Making Feature Film on a Micro-Budget

[@dominikstarck5340]

To be honest; these days I'm more impressed about what artists can express within the micro budget parameters than the big budget extravaganzas. Sure, a 200 million dollar production ain't a walk in the park either, but indie cinema delivers all the magic. Btw. watched your Eminence Hill because I'm a huge Lance Henriksen (and western) fan. Well done.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it

[@writtentruthproductions]

Another thing I learned is to learn how to color grade! I've noticed a good grade can transform a film from amateur production to a cinematic professional. You can do so much for free in Davincii Resolve: download, take a crash course - boom not only can you make your stuff a cinematic masterpiece you can now market yourself as a color grader and earn a side income.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Yep, Resolve is an amazing program for sure! I made the switch about five or so years ago and never looked back

[@NathanLathroum]

Love this. Wish more filmmakers released something like this for their projects!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks!!

[@patrickgamble9014]

micro budget < 100K what do you call a feature with a budget under $1000 - nanobudget? That's what I'm working on at the moment

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Yes, I would say nano budget for sure. :)

[@babamadeit9281]

Under union category, Micro is above 300k and below it is ULB ( Ultra low budget )

[@brandonrobertkersjes]

Dramas aren’t the most popular for film festivals, but they’re easier to make, and they stand the test of time better when it comes to making them realistic or comparable to movies you see in the mainstream. Very few micro-budget genre films will ever come near what audiences expect when looking for a genre film. Yeah they may get into film festivals, but only because there are fewer of them. The audiences who watch those genre films are immediately aware that they aren’t “real” movies though.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

My belief is that as long as you don’t represent yourself as a big budget film, it’s not your problem if the audience has the wrong impression. It should be obvious to the average movie goer that films like mine are made far away from the Hollywood system. And if not, and that’s what they’re expecting, they can simply turn it off. It’s not the old days where they shelled out money for a DVD rental or even VOD. Most of my work is available on streamers where watching the film is no additional cost to consumers. So really, no harm no foul if you hate independent film.

[@SCM.mp4]

Down to earth, practical, no BS advice. Love it ❤️

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks!

[@ArmandoJacox]

Great information. It feels like micro-budget filmmaking is its own little world with some overlapping with traditional filmmaking. I honestly feel like I can DP, Produce, Direct, edit, and score my own micro-budget feature together with a small crew of inexpensive and inexperienced assistants.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

You can for sure! It’s a lot of work and the pay is low (if any) on your first one. So it needs to be a labor of love. People ask me if it’s possible to make a film for way less than 100k. Yes. You can. Just keep in mind, if you have something like 10 or 15K, you’ll basically need to be an army of one. You’ll need the cast to be all volunteer and it will be the most exhausting experience you’ve ever had. That said, at the end of the day, you’ll have a feature. Something that is truly your vision. So, I say go for it!

[@grantvetters5253]

GREAT post! Much appreciated!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

@grantvetters5253 thanks for watching!

[@JeffersonDonald]

A Master Class. Really good.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

@JeffersonDonald thanks for watching.

[@SaintSimon111]

pls more, thats really cool, planning making my own mikro budget movie for 30-50K

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Very cool. Depending on the script 30/50 can be a decent amount

[@justinanderson1944]

Solid information that I wish more people had! I've worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, I personally think everyone should start of in the micro/ ultra low budget world as it teaches you how to think on your feet and get creative. Hope you do more of these as you go into production!

[@tbip2001]

What an amazing down to earth guy . Please do more making of/bta stuff

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thank you! I do plan on doing more when time permits. Thanks again for watching!!

[@davidjhohl]

Very relevant information and done in an interesting way! The business, practical info is missing from most film channels. You are filling a great need! I’m a fan and will watch each new episode!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Much appreciated!

[@Robroy333]

Use the focus field overlay in the Black Magic cameras instead of Auto Focus. And with native lenses the Black magic cameras will do Auto Focus.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks. I’ll have to look into that

[@trujillocreek77]

Awesome info and advice, Robert. Thank you!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@michael_dalessandro_lena]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

thanks for watching!

[@YoungBuck-xl6tr]

Great insight, thank you.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@leroykincaide]

Awesome video, and so totally relatable as a micro-budget filmmaker myself. However I don't believe in the following saying as its always miss quoted "Jack of all trades master of none".... There is a line missing here, contrary to what the world tells us to believe. The full saying is "Jack of all trades master of none, but often times better than a master of one". ;) keep on grinding man, awesome hustle.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

thanks Buddy and same to you!

[@NickGapp]

Kudos on sharing your process! Thanks, Robert.

