Making Your Own Super Micro Budget Feature

Making Your Own Super Micro Budget Feature

Making Your Own Super Micro Budget Feature

Stephen Folker
Stephen Folker
2 years ago

As an independent producer, I'm always planning my next project. With a stack of screenplays (many of which are my own), and no Mr. Moneytree waiting to spread his love, it can be challenging. This is why I've taken the Robert Rodriguez approach when it comes to filmmaking. For those of you unfamiliar, Robert Rodriguez's first feature film, El Mariachi, had no crew. And almost no budget. At a meager 7k, he was the writer, director, cinematographer, location scout, sound, and editor. With inflation, that would be about 15k today.

Taking a page from Robert's book, I didn't go to film school and am entirely self-taught. So doing things a bit unconventionally is my style. This is why I've coined the term: Super Micro Budget.

For those of you who know nothing about me, I'm a full-time photographer. In 2010, I decided to take my childhood passion and start making independent films. Each project was a chance to learn and get better in the process. Being a photographer, I had an understanding of lighting and composition. But it takes trial and error to make a film! Fast forward, over the last few years, I've had projects air on PBS, A&E, and Hulu. This all comes from having a 'go for it' approach!

A few months ago, I chatted with a client of mine about an idea I had for a feature film. They loved it so much that they offered to finance it! I wrote the script and waited for that financing to come through, so we could start production. Sadly, this individual passed away suddenly. My heart goes out to their family. But, I wasn't ready to throw in the towel on the project. After all, like Mr. Rodriguez, I've made many films for next to nothing. And, like Robert Rodriguez, I can wear many hats on set.

Let's Circle Back! What do you need to make a Super Micro Budget Film (or even a no-budget production)? To keep everything as easy as possible, I've broken it down for you!

Making Your Own Super Micro Budget Feature

What's Your Budget?

And, where are you going to get it? When I say Super Micro Budget Film, I'm thinking 25k or less. Most of these tips could work with a budget of 100k or less. But for me, I like to work with budgets I know I can get! At this level, most of the time it's self-financing. Or, donors who'd like Executive Producer Credit, as well as on-set experience. It can even be crowdfunding. But before you go any further, you need to know how much money you have to work with! If it's zero, you can still make a film, but it may have to be a short with 1-2 actors volunteering time. Even then, you'll likely need a little money.

Making Your Own Super Micro Budget Feature

You Need A Screenplay!

Write one. Find one. Either way, you need one. And, to make your project work on a Super Micro-Budget, you'll need a great one! To say that story is everything is not an understatement. It's the truth! You need a solid foundation if you want your house to stand. Your story being the house. For me, I wanted to ensure I can do my project for as little budget as possible. So, I've limited the story to one key location, a creepy old house! Granted there are other spots, but they need to be easy to get. For example, a local park, my home, a neighbor's home, a car, etc. The key is to keep it simple! Do not overdo it.

Less is more! Don't go overboard with your cast! Three to four main cast members with a handful of extra roles are plenty. If you have 20+ roles in your film, chances are you may need to beef up your story a bit more!

Don't forget to have a few friends read your script and give you feedback. Or, Stage 32 has services right here for feedback. You can join the Writer’s Room or check out the Script Services.

For me, I decided to write a psychological thriller. There are four main cast members, with a primary focus on one of the actors. This means fewer people to schedule and move around.

Making Your Own Super Micro Budget Feature

Seek Out Your Local Talent!

This is the fun part! Finding your cast! Try to keep your cast local. It'll save you on lodging and depending on your call time, an extra meal! You can post a listing here on Stage 32 or Backstage. Usually, I'd suggest doing both! The more options the merrier! The same goes for your crew. I've met a great Script Supervisor from networking here on Stage 32.

Making Your Own Super Micro Budget Feature

What About Your Crew?

Now is the time to think like a Super Micro Budget Filmmaker. It’s time to ask, what can you do yourself? For me, I take the path of early Robert Rodriguez. I personally write, direct, camera operate, light, edit, etc! This saves me a ton of time and money. Fewer people on set mean fewer cooks in the kitchen and quicker decision-making. On the flip side, I love having someone on set to keep track of continuity and help me move things around. The point is to keep the budget low, but it means you have to wear many hats.

However, if you've never operated a camera before in your life, or are a hobbyist, start with a short and build up. Or consider hiring a seasoned camera professional. It's not as easy as buying a fancy camera and light package and then calling “action”. In fact, if you know what you’re doing with it, you could even use a mediocre camera.

There are other crew decisions you can make to save money. Craft services, location scouting, casting, lining up crew and cast, it all ties into your budget and what skills you have available.

Quick Tip: Find crew members that can multitask and are multi-hyphenates in their interests and skillset. For example, a Director/DP all in one. Some may frown on this idea, but one has to be realistic about what is achievable with a smaller budget.

Making Your Own Super Micro Budget Feature

Time To Set A Date!

When you schedule a date, you're putting yourself on the line. Be realistic, based on your own experience or the advice of those you trust, as to what you can pull off solo. Give yourself extra time if needed. Remember, there are amazing resources to learn more about scheduling, producing, and budgeting indie shorts and features available at your fingertips on Stage 32. Use them! Meet people with similar goals and ambitions. Network! Ask questions! We all have to start somewhere. Stay positive and don't let anyone hold you back. Life is too short to do everything by the books.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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About the Author

Stephen Folker

Stephen Folker

Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician

Stephen Folker is an Iowa-based writer, producer, and director who has been dedicated to crafting independent films since 2010. Folker has written, directed, and produced two films for PBS and was featured on The Film Lounge. He is also a recipient of the Iowa Greenlight Grant. Folker’s eye for c...

