Producing : First Time Producing by Gilda Henry

Have fun and stay organize.

Locations are the worst to find without a budget. Usually this means changes to the script or going guerrilla style. But when approaching location owners, always offer something. I luckily connected with a Pest Control company that really believes in my films and withProducer credit, they offer free sprays to any locations we scout. So always offer something.

Tamir - I plan on trying to juggle fun and organization :D

Rustin - Thanks! Great idea with the pest control company... would never have thought about that. Putting my thinking cap on to see who I know and what I can do for trades.

Haha - I love the Pest Control idea. I just recently learned about swapping the calls "Action" and "Cut" while filming in an apartment with disruptive neighbors... :) you learned something new each day.

When seeking locations, you should also have permission from owner/tenants. If you draft something up for them to sign with the hours you want to film indicated, it is easier to get access.

Tomasz - there's a story in that, isn't there :D

Darren - that's great advice. Thanks!

One or few locations. Make sure the script is properly formatted to industry standard, then break it down into a schedule for your production board. You can learn all this by googling. Shoot out a location before moving to another. Don't neglect getting good audio.

Hi Gilda, Congratulations on your gig! Re: locations, don't shoot in LA. We shot a short that cost us $15,000 (4-day shoot) due to the outrageous permit fees and union fees. Granted, we used SAG talent, but we could have shot it for a lot less had we filmed in a diff state. Example: One metro park near Glendale wanted to charge us $800 for the day. In Ohio (depending on the park), it's free if you keep your cast and crew under 10 peeps. Above that, it's $35 for most parks in Ohio. Just an example. I've only worked on a handful of productions but I have found this to be the most crucial. You must secure enough budget to feed your cast and crew a healthy, nourishing, tasty lunch and dinner. Have plenty of good things to eat for your crafties table. We were able to get sponsors from a few local companies in exchange for credit and press. Also, production insurance is good to have if you have a large cast and crew and there are stunts, travel and/or scene with or near water involved. There are a few companies out there who will provide insurance for a short shoot. There are a lot of filmmakers/producers who do the run and gun, guerrilla approach and go without a safety net. I've done that for a short or two (and will probably do it again). But in light of the "Midnight Rider" train accident (http://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-rider-crew-member-killed-in-g...), it's worth considering adding production insurance to your budget. This is the link to the LA-produced short which stars Francia Raisa (Secret Life of the American Teenager): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QbrRsOF0YA Best of luck on your shoot! It will be fun and you WILL need naps;)

I've tried to shoot zero-budget, but I find that feeding the crew and building sets when I can't find the right location to cost around $1,500. My crew works best when there's a hot meal that isn't pizza. Sometimes you have to run to Lowe's and get 2x4s and plywood to create spaces you can't find. Take a look at my photos on my profile - there's a "roof" that I had to build after being turned down by everyone I requested to use their roofs. It came out great for a variety of reasons, but it did cost a little money. Anyway, be creative, ask for lots of favors, exchange services for the things you need when appropriate.

yeah, feed your fellow film makers well, it will reap dividends

@David - love that comments. Once again proves that creatives are creative in more ways than one. :). Looking at photos now.

Thanks for all the insight, Deb! We are looking for one location and, thankfully, it's inside a home.

@David - Cool roof :D As for food (and our zero budget), we're doing a potluck type of thing and get one person to be in charge of heating up food, etc.

I've been in the same situation over the years and the key, that I've found, is being honest with the cast and crew up front so that there are no false expectations or misperceptions. A lot of actors, especially if it's early in their career, are willing to work for IMDb credit and a copy of the film. Beyond that, communication and paperwork (contracts) are key. Make sure that every agreement is in black and white to avoid any future potential issues. As Ricki said, above, feeding everyone helps and pot lucks are a good alternative to pizza. Pizza is okay sometime, but not every night. Using one location, which I see that you mentioned, is a good way to save time and money as well. Congratulations and keep up the great work!!! Keep us updated so that we can see the film when it's completed. Completing a project is very important.

@Ken. Thanks for that. We are being very open and honest about the production with everyone involved.

Gilda – you didn’t say what sort of location you are scouting to find. You must know people that live in apartments or houses. Realtors can sometimes get you into listed houses and commercial spaces. You can shoot gorilla style in public spaces (parking garages, parks, rural roads…). My advice is to stay away from the larger cities if you can. Use your imagination.

Hi Doug - looking for a house. Have reached out to people (either the floor plan is wrong or people don't want a film crew in their house LOL). I do have a real estate agent scouting for me in trade for "advertising". Thanks!

I just completed my first short film. I wrote the screenplay and produced it with some volunteer help. I too had a zero budget. My screenplay was a winner in the NCTV Foothill Films contest. Winners made their screenplays into shorts with all-volunteer actors and crew. It was a great experience and a learning experience. I learned that next time I need to be clear from the start how much control I want over every aspect; cinematography, sound, voice-over, and especially editing.

Congratulations Donna. I look forward to being able to view your film. Having completed your first moves you way up the learning curve.