[@williamkeeton6715]

Great insight. Inspiring thank you.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RunningScaredMotionPictures]

DUde. Great video, great info! Thank you~!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks! I really appreciate that. I'm working on new content for this channel so check back soon :)

[@MariWakocha]

I'm shooting on a BMPCC 4K and filmed a lot of action scenes with a moving camera, and to compensate for the non-existent auto focus we bought a gimbal and an external focus rig. It turned out to be a difficult task to make that work, so we had to hire a camera assistant to manage it. We didn't have proper cinema lenses and it worked badly with out photo lenses, so we had to rent. That made the camera too heavy, so we had to get a rigging cage and put weights onto it. It became a clumsy and heavy rig in the end, but it did the job. The guy originally hired as the camera assistant was the one that made all of this work, so we practically owe the whole movie to him. Maybe getting a camera with auto focus from the start could be the safer way to go.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

The pocket cams are great. Ive got the 4k and 6k Pro. I use them with Sigma photo glass but yes, the lack of auto focus is an issue. For any manual focus camera, it's nearly a must to have a focus puller. Auto focus is good for the most part on a camera like a Sony but there are still limitations. The cameras will often rack to the background if a subject clears frame as it is, after all, auto focus. that said, when you're on a really tight budget and a dedicated focus puller isn't an option, then for sure auto is the way to go.

[@MariWakocha]

@@RobertConwaymovieguy Definitely! We opted for a separate rig to make it feel more organic and like we actually had a focus puller even though we didn't, and I think it payed off in a lot of places. But it's an expensive option still, so for a micro budget I can't really recommend it over just using a DSLR that has it built in.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Yeah, Its difficult but a bit of blur in action is acceptable. One thing you'll run into when shooting action on autofocus is unwanted racks and focus breathing. @@MariWakocha

[@edwardhicklin9223]

Great vid - thanks

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jmanchester]

This is all true and great info. I have a couple of projects coming up and working on a micro-budget is tough but can be done. Lots of stress but sometimes fun and you can learn a lot

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

It's never easy, but it's a hell of a ride. Good luck with your projects!

[@RavinderSingh-ft5dw]

Superb work dear

[@RaphBiss]

Making a feature right now. Please keep posting!

[@ghalberts]

Excellent!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Many thanks!

[@rynnreigns9329]

Great info, it's a reality punch to the gut on how micro budgets work. Love it!

[@AlpacoFilms]

Dude, I a SO stoked you're doing this! This is another important perspective for micro budget filmmakers like myself to hear! Keep this going PLEASE! I'll share and help in anyway!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks! I’m glad you found it useful. I will be posing more content shortly. And yes, please like, share and help spread the word.

[@derekk2708]

Great video. Thanks for uploading.

[@skeletonfilms3650]

great video

[@JonathanLawrence_Director]

Well done. Thanks for sharing your experience and perspective backed up with some top-notch imagery. Where can I see your films?

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks Jonathan. You can find my films on most major platforms such as Amazon, Hulu, Tubi and more. My distributor has a KZbin as well called Flix for Free.

[@SaintSimon111]

a video on budgeting would be nice 3:40

[@StevenTallas]

Good stuff man. I am based out of Arizona as well, but I am like a low budget film maker like sub 10,000 haha. Keep the good work up my last feature film called REZ DOGS. Working on some horror films now.

[@NathanielJBurns]

Nice work Robert, cool idea, I’m subscribed!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks Brother

[@saidjaniyev2443]

I am up to making my first micro-budget movie, and your video is really helpful to understand the ups and downs of the production. Keep doing them and I am sure someone will find them useful. Personally, I would like to have some "Behind the scenes" from your production to learn more. Good luck!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thank you so much for watching! I’m glad you found it helpful. I do plan to make more videos soon including BTS of my upcoming film.

[@YoungBuck-xl6tr]

Those are great options, thank you.

[@OMNIFICPICTURES]

Hey I have been around cameras that are 100k but damn I love my Sony FX30.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Same :) great cam for a great price

[@kevinl20082008]

Can you make a video on how to break down a budget.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

I have been meaning to make more content. My problem is finding the time.

[@natecarrollfilms]

Yes, Private Murphy loves film sets. 🫡

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Every time. Murphy and me are old fiends. Lol

[@deezyslim803]

Love this already! What tips you have for making a feature film quickly ? Or timely

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks for watching. I would say the key to speed is to simplify what your project requirements are. Try to stick to as few locations as possible. Preferably one. And preferably an interior. An old factory or warehouse would work for a horror or even some kind of action. Large spaces like these are very versatile. To control echo, you will need a good quality mic but thats still more manageable than shooting a lot of exteriors. Shooting at the same location every day can increase your page count by quite a lot as you can hopefully store a lot of gear there and avoid time consuming setups and wrap outs. Also, keep your lighting simple. Try and think of how you can create the most dramatic effect the fewest fixtures possible.

[@quinnbanks1889]

What’s the most you’ve spent on a film?

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Hey, thanks for commenting. About 150k.

[@09diz]

Hey!! Very nice video with some really important info. I’m on a micro feature pos production. I tried to edit, but I need more time doing it before I can make anything barely acceptable, in my opinion. So I found an editor who is doing the job and kinda teaching me along the way. Would you say the microbudget movie market sits on tubi platform?

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Congratulations on getting your film shot and making it to post! So many people never get that far. It's great that you've found an editor to collaborate with. And yes, soak up as much info as you can along the way from everyone you work with. Tubi is a great place for rev. Amazon is good as well and Hulu also gives us good placement.

