost anywhere from $25 to $50 - include this cost in your overall film budget.

Lastly, if you are lucky enough to make it into the film festival, you will most likely attend a ‘filmmaker party.’ This is where you will be able to meet and interact with other filmmakers and distributors and where you can market your movie for free- something that could be very beneficial.

“If you don’t get into your first festival, all is not lost. I have been turned down for many festivals and still also been accepted to many with the same film.”

“These parties are important as this is your cheapest form of marketing and creating buzz. Go to them and promote your film!”

This article effectively breaks down specific steps that one must take when entering a film festival. It has tips and ideas that could definitely facilitate the process for first time filmmakers. I’ve read multiple other articles and no other has pinpointed the fact that there are submission fees for certain festivals and I think it’s an important detail that people should be aware of. An article like this could absolutely help filmmakers feel more prepared for film festivals.

Film Festivals 101: The Essentials to Film Festival Success

Film Festivals 101: The Essentials to Film Festival Success

Film Festivals 101: The Essentials to Film Festival Success. (2012, September 11). Retrieved January 8, 2015, from http://www.scriptmag.com/resources/film-festivals/film-festivals-101

Though film festivals aren’t often used to help films gain success, it is especially wise for independent filmmakers to take advantage of publicity available through festivals.

If you have decided to enter your film into a film festival, there are specific things that you should pay close attention to. Some of these include the size and location of the festivals. Sometimes, smaller, less popular  festivals are better. Be aware of the types of people that attend these festivals. Check if any well-known executives are known to show up, these are the people that you want to make sure you establish a connection with. Research the festival, look up its history and get well acquainted with their rules and any possible prizes that you could be eligible to win. If you attend a film festival, it is vital that you take advantage of the exposure that you could potentially gain; look into hiring a public relations firm, make marketing material for your production- both physical and virtual.

“Just because you didn’t get into a top festival, doesn’t mean your film isn’t good. It could be as simple as scheduling conflicts, or too many films submitted in that genre.”

“However, don’t get hung up on larger festivals like Sundance as the be all and end all.”

This is article is incredibly helpful and informative for people that are looking into entering their productions into film festivals. This article could serve as a great tool for independent filmmakers that are looking for ways to promote their films. I think people often forget that aside from going to film festivals to compete, it is also a great place to network, regardless of what the result is at the end of the competition. Connections you make at a film festival could be more valuable than expected. This article does a great job of outlining some of the most important steps filmmakers should take if they attend film festivals.