Making a $30k film with my friends (PART 1/5)

[@spensersakurai]

FLEE (FULL FILM) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5fLhIWbeb-cpJY

[@rpeters330]

I’d love to see a budget breakdown

[@John-e4p1x]

Buy a red komodo -$6k, then Rent a sony venice (??) $2.5k, DP $800 a day (on the cheap). actors, (paid in exsposure bucks). Give your red komodo to Pa to shoot the bts. (???) because youre a "youtuber" not a real person, oh, signature primes $350 a day three day week, tokina primes (I htink the rental company pays you to rent the tokinas, but in this case spenser asked to borrow them form soenone). Sandwich spenser is grossly eating for some reason in this video, $1. The life of the animal spenser killed for his sandwich and fur coat? Priceless, payed for in his lack of humanity.

[@kylehaggard7348]

@@John-e4p1x are you okay

[@John-e4p1x]

@@kylehaggard7348 Im eating a sadwich on set og my $30k throaway vanity short film! How about you! 😲

[@MasonLogerquist]

@@John-e4p1x mental illness

[@blackdonte24]

@@John-e4p1x I've seen more done on smaller budgets.

[@skeletoncrewflicks]

Hey Spenser, thanks so much for this behind the scenes. As a 20 year vet of the VFX industry in Hollywood now starting the journey of becoming a director myself, I have learned a lot from following your path a few steps behind you. Watching this vid, I am reminded of a quote from Jay Bauman of RLM . "Making a movie is just a never ending series of compromises to get to the finish line."

[@Hatcheeproductions]

This is incredible. I can't imagine how much work it takes to produce a high end short film, much less film BTS for it. It's creators like you that inspire us and give us much needed insight.

[@SantaAnaCreations]

Its not as hard as these people make it seem and you dont need to spend that much money keep the team small i mean small forget all the stupid titles just get what u need and dont spend to impress anyone we made a sci-fi series 11 episodes for less than 1.5k it looks just as good as any netflix title and the story is compeling and interesting

[@Aaron_Smith_OM]

I think it's pretty cool that KZbinrs are coming together to make/take big steps toward their dreams. You, Matti, Danny, Gian Carlo, etc. Pretty inspiring.

[@Eyeofkamau]

Lotta these guys are filmmaker/cinematographers/directors 1st, before youtubers. So it was bound to happen, they’re just showing the process to youtube

[@zer0K0000l]

This video made me realize how crazy I actually am making short films by myself with an inexperienced crew.....But filmmaking is for people who are absolutely out of their minds....

[@GxAce]

Can’t wait for part 2 and to see the finish film man! Looks awesome!

[@brandongoebel9270]

Dude, I loved this. I appreciate how in-depth you go into everything, including your mistakes of not staying in your lane, which I admittedly have done from time to time. I can't wait to see more, and I hope you go into some preproduction stuff like how you produced all the logistical things like flying out actors, putting them up in hotels, and negotiating getting them in freezing cold waters. Thanks for all you do, man!

[@j.r.dawson]

Thanks so much for the BTS always so educational and inspiring to watch other filmmakers killing it. Can't wait to see the final film!

[@martinmestrevlog]

this BTS series is so educational, saw this 11 months ago and it came up on my feed again had to watch. It is a wealth of knowledge and very educational. So excited that the short film is out. I will definitely be watching it. Look forward to more of your content - keep up the great work ! all the best from Toronto

[@budsaurus]

Nice stuff as always, Spenser! The comment you made about "promising yourself that you won't shoot at T/1.5" but then looking at the frame and being enticed to just go wide open was definitely a mistake I made when I shot with the Venice and Tokina Vista Primes too! It was a good reminder, so thanks for being honest and sharing!

[@StandardStoryCo]

Love this BTS, looking good!

