Tag: Budget Filmmaking
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How to Save Money on Film Equipment Rentals Without Compromising Quality
You’ve got the script, the vision, and the crew. Now comes the part that squeezes most indie filmmakers like a C-stand clamp: gear rentals. Renting film equipment is essential to getting that professional look, but it can torch your budget if you’re not strategic. Fortunately, “cheap” doesn’t have to mean “crappy.” Here’s how to cut
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Think You Can’t Afford Union Talent? SAG-AFTRA Disagrees
Thanks to SAG-AFTRA’s Micro-Budget Agreement, you can cast union talent in your indie film—even if your entire budget is less than what Marvel spends on catering in a single afternoon. If your film is under $20,000, you qualify. No loopholes. No shady workarounds. Just paperwork. And if you know how to use it, that paperwork
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Crew Chemistry on a Dime: Find and Keep Your Dream Team
Before you start building a crew, define your must-have roles. Every low-budget shoot is different, and not every production needs a full department lineup. Prioritize based on your film’s complexity—maybe a tight guerrilla shoot only needs a DP, sound mixer, and a production assistant. Maybe your genre demands a dedicated makeup artist or a gaffer.