Lin, I had no doubt that you would be the first to respond (if not the only) and now here you are.
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You're talking about feature link film? How low budget is low?
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Yes, and less than $5k. Allow me to expand on budget concerns...
I have a Sony HDR-FX1 and a Panasonic P2 camera at my disposal, with accessories. Both are excellent cameras. All together, $1000's worth of
(a) cameras, (b) lights, (c) audio and (d) editing equipment (software, hardware). Other items I can scratch off the budget are
(e) locations, (f) crew and (g) talent.
My back lot extends from Austin to San Antonio, TX and flanking areas - even South Texas; Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Padre Island are not out of the question. Any type of terrain or physical location these cities and their surrounding landscapes have to offer. Churches, cemeteries, stores, houses, private airports...there are no
generic locations that can’t be finagled.
The Combined ‘digital format’ with gorilla film making tactics allows a more efficient and effective production with only a dozen member skeleton crew. I have surrounded myself with extremely talented, creative people - though no writers - and have established a few important industry connections along the way that should prove useful (no guarantee).
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Are characters an expense item for you? A dozen college-age characters a problem? Or is this one where all the buddies are involved and cast isn't an expense?
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As a starting point, the cast is not an expense as my partners and I seek talented, unknown eager actors. There are plenty in Austin, all ages, and we will hold taped auditions to find them. In fact, the writer can even review the audition tapes (online) and provide his/her opinion (though the director, me, will make the final decisions). No buddies, except perhaps in minor non-speaking roles if any.
Items (a) through (g) would equate to millions for a traditional Hollywood feature film budget. Should I be able to raise additional funds, which is a possibility, it will be to secure a familiar face or two for our cast, otherwise, all additional costs are out-of-pocket.
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What does "no guarantees" mean in this context?
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Actually, I will know the right story if and when I read it, and if all is well with the writer, then it’s a done deal. I do not want to give the impression, however, that I have the ability to snap my fingers and make things happen. It’s a lot of work; there’s a lot of planning (of course you know that). I can promise the script will be turned into a feature length film, but as I prefer to set expectations low, I make no attempt to guarantee a successful outcome...which is exactly what I’m after.
Some additional info...
90% of the story will be directed before production begins, and that is because I will story board 100% of it, which includes camera blocking as I intend to shoot with multiple cams (I will rent an additional camera or two, or more if need be. But will always have at least two recording.)
Because my crew and I will be using a digital format and not actual film, we will edit the production on the spot as we shoot it. This method will allow us to run production and post almost concurrently, which not only speeds up the process tremendously, but helps us eliminate and correct technical mistakes or acting miscues while the shots are still set up.
I believe there is a thread in the debate section regarding who deserves more credit, the director or the writer. While there are differing opinions, what is true in every storytelling aspect [film wise]; writing, directing, editing, acting, photography, audio and so on are each 100% most important and require equal attention. Overlooking any one of those things could easily ruin a film.
Once completed, the feature length movie will enter the film festival circuit and go from there.
All I need now is a feasible, exciting script. And I am most interested in a completed, or nearly completed script as I already have one in the works.
