How to make Zero budget short film

Zero budget short filmmaking tips

First let us look at the list of things in making short-film which requires money to be spent!

1) Cast and Crew

2) Location

3) Equipments 

I'll tell you how to manage your short film making in small budget and require equipments which are easily available ,we can reduce costs in these requirements.

•Cast and Crew

I write screenplay keeping in mind that I am going to use only my friends for my film. My friends will work for free for my film!

The important production aspects for a film is Camera, Editing and Music. One can easily learn camera techniques and video editing through online without spending money. And for music, there are lot of loyalty free music tracks available on internet.

Sound recording ,dubbing and mixing is very easy it can be learned easily.

If you need high quality of editing or you need animation for your short film then you need to spend money for that.

•Location

 I take care of this too while writing screenplay. But, if screenplay demands a location such us Hospital or University, we may have to go there and ask permission saying that you are making low budget short-film. You have to convince people to get things done. For my 2nd short-film I needed a building under construction. Though work was in progress in that building, I convinced the builder that I wont disturb anyone and it is for a good cause. He obliged me without asking for money!

•Equipments

Video camera:

 You can use any camera which records video such as DSLR camera, Handycam, point to shoot camera or iPhone camera! You may need tripod for most of the shots! 

Cannon 700D or iPhone6s to iPhone7 will be better choice

 Camera techniques:

 For making trolley shots, you can place camera on trolley suitcase and can move suitcase! Or els you can use offices chairs as a moving trolley

 You can place your camera with objects on a bike or car to make chasing scenes! 

 Use iPhone to take underwater shots. Place a full transparent small square glass over camera lens and tie it with iphone firmly. Also cover the phone by binding waterproof cover case.

 Light arrangement:

I used thermocol and white cardboard with attached silver foil which reflects light smoothly over the objects. Also, you can use diy studio lights that you can carry in hand and focus on objects.

 Live sound recording:

 This can be done by placing iPhone in shirt pocket of the characters on screen with sound recording on. Later you can remove noise using Goldwave or Audacity.

This is the film which we made with almost zero cost!