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16 Comments on Stephen's Article

Omari Washington
Actor, Director, Producer
Thank you for sharing this!
2 years ago
Frank Van Der Meijden
Screenwriter, Music Composer, Director
Thank you for sharing, Stephen. My last short was about 10K. Right now I'm in production for an experimental short and I try to fix with about 150 dollars. :)
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
That's awesome! If you get creative and do enough jobs, you can pull off for next to nothing! Granted everyone's situation is different, if we have the tools and the skill set (or ability to learn) nothing is holding us back!
2 years ago
Lisa Lee
Author, Screenwriter
Great post, Stephen!
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
Thanks Lisa - hope it inspires you!
2 years ago
Stephanie Munch
Author, Screenwriter, Assistant Director, Audio Post-Production, Casting Director
All the passion of making films is in this post, thank you so much for sharing your experience!
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
Thanks for taking time to check it out Stephanie.
2 years ago
Luís Mercês
Music Composer, Music Editor, Sound Designer
Great article! The way you articulated the process was pretty cool, specially how you use this platforms tools. How do you do post production on a micro-budget? Do you do everything yourself?
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
I'm a big advocate that sound is everything.  You don't need great equipment, just the ability to get clean audio recorded.  That's half of it.  The other half is to properly mix levels, or remove the occasional rustling (when using lav mics).  I still trust the pros in that dept to do it. 
2 years ago
Luís Mercês
Music Composer, Music Editor, Sound Designer
Waw! That's impressive, you're an all-rounded filmmaker! It's fascinating that you work with a composer AND a mixing engineer, I know a few people that delegate the scoring and the mixing to the composer. I bet there is an interesting story behind your decision of having your films mixed by a specialist!
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Great breakdown, Stephen! I’ve been trying to write a Super Micro Budget script for a while, but I end up writing micro-budget or low-budget scripts. A Psychological Thriller might be the key. Thanks for the idea!
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
Absolutely!
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
This inspired me.
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Love it!
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thank you, Stephen
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Extremely helpful.
2 years ago
Andrea Zastrow
Screenwriter
Great article! I admire both your can-do spirit and your common-sense approach. Way to pursue your creative goals. Live your life with no regrets, right?
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
That's right! We have nothing to lose but time. And we don't live forever. Waiting for the perfect opportunity or the 'right approach' may eat up precious years which could have went toward just going for it!
2 years ago
Angelo Raza
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Th ask for sharing. I am gonna watch Stillwater tonight and get inspired
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
Thanks for reading it Angelo. I'll have to check out Stillwater. I haven't seen it myself.
2 years ago
Daniel Stuelpnagel
Screenwriter, Author, Producer
Yes! I spoke to a producer friend over the past several years who did a horror feature for $2500. I’m now producing my sixth feature script as super-micro-budget using mini action figures, remote control toys, limited stop-motion and voiceover dialogue, it’s a goofy comedy so the techniques play well with the tone, I’m just bringing first episode into post production this summer and enjoying the simplicity and stress-free creative momentum! Keeping it under $1,500 and that leaves budget for some promotional graphic design, merchandise samples, AI image software and more props for the next one (I’ll distribute for free viewing on YouTube). In looking at the culture, economy and entertainment industry at this time, this strategy is an essential skill set to evolve from screenwriter to director/producer in creating some innovative proof-of-concept material while maintaining my sanity and peace of mind, as well as enjoying immersion in the auteur style filmmaking and learning to scale down best practices from various indie business models; might apply it to a couple of filmfest opps as well just to discover any interest in those channels (experimental short). Thanks for this encouraging resource!!
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
That's great David! Part of being a filmmaker is having fun! And not worrying about what anyone else things about what we do! Look forward to seeing your finished results!
2 years ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
This is such an inspiring and informative post, Stephen! Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We can't wait to hear more as you continue your journey with your thriller feature.
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
Thanks Ashley, appreciate it! :)
2 years ago
Dustin Quinteros
Director, Editor, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Producer
Great blog with a lot of great advice. I found working on shorts and participation in small film fest helps you gage what things cost and where you can cheat, whether location, talent, vfx, etc. I would recommend to anyone trying to learn to shoot and budget to find their local 48hr film fest and get a team together. With technology, Final Cut, Adobe Suite, and VFX becoming available and practical for anyone with a half decent laptop it's amazing how much quality content you can create for very little money.
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
Hey Dustin - you nailed it. Best way to learn is just jump in and start working on projects. Regarding computers - I just edit on a MacMini which was under $600 I think. Keep up the great work!
2 years ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Love that you wear all the hats, Stephen! What a great post. Super informative. It really makes the filmmaking process less intimidating.
2 years ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Stephen Folker You too. Take care.
2 years ago
Stephen Folker
Director, Cinematographer, Screenwriter, Editor, Gaffer/Lighting Technician
Thanks for reading it Leo. It shouldn't be overly complicated. Most great directors and filmmakers started out this way. Not everyone does a 7 figure picture to get started! :) Have a great day!
2 years ago
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