[@MarkHoltze]

Damn man, this is a very authentic look at what it feels like to work on a indie short film. This takes me back to those days, I could feel the chill and the adrenaline and the exhaustion. This is fantastic! Commentary is brilliant as well. Nicely done mate;

[@JasonMorrisphotocinema]

That venice though!!!! OH man I can't wait to see this

[@alikareemfilms4789]

Love this Spenser. I'm a director in Dallas and really enjoyed this bts video and the honest take of all the challenges that come with narrative directing

[@paulanthonyfrith7824]

I just wanted to say thank you for putting this out there. It's incredible to watch people work on creating art in this way. I only wish I were 20 years younger and I'd be there with you. Thanks again 😁

[@KarimAmerStudio]

Cant wait really for the rest of the bts ! Best of luck bro

[@duylinhnguyentu]

Very happy for you. I see so many KZbinrs who have just given up filmmaking to make content to grow their channels. And more power to them. But, you are clearly a great storyteller and I'm glad you're investing in your own craft. Takes guts.

[@TheRMMFilms]

don't ever feel bad about getting involved in things like lighting as a director. alot of the best directors get involved in every aspect of the film, at the end of the day it is your film, you are the director and it is your job to make sure that everyone onsite is doing their job the way you need them to be to make the film how you need it to be. especially in a circumstance like this where you were not hired as a director, this is actually YOUR film.

[@dereckdavis3080]

Especially if your funding the whole thing!!

[@chicobraz4335]

Good job , can’t wait to see it . I just directed my first series , and you had me laughing when you kept mentioning it’s hard to let go and not worry about camera and exposure and such . It’s something I don’t think I will ever let go ,and it’s just the inner artist intuition of wanting the best (since you also know cinematography ) , I think it’s healthy and any professional Cinematographer will understand and appreciate that . All the best

[@maxchadwick1052]

The gaff tape sun shade is a classic. "Why did I think I wouldn't need a mattebox"

[@spensersakurai]

I don’t think our box would fit these lenses

[@7-bs]

cant wait for part 2

[@OfTwoLands]

This is great, mate! Keen for the second one :)

[@starsearchervideoshorts1899]

From POM POM PICTURE STUDIO Philadelphia Pa. Saturday Feb 18th 2023 Time 20:32 Looking Good!!!

[@spensersakurai]

THANKS!

[@fulloffame]

i love this new little series you have going on with this film Spenser!! this is so damn inspiring. can't wait to make my next film

[@fulloffame]

also wow i live right by Oklahoma

[@mayorofblugsnax]

@@fulloffame just noticed the same thing, glad to see people not from the east and west coast making movies too.

[@MtZionMediaPro]

Excellent content! I understand how crossing over can be a new normal. Keep up the good work, looking forward to ep.2!

[@garethryancreative]

Amazing! So fun. Reminds me of the project I directed of the summer. It brings back so many memories. I don’t think people realize how hard these Indy film days are. Best of luck!

[@ILoveTheGreyScale]

Great stuff, OJT through BTS, thanks man.

[@bobtronic73]

That's so cool. Always love these behind the scenes shots. Looking forward to "Flee".

[@brandonostermanfilms]

Congrats on your first film, bud! Can't wait to see it come together.

[@mitchellvandehoef3792]

hope you bring us more of this! i loved watching how you do your work

[@spensersakurai]

More to come!

[@housermousemedia]

Love seeing my Oklahomies creating 🎬🎥 That Overholser dam is no joke on wind lol

[@larionszilasi2964]

Incredible amount of work, and the cinematographer guy - with all the other crew members - feels like an absolute goat. You can see that professional dedication in his face. Btw did you just shoot 2 scenes, in one day? The gas station and the dam?

[@spensersakurai]

Yeah basically!

[@alice-14-k6b]

Thanks for doing these! Just did on for my film, too.

[@normalworldfilm]

Content like this is great! Nice work!

[@Lowest_Levels]

Looking forward to more of these behind the scene videos. Passion in action.

[@DetroitVideoDiaries]

Excellent . I can’t wait to start shooting my film.

