How to Direct an Independent Film With $2,000

Directing an independent film can be one of the most difficult things to achieve, however, at the same time it can be the most rewarding. Most independent films have very low budgets which force the Director and Producer to think outside the box as to how they can make a quality film without a lot of money. In addition to budget concerns the Director is responsible for the actor's performance and to make sure that the story is being told correctly. Let's take a step by step journey into the world of directing an independent film.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Prepare for the film. Pre-production is the first stage of making an indie film. This is when the script is finalized and the casting process begins. Also, during this stage you will need to create and figure out a budget in order to see how you're going to afford to actually make the film. Be sure to take into account film equipment, props, wardrobe, locations, food for cast and crew and salary. On most $2,000 indie films only the Directory of Photography (DP) and a few select crew members are paid for their time. In addition to creating a budget it would be wise to create a shooting schedule using the script. A shooting schedule will keep you organized once the cameras start to roll.

2. Make the film (with the crew). During the actual shooting of the movie, as the Director, you will work closely with your DP and crew to figure out the best ways to shoot certain scenes in the script. It is imperative that you be open to any and all suggestions from your DP, Producer, Grip or even Production Assistant. The more ideas that are thrown out at you, the more likely you are to incorporate them into your own vision. Don't be stubborn! Once you've discussed the best way to shoot, the next step is to communicate the plans to your actors.

3. Make the film (with the cast). Relate all the information about how you and the DP are planning on shooting the scene to the actors. Ask them if they have any questions or concerns. If they do, address them. If not, invite them to do a walk through of the scene on the set. This accomplishes 2 things at once. It gives your actors a chance to rehearse what you'll be shooting, thus getting them into character. It also gives the DP, camera and lighting crew a good idea of how the actors should be shot. Once the actors and crew feel good about the walk through have everyone vacate the set in order to let the camera and lighting crew work. Make sure the actors are on their way to makeup and wardrobe.

4. At this point the Director has a little bit of down time but not much. You should be making rounds all over to make sure everything and everyone is prepared for the upcoming scene. Talk to the actors and see if they have any remaining questions about their character and what they'll be doing in the scene. Take a stroll to the set and make sure that the crew is making your vision a reality. If something doesn't look quite right talk to your DP, Producer and 1st A.D. and have the changes made. Finally if you find yourself with nothing else to do, look over the shooting schedule and see what scenes are coming up next. It's never too early to start planning that next shot!

5. Once crew and actors are ready, invite the actors back onto the set and discuss the blocking of the scene. Blocking is basically the motions your actors will go through during the scene. Spend some time with your actors on the blocking to make sure they are comfortable with what they are doing and that everything will look as natural as possible. Once discussions are over, head to a monitor to view the shot. Hold a few rehearsals for the actors and cameramen. Once everyone feels good with what they're doing, it's time to roll 'em!

6. When your 1st A.D. confirms for you that camera and sound are rolling you yell, "Action!". Watch the performance closely on the monitor. You should have a notepad and pen in order to take notes on any changes you want made. Once you feel that the scene is over yell, "Cut!". Address any changes you want made to the acting, lighting, set design or camera movement. If something wasn't right in that last take fix it and then roll the cameras again.

7. Post-production is the final stage for a Director. This is the process in which the editing of the film takes place. Post-production begins once everything in the script has been shot. The Director begins to review all the footage to see what takes were good and which ones will help establish and maintain the storyline. Once you have watched all the footage and made notes as to what takes you want to use, set up a meeting with your editor to discuss how the film should be edited. Discuss the tone and pace of the film. Describe your vision for the film to your editor. A good editor will be able to take the description of your vision and produce a rough cut of the film. With the editor, watch the rough cut and make notes on what needs to change. At this point in the editing process you should be sitting in almost all editing sessions with the editor to make sure the film is turning out exactly how you expected it to. Once you are happy with how it turned out, congratulations, you just directed an indie film!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't lose your temper. You are the Director and everyone will be looking to see what you do. Remain calm no matter what and use your head to help get you through the hard times.
• Be open to any and all suggestions. A close-minded Director will not only lose a ton of allies but will most likely make a terrible film.
• Making a film can be extremely stressful. Make sure you are prepared to take on the challenges that comes with being the Director.

[Spiralina]

on 11/30/2008 Great article. Very informative.