HOW TO MAKE GREAT FILMS ON ROCK BOTTOM BUDGETS WITHOUT GOING TO FILM SCHOOL
by
ROB AGER
This is a condensed 48 page no-nonsense book written for both novice and advanced film makers. It explains the core basics of low budget film making while also offering a variety of unusual tips and tricks that will save huge amounts of time and money on virtually any production.
The key cost cutting premise here is to use a voluntary cast and crew. This is not generally considered an easy or reliable strategy for making films. However, if the independent film maker can create an alternative system of rewards and incentives in their project then a sizeable and committed cast and crew are attainable. This book explains detailed ways of creating such rewards and incentives.
Also crucial to the low-budget film maker is extensive and detailed planning prior to the shoot. If done efficiently with an emphasis on contingencies, the costs of shooting over shedule are avoided. This applies to a multitude of other problems that can occur on set. Unfortunately, film makers are not generally taught the kind of rigorous and detailed planning methods that are used in the sciences or in business management. This book also addresses this issue directly.
Script writing is another area that is approached very differently in this book. Great emphasis is given to the task of story construction as opposed to the actual written formatting that is normally emphasised in training manuals and courses.
Many other aspects of film making are explained here in practical detail including crew psychology, editing preparation, visualisation techniques for storyboarding and more.
A pdf version of this book can be purchased as part of a DVD set containing films produced and directed by the author. It can also be ordered individually on my Pick N' Mix order form.