Things You'll Need:
- Cast
- Crew
- Script
- Locations
- Money
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Step 1
Write a script that has very few or no special effects, extreme locations, costumes or outrageous stunts. These are all very expensive factors so by limiting or eliminating these factors you can greatly reduce your budget. If you don't have a story or don't want to write a script you can always look for a script to purchase or at least use even if you don't pay for it (work out an agreement for screen credit with the writer).
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Step 2
Break down the script and create a budget and shooting schedule. Do your shooting schedule so that you shoot as many scenes in one location on one day as possible as well as using the same talent. This will cut down your production costs because you'll be paying for less days of location fees as well as talent fees.
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Step 3
Scout out your locations. Hire your key crew people and allow them to bring in outside people to work as their assistants and personal crews. This will make everyone happy and cut out some of the work for you as well as make the set environment more pleasant because everyone will have their own people with whom they can work harmoniously.
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Step 4
Start your casting process. Submit casting notices to agents, the breakdowns service and other online casting databases. Go through headshots and resumes. Set up auditions and call in your selected actors. Have a round of callbacks where you narrow down your choices. Hire your cast.
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Step 5
Begin shooting. Try to limit your shoot dates and instead make them long days so you can still get a lot of work done. You should be able to shoot a low budget feature film in 21 shooting days or less. After shooting is complete hire an editor. Have your editor do a rough cut. Watch it and have your editor make your desired changes.