[@martinmestrevlog]

great BTS... thanks for sharing.... when does the short come out ?

[@spensersakurai]

Will release after festival run!

[@dmitryyamen7076]

I've been watching you for a long time, I've learned something from you! It's very cool when you're doing creative work, I wish you good luck and really want to see what happens in the end.

[@luca.85249]

Thanks for your interisting video Spenser!!! Luca from Italy.

[@beatrizbettler646]

Dude the behind the scenes looks crazy good when is it coming out Im so pumped

[@kumakick6038]

pretty cool man... great BTS

[@Colinlutterloah]

Loved this!!

[@TrueURIEL]

AWESOME

[@RobWatt]

Making it happen. Great job Spenser

[@HermannOberg]

Love this! Cant wait for more

[@gooddayswithmohanbilaye]

Intellectual Content😌

[@KaceyBakerFilms]

As a director DP myself I could see the look on your face of, “that’s not how I would light it, but we have no time, and I secretly wish I could jump in and tweak lighting to how I want it to look”. Hehehe

[@patricks5390]

I would love to see the full cost, including salaries. Time planning and script work are also topics for future videos i would be interested in. Thanks and lots of love from Austria, best wishes Patrick

[@Sifu628]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@workinprogress2077]

A a crew guy that has been on about 12 of these short film shoots directed by another crew guy over the years, I see many familiar things. Firstly thanks for making this video as many are secretive of their process. Having dome so many of rhese shorts as crew and now making my own content I really believes thast getting 15 people out in very cold weather is not a good start for anything creeative in my opinion (I live in Canada so I know about cold weather shoots!) . Those 15 hour days don't feel the same for the Director and the person spending the money as the crew no matter how close friends you are. The big question is how much is the cold, the small crew, and the limited time have on the story? Pressure can make diamonds or coal.

[@ronbackal]

Hi! Loved this video, it gave me a lot of inspiration. Where can I see the movie?

[@OwoyemiMichael]

This is lovely to watch. Your content inspires.

[@nikoloztheseventh]

Spencer good luck. quit a hard work. It is good and should be appreciated the fact that you share the BTS. And what's the camera in the water?

[@spensersakurai]

Thank you! Fx3 was in the water, inside a water bag.

[@idletimeproductions4956]

This was fantastic.

[@kareemabulaban9456]

This is rad! Im working on a short right now and id love to know how you secured that private gas station!?

[@ChroniclesofGhoul]

What wireless focus device was used on the Venice?

[@EDJK_]

wow I’m surprised this is only a 25 min short with a 30k budget im filming a short film that’s gonna be close to an hour and the budget is only $200 😭 but since I came up directing, dp’ing/cam op and editing as well all self taught until i finally got the chance to work on a couple of Movie sets I saw what was needed but felt like I had the proper enough equipment to shoot this Movie called “Make the Call” and we’re doing it to our best ability like our absolute best giving it our all to my surprise this short film has exceeded my visual expectations look forward to seeing your project 🎬

[@travelfendi32]

so sick dude. wanting to do this soon! be on the look out for my short :)

[@joepvanuden3913]

how many shooting days? looking forward to the coming episodes!!

[@seedz11]

Great work

[@YoungBlaze]

where can i watch the final ?

[@spensersakurai]

Will release after festival run

[@fremworks]

Looks like Sony had its blue print laid out start with people who are getting into film and give them small affordable camera then gradually introduce them to the high end cinema camera and looks like it all worked out

[@spacekarma4]

Great behind the scenes :) loved watching it. Any chance you have a breakdown of your expenses on the film? I’d be curious to see what things cost you and how you allocated funds :p if not, I understand but I thought I would ask

[@Hotinri]

can you add a link to the diffusers and flags you used, please

[@tubeman1983]

So cool, man! Keep it up :)

[@ryangump9527]

when using a generator for night shoots, how do you deal with the noise of the generator when doing on location sound recording? Are you just charging batterypacks for the lights and shutting the generator off during sound speed, or are you doing some post production over it?

