If you’re about to dip your toes into the world of filmmaking or can only shoot on a low budget, independent films (commonly known as indie films) have a more unique voice, style, and content. With fewer crew members and a lack of budget, this gives indie filmmakers the opportunity to be more hands-on with their film production. If you aren’t sure how to get started, here are a few tips on how to shoot your own indie movie.

Find Your Script

Regardless of how much money you have to invest in your film, they all start with a script. It’s important that you ensure the concept fits well within the confines of a low budget production. For example, science fiction films may require various effects, intense makeup, and backgrounds that may not be the best choice for an indie movie. If you are a screenwriter, make sure that you carefully consider your creative choices, such as the genre, settings, and the number of characters.

Sort Your Budget

Once you have your script ready and are raring to go, the next step is to establish how much cash it will take to produce your film. The budget will have a huge impact on your cast and crew, locations, equipment, and post-production. Whether you’re a writer, director, or even act in the production, you will still need to hire experienced people who can help you along the way. Knowing how much money you will need to spend on each department can help make it easier for you to track production finances.

Hire Your Crew

It’s sensible to work out the most crucial roles of your indie film and fill them first. For instance, if you are the one who is directing, it’s important that you hire an experienced cinematographer who understands your vision, meaning they can take care of the lighting and other technical aspects of your shoot to help increase its production value.

Purchase Equipment

Once you have a budget in place and have hired a crew and cast for your indie film, the next step is to get equipment. Having your own equipment can be a great way to keep costs down. For those who have the cash to splash, you may want to consider hiring a company that specializes in video production Houston TX. For your indie film to stand out from the crowd, investing in the latest technology and equipment will help make your production look fresh, modern, and high-quality.

Have a Post-Production Plan in Place

When making an indie film, it can be all too easy to overlook the post-production side of things. Once you’ve finished filming, it’s important that you put your full focus into editing. There are numerous things that you will need to tweak, such as sound design, music, ADR, and color correction. Whether your goal is to raise more money via private equity, or use platforms like Kickstarter, be sure to reach out and contact people who you wish to work with you throughout post-production, especially as they will have knowledge of and expertise in what you need to capture throughout principle photography, helping to save you money.

If you have a passion for filmmaking and want to turn your ideas into a fully-fledged film, following the advice listed above can help you create an indie film that you’re proud of.