Every self-made person in the world starts small. Aspiring filmmakers also have to start from somewhere, and micro-budget filmmaking can be your gateway to massive success as a director or screenwriter. 

In this highly competitive industry, where anybody can own a camera and post content on YouTube, you must invest time, expertise, and, of course, money in your filmmaking and marketing so that people who are interested in your type of content can find it. It is necessary to learn wise budgeting and tactful decision-making across the different stages of film production.

What a Micro-Budget Filmmaker Can and Cannot Do?

First, focus on the kind of film you want to produce. When preparing this, keep in mind that you will be unable to do certain things that big-budget films can. For example, you can't build a massive set only to blow it up for an action scene; you won't have a budget, and it won't be easy to get approval and a venue. Also, you can't afford to spend a lot of money on VFX.

Budget constraints tie your hands, but this could be a blessing in disguise. Manish Mundra, the producer of Masaan and Aakho Dekhi, believes that content is the star of independent cinema. Focus on your story, and make your audience relate to it. Your storytelling is your most crucial tool to make an impression through a micro-budget film.

Getting Finances for Your Film Project Through Crowdfunding

Independent film financing is getting more difficult as banks become more skeptical about lending money. The sales and broadcast rights are also becoming less profitable sources of revenue. Using the digital connection web and social media, filmmakers are seeking funds through crowdfunding channels. There are a couple of benefits of it:

1. You get passion-driven investments from cinephiles, who are also a part of your audience. They invest without conditions.
2. Putting out a project on a crowdfunding platform also helps to get the word out, which is a blessing for micro-budget movies with almost no budget for widespread publicity and marketing. 

Soumitra Ranade, the director of the film Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai (a remake of the classic that starred Naseeruddin Shah), raised more than Rs 40 lakh via a crowdfunding campaign in 2015. Arpita Kumar, who lives in the United States, wanted to collect $6,000 for her student project Sita, which was about surrogacy in India. She used Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform, and her campaign was successful in less than a month.

Crowdfunding, but on the other hand, necessitates the filmmaker's consistent and optimistic efforts. You must maintain regular online contact with your patrons, thanking them for their contributions, informing them of progress, and posting facts and details about the movie to keep them engaged. Also, you need to deliberate every post on your social media platforms. You need to think carefully about what you write and how frequently you must post.

Crowdfunding in digital India is helping many regional and independent filmmakers to flourish. The positive cycle of investments from crowdfunding platforms and distribution on OTT/VOD platforms has enabled more dreamers to make movies and find an audience for them. 

Budget Optimization

Now, you have the funds. Let’s begin making the movie. But, not so fast! 

How can you optimize your budget for generating better revenues and making your movies cost-effective? The trick to producing good content on a lower budget is effective planning. 

Big studios and production houses have more or less defined production and marketing strategies. However, micro-budget filmmaking requires creative thinking and proper planning of both production and promotion. Let's look at several critical factors that filmmakers must remember when producing a film.

Be Bold; Do Networking

Network with aspiring actors looking for film roles, or dhabas who can serve as your budget & healthy catering service on sets, or various other people who can assist you with a few filming locations for virtually no cost. India is a land of jugaad, and people who know how to network will always find themselves getting the best deals. 

Rent Media Equipment

Even if you're working on a shoestring budget, the film doesn't have to look like a home video. Furthermore, many OTT platforms will need a certain level of visual consistency before purchasing any content for their platform. You need proper filmmaking equipment to make a saleable movie. But, don't buy dozens of film equipment; instead, rent them from a media equipment rental company.

Smart Scheduling & Location Scouting

Plan ahead of time to keep the production days to a minimum. Filmmakers hardly shoot any movie in chronological order. First, divide the script into scenes and make a list. Then, match the locations and times of day when you will film those scenes. 

It is possible to shoot several scenes in the same place on the same day. Determine the number of pages you will shoot every day and create a clear shooting schedule. You may need to redraft this schedule as the film progresses. 

If you're having trouble scouting locations, scheduling, and budgeting your film, you can hire a line producer. You will save money by hiring an accomplished line producer/manager to help you streamline your budget and schedule. 

Brace Yourself for Extra Expenses

In filmmaking, always overestimate your budget. Be prepared to incur some additional expenses. You may need to shoot for a few more days than expected. For example, your director, cast, and crew may require a few extra days for preparation and rehearsals, and you may need to pay accordingly. 

While accounting for additional expenditures, you can also invest some extra money for original music composition or acquiring rights for the music. You can also acquire rights for a suitable song for the movie trailer. A couple of decent tracks could help with marketing and promotion.

You may also need to book the actors for a few more days to do promotional work, photoshoots, and movie posters. There will also be transportation and accommodations, hair and make-up, catering services, and many more. You can save money on extra costs if you've made some contacts through networking.

Post-Production Expenses

Filmmaking also involves a post-production process, where you need to hire editors, colorists, etc. HappyClips, a video production company, has a micro-budget filmmaking package that contains all the necessary equipment, editing services, color correction, and color grading, etc., for a fixed schedule. You can also hire a line producer, make-up artists, background music, and other facilities for an extra fee.

Way Forward

In movie-making, it takes money to make money. But, innovation, networking, and intelligent analysis can help you do it on a minimum budget. 

Apart from a visual storyteller, a filmmaker is also a leader, a problem-solver, and a salesman. As a filmmaker, you should be familiar with your crew and understand how to use their talents in a film or video production. Putting together a professional team and making artistic choices on a tight budget can be difficult, but it is doable. All that is required is adequate planning, sufficient funding, and a great deal of determination.