Hi, I'm new to the board and also someone who is looking for a "free" crew for a short film I'm working on. Obviously car chases, pyro, and stunts are not realistic for a low bugget. My question is how do you know if your film is realistic for the budget?
A little info on the project: 10-12 minute short character driven narrative to be shot on DV, blown up to 35mm (still trying to figure that out), 6-8 locations, 15 scenes, 1 main character (a 11-13 year old), and no crew that I would call expeirienced. BUDGET: total cost (pre production-distribution) around $20,000. IN-KIND: hopefully around $10,000. GRANT: $10,000. I am the writer/director/producer of this project and it will be filmed in Texas. The main locations are a house, school, medical office, traveling car (which may not be traveling due to budget/difficulty).
Originally I wanted to start filming this summer, but I am waiting to see if I get a grant to help cover costs. What are the "slow" times that someone would be more willing to work for free or cheap?
I will soon be attempting to secure a DP with some major experience but I know realisticly speaking it will be hard. How should I approach someone to do something for free?
With the grant money I hope to get, lighting, a DP and experienced actors for the lead roles. I would be using friends and volunteers as grips, PA's, producer.
I'm starting to think I should just stop focusing on the lighting (getting an experienced DP) so much and just do the best job I can do and just tell my story. If you have a strong story, do people care if they see a light stand...? Does this make a film instantly bad?
If I could afford to pay people I would, but I'm graduating from college in May and have no money. I really want this to look professional and feel that the film deserves that.
