How about Resources? In this time we are living in we have to make films inexpensively.

[David C. Hutto]

Post By: David C. Hutto-Executive Producer/Director/Editor/Actor-DCH Films and Entertainment

How About Resources?

      

       We are living in some interesting times right now, and if we are not careful with calculating our expenses on a project it will be dead in the water before it can get off the ground.  Great news guys there are some valuable resources out there to supply us with the tools we need to have block buster special FX on a beer salary.

      Now I heard from a good friend and fellow filmmaker that at the Vail Film Festival in 2010 there were some productions that had huge budgets and Hollywood style effects, but what if you are just starting out?  What if you have little to work with?  Do you still have a chance?  The answer to that question is of course yes!

      It doesn't matter what type of project you are doing or the genre, there are ways to make a blockbuster on a low or zero budget platform!  I know you guys probably already know this, but this is for the newbie filmmakers out there, and for those of you who are scratching your heads and wondering if you have to change your script.  The answer is no!!!  Don't change the script, get the tools you need to make things happen!  Let's face it there are four production killers...Special FX, Paid Actors, Politics, and stunts.  Of course that is just my opinion, and some of you may have other hurtles to cross.  Let's break it down shall we, and I will give you some great resources to get that movie made without costing you a small fortune.  First lets focus on your special FX category.

Special FX:

        Special FX, can be quite expensive and hard to come by, but if you check out the resources and tutorials that have helped me, that should not be an issue.  Most special FX that are used are, explosions, fire, bullet wounds, weather elements, light elements, sound, etc.  Of course most of you already knew that, but this is for the new folks just getting into this.  I have two blogs posted already that shows you how to do this. You can view them by clicking on this link.   I will have more tutorials and stock footage available soon.  Also I will post links to help you get the tools you need.  Here is a list of general FX Generating software I use for editing, and if you don't have the time or energy to learn them, I can help you with after effects editing, all you have to do is contact me, and I will give you an upfront honest estimate for what needs to be done, or consult you on the set.

      What About Software?   Well here are the basics that you need if you wish to do this yourself.

1. Adobe CS4 After Effects
2. Adobe CS4  Premier
3. Final Cut Pro-If you use a MAC
4. Sony Vegas 9.0 or Higher if you Use Windows XP/Vista/7.0
5. FX Home Visual Effects Lab
6. Action Essential 2 or Detonation Films Stock Footage.

     This software is expensive, but if you already have it, it can help you save money and time!

      What about props, and other physical items on set?  Well if you are using fire arms there are some great resources to help you achieve the desires realistic effect you want.  Keep in mind that using real fire arms is dangerous, and requires you to have insurance, permits, and a trained fire arms expert on hand.  You can use Air Soft guns instead.  Some of these mock weapons fire and act like the real thing, and all you have to do is ad after FX after the shoot.  They also sell and rent stage pistols, rifles, and shotguns that fire blanks, but these are quite expensive.  Also make sure that if you use these props in public that you consult your local law enforcement first, or you and your actors will become public enemy number 1!

     What about squibs and gore?  Well you can generate it in after FX or you can do thing McGuiver style.  Explosive squibs can be expensive, but if you have the money to do it, go for it if not  I have a solution for that two.  See the blog...  Fake blood can be made at home cheaply or you can buy it online for about $5.00 a gallon.

      What about Green Screen FX?  A green screen or blue screen if you buy it or rent it can be expensive.  So here is what I recommend.  Go to Hobby Lobby or Wal-Mart and buy some green or blue fabric in the color you want and hang it or tack it in the background.  Then when you are done key it in after FX.  Also check out this tutorial for more information.  

Paid Actors:

       Actors are often a costly investment, but they don't have to be.  If your film calls for big names, it will cost you big money!  So why not give local talent a chance, it will save you money, and sometimes local talent is better and easier to work with than big talent, but hey the choice is yours you are the director, producer, or executive producer.   I have access to a great resource that can help, you should check this book out, and see if it will help.  The book is called, Dealing With Actors: How to hire, direct, and fire!  The book shows you how to have a great success in casting, and bringing your actors to the forefront.  

        What about Politics?  We all know that getting permits, shooting locations, executive producers, unions, and film commission approval all takes some political and social organizing.  Now in some of my projects Politics and Political satire are at the fore front, but when it comes down to getting what you need leave Political Affiliation and Ideological theories out of it.  Your script may be pro one side or another, but you have to be like Switzerland or you will get absolutely nowhere with your project.  Don't make enemies, keep your opinions to yourself, and just get the permits and the shooting done.  


       Finally stunts...Well this one is self explanatory, If you are doing stunts.  Find a local stuntman, or if you or your friends have a background in this field, it maybe more cost effective to do your own stunts, and properly blend after effects, and stage effects together.  I do know a few martial arts experts, par core guys, and divers, but they have a solid schedule.   Make sure you do your research on your stuntmen, and if you have a friend or relative in the medical field it would be a good idea to have them on set.

       Well that should do it for me...I will talk to you all later.  Also if you want a good resource on making your films on a budget or zero budget check out this link: No Budget FilmMaking Ultra-Pack - The Ultimate Film Training Kit

[THE DECIBEL GARDEN]

I would hazard to say that "STORY" should be included in your list of things.

many filmmakers/screenwriters, are so busy trying to make the squibs look real that they assume the story is worth shooting, when often times it is not.

Before you need good FX or good actors, you need a good script.

[David C. Hutto]

I totally agree, good scripts are hard to come by sometimes we take garbage to try to get some quick quid, but that can be a huge mistake!

[David C. Hutto]

I agree, sometimes they jump ahead, and the script sucks! That is typical, I think a good point here is don't shoot garbage in the first place and be more selective in the script process. Right?

[Nelson Goforth]

I'm in agreement with DecibelGarden (assuming that's Haylar) - first story, then script.

Here's something else that a budget filmmaker can't afford: poor planning. Get someone - early on - who knows what they are doing (i.e. not your brother) to help plan the production and maybe even keep it on track. Oh, yeah - you'll probably have to pay them.

And another way to save money - make a movie that doesn't require special effects, or stunts, or difficult locations (politics). Get a good script that has a limited cast and just a few locations and concentrate on story and characters. Nothing has to blow up. Nothing takes time like effects, stunts, animals and children.

[David C. Hutto]

Again another good point, you are right poor planning can kill your production and be a major monkey wrench in your machine. I usually don't try to involve too many friends or relatives unless I know they will treat the production professionally. But again great point.

DCH