[@spensersakurai]

we had it far enough away it wasnt much of a problem. you definitely have to work around it a little but its better than not having light haha

[@jmarutz13]

What kind of waterproof camera bag did you use? Also great BTS

[@spensersakurai]

This one - bhpho.to/3m2zbPx

[@kennymcgraw1241]

Spenser this awesome! I’m a fellow freelancer in okc and have worked with Corey as well! Would love to be apart of your next project!!

[@artdoneus]

Soo dope!!!!

[@darrenorange2982]

Can you talk about crafty and meals? Hate to say but on all productions that's how you really make people happy.

[@QualityVideoService]

I would have shot a full length feature with 30k.

[@blackdonte24]

Damn right! And it can definitely be done. This guy spent $30k for this fuckery? Unreal.

[@spensersakurai]

You can spend your money how you see fit and Ill do the same. Take your negativity and unsolicited opinions elsewhere. Thanks.

[@QualityVideoService]

@@spensersakurai Touchy, aren't you, don't take things so personally. I commend your work homeboy.

[@QualityVideoService]

@@blackdonte24 LOL, don't be so hard on the guy.

[@ArtyFarty13]

Hi, what a great afford by the crew. Why did you choose the water seen in the beginning? Weren’t you afraid at this early stage of risking the health of the DoP and a important cast member, both being so vital for the ongoing of the production?

[@evie._.lake20]

How do you raise a budget?

[@Vishnukanakath]

Love this

[@spensersakurai]

FLEE - Official Teaser Trailer kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqmuqKtonbhpbM0

[@davithelion]

for the first 20 seconds i thought i was in a zebra zone video but without a french accent

[@secondhandmediaco]

What color profile?

[@StevenTallas]

I always had a question, what is the game plan for the short film? Like are you planning on just making a cool 30 K short film. I feel like you could of easily shot a feature film for that amount. Thanks!

[@spensersakurai]

The film has been submitted to film festivals and that was the plan. money is relative I suppose. I think for what I did this could have easily cost 60k without the favors and trades I did to make this happen. Concept always dictates budget. If it was just a couple characters in a house, maybe I couldve made a feature for this cost but this was a lot of locations talent and time.

[@StevenTallas]

@@spensersakurai oh ok cool yeah so for sure. So this short film is going be like your calling card to the industry for more work in narrative films? Basically are you trying to get the money back you invested ?

[@chelo111]

PLEASE DONT LET US DOWN

[@nathanksimpson]

7:03 Push your crew to invest yourself? This seemed the philosophy of a few indie no budget films where I wasn't even comped meals... Do you compensate your crews for overtime? How do you show you are grateful for your crews?

[@JosephBaca813]

Agreed, never okay to push your crew to work overtime to make your day

[@spensersakurai]

you have no context. everyone was compensated as agreed before production. your accusations are totally unnecessary given the amount of info you have.

[@redbeardproductions-kevind9806]

Do you live in Oklahoma?

[@Holtenstein]

Congratulations, very cool and amazing step in your career. So, some directors are more hands-on with the cinematography. For instance, look at James Cameron with Russell Carpenter ASC. James Cameron like to operate the camera at times. Although once you trust the DP you should be able to not worry about exposure and concentrate on framing. But this isn't necessarily a big deal. They DP is there after all to help you achieve your vision. So at the end of the day you should be happy about the results. And in this case it looks like you definitely are. Cheers

[@thejackoss]

Why didn't you use the Rialto for the Ronin shots? Also, no mattebox?

[@spensersakurai]

The Rialto is a special venice. They don’t all the option and we didn’t have a mattebox that fit these lenses at the time. But it wasn’t a problem but like once.

[@thejackoss]

@@spensersakurai Every single Sony Venice camera can be turned into a Rialto, you don’t need a special Venice camera for this setup, you simply need to ask your rental house the extension system.