[@YoungBuck-xl6tr]

Mr. Conway, I am working on my first project. I'm about 80% through the script and have the stupid idea of financing it myself on a super micro-budget. I plan to use Backstage to find actors, but How do I find a location manager, asst. director, PAs, etc...?

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Congratulations on making your first film! Depending on your budget what level of crew you can likely get. If you can pay, that’s best. If not, then I would try social media and film schools. People who need the experience

[@jacobhasideas]

Did you shoot out at Mescal? I’m a microbudget filmmaker out east of you in Safford.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Hi Jacob, yes. I shot in Mescal for two of my films. Great place

[@jeffreyhackmedia]

Excellent video Robert! This was very well edited and your audio sounded 👌 And I feel any aspiring filmmaker looking to take a step forward in their career would enjoy this breakdown video. Looking forward to more 😊

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks Buddy

[@jay4vice]

killer Music alWAYs helps.

[@SymonSaysTV]

100,000$ to me would be a big budget, or at lease a very descent one. Micro budget si more like 10 to 15,000$ or less.

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

It's possible to make a feature for that low but 100k isn't as much as it sounds like. Often filmmakers will start out with a budget they think they can make a film for but then end up spending a lot more to get it in the can.

[@Praheme25]

Great stuff. Trying to build up the confidence and courage to make my second feature for $75k. Would love to chat off line

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Sure buddy. Congratulations on your second film. 75 can be enough for sure depending on the project

[@Horrorchunk]

Thanks for this video ...more of that please :-) Can I (edit: "you") actually live from micro budget filmmaking? Have a nice day!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks! I’ll try and get a new video up soon

[@Horrorchunk]

@@RobertConwaymovieguy Ah sorry I mean "Can YOU live from filmmaking? not "I" :-D

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

@@Horrorchunk yes. You can make a living

[@reallyfurious]

Great video. I'm interested in how much thought goes into learning and understanding the craft of acting as a director/ producer/ editor? Have you ever taken acting classes or studied up on acting to better communicate with the cast who you are directing, even though you may never intend on being on that side of the camera personally? Do you think its worthwhile to really understand the minutiae of acting as a craft to become a better film director or just leave that to the cast and focus on directing the camera and crew? Thanks...

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Thanks for the question. I took acting classes as a child and once in a great while, I appear in front of camera but to answer your question, yes. Taking an acting class is a great idea for a director as it will help you better understand the process. I will say however that on micro sets, time is very short so the best thing a director can do is make the right choices in casting. There’s not a lot of time for trying to pull a performance out of an actor. If you hire the right people in pre, then most of the time, you get what you need on set.

[@reallyfurious]

@@RobertConwaymovieguy Thanks for taking the time to reply. That's an interesting point about not having the luxury of time to draw out performances on set. Also, yes a breakdown on budgeting would be interesting, I would think...

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

@@reallyfurious I do plan to do more videos but I'm about to go into production on a film that shoots until mid June

[@reallyfurious]

@@RobertConwaymovieguy oh nice, good luck. You shooting with that A7?

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Yes. Now exclusively on A7iv and FX30 @@reallyfurious

[@rajkiran6014]

hard to watch cheap movies wen expensive movies cost the same. if they cost 1/4th it is doable

[@theokkali467]

MAKE ANOTHER KRAMPUS!

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

Maybe one day :) thanks for stopping by!

[@theokkali467]

@@RobertConwaymovieguy Please release it on christmas eve or maybe july 25 lol

[@andreiabarbosa6651]

What's your linkedin

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

I’m on there but I never use it

[@NostalgiNorden]

Yeah...no interest in horror.

[@alexman378]

Sounds like a you problem. I had no interest in it, but realized it was a good entry point, mixed it together with things that do interest me, and now I’ve got a solid story to work with, that’s both in that realm, and that also interests me. Find ways to do what you enjoy within the pathways on display. Watch Mike Flanagan’s horror. It barely even is horror, it’s esoteric fears and family/ community drama dressed up in a horror outfit.

[@bluerabbit1236]

Why buy A7IV when you can get an S5ii X that can record 6k internal or RAW external+SSD support with decent autofocus for around nearly the same price?

[@RobertConwaymovieguy]

It's been a while since I shot on Panasonic. One of my films was GH4 as Bcam. A later one was completely shot on GH5 and GH5S. Great cameras for their time. I've not gotten my hands on a more recent Panasonic. My decision to go Sony was a hard one as I really was (and to some extent, still am) in love with my Blackmagic cams. Part of my reason for choosing Sony was that several of my peers had purchased the cams like the A7Siii and FX3. I always try and have two cams that are the same or at least close to the same when shooting a film. I have one that's fully rigged out and lives on a tripod or dolly. The second cam is on a gimbal or hand held. I do this because stripping a rig down and putting it on a gimbal is using up too much of that valuable set time. Also, if I have an extra cam op, I'll always have them getting a closer shot or a different angle. When planning out complex scenes like action sequences that are costing a lot, I usually bring in two or more additional shooters and it's very helpful if everyone is using the the same picture profile. Trying to match log footage from different manufacturers can sometimes be quite time consuming.