[@spensersakurai]

@@thejackoss oh yeah, i guess thats what i mean. we just had this camera on loan from a friend without the extra bits. just the venice and raw recorder.

[@spensersakurai]

@@thejackoss and honestly we just needed that iso 12,800 form the fx3. so helpful.

[@thejackoss]

@@spensersakurai interesting! What did you think of the noise level on the FX3 at 12,800 ISO? I tried the same native ISO with the FX6 and was super disappointed with the result.

[@SabbaLinga]

Where can I see the film?

[@spensersakurai]

Not out. Will make the festival rounds first

[@afghanfilm]

so where can we watch the short film?

[@spensersakurai]

Unfortunately I cant show the film yet while its in festival submission process. Oh and its not fully done haha

[@afghanfilm]

@@spensersakurai best of luck I hope you win

[@Pinnacl3]

I see you didn't mention an AD here. Did you have one?

[@spensersakurai]

producer acted as AD a couple days and then another friend came in to keep us on track for 3 other days

[@Pinnacl3]

@@spensersakurai Thanks for the reply. That an integral part of making the day. On the note of taking things off your plate, a solid AD can be a lifesaver.

[@brucatoproductions5712]

how did you need 30k for a short film

[@AdamLProductions]

0:11 So that's what Dave Mustaine from Megadeth does with his free time. Interesting. 😏

[@sotocine99]

Top!

[@johnilen]

Where's the final film?

[@spensersakurai]

Film is in the festival circuit so it cant be released online any time soon unfortunately.

[@johnilen]

@Spenser Sakurai oh I really wanna see it. Is there a way to be notified?

[@antelopepicturez]

Great job buddy , I wish to work with you one , I'm a cinematographer from uganda

[@YouGotJakeD]

Where is Charlie

[@visionaryfilms]

was this a short film based on gear, all I seen was gear, for 30 K man I be making a feature film and or numerous short films. too many bells and whistles these days just to look impressive. overall curious to see what you have made.

[@spensersakurai]

Crew and locations. Wanted to properly pay the crew. Gear was mostly free. Everyone spends money in different ways.

[@visionaryfilms]

@@spensersakurai i understand that, i do the same, but announcing you spent 30K is a lot of money rather or not if it all came from you or other backers. some filmmakers would love to have 5K for a production, most work alone with the gear they have and your announcing I spent 30K. 90% of my productions was zero dollars spent and I'm grateful because of my name and work I didn't have to spend a penny on locations, you always have a safety net for insurance just incase someone trips and falls or something gets broken while on location, including food and gas for the cast and their day rate. again I could film your exact production for 2K and you spent 30K. i'd focus on teaching young filmmakers who don't have nothing but a camera and tripod that you can make a great film with nothing because most don't have nothing but a dream and passion that yes you can make a great film with just what you have and asking to use a location for x amount of time. I've been where your at a long time ago and over the years became less and less to just me because of my experience and working at Universal and Warner Brothers as Steadicam Op. you learn a lot, so doing a production by yourself or with a very small film crew you can still get the same results, but 30K dang, I can make a dozen films or two feature films with that amount of money, but each to his or her own. overall I like your work, just a heads up on your title, that's all I was saying.

[@DigitalGenki]

Can i ask, for something like this, is it possible to make your money back on it?

[@spensersakurai]

Haha nah. It’s an investment to show that you’re capable of making movies. .... hopefully

[@guavajumex]

I love this, I'm currently writing my short film. I would love to see a budget breakdown. For instance do you pay your DP for every hour you work with them (like meetings too) or only shoot day?

[@stevedoesnt]

Wtf. You’re on the corner right next to my studio. Are you from OK?

[@mediamaker6828]

I’d love to come work with ya sometime. I’m Edmond.

[@lester-vision7429]

💯💯 💯

[@litehartstudiosllc.5941]

🙌👏