Filmmaking / Directing : Good Places to Get Crew for No-Budget Short? by Lauran Childs

Lauran Childs

Good Places to Get Crew for No-Budget Short?

Hi, it's been suggested to me that making a short film would be useful in order to get funding for my feature film scripts. I have a short script ready, can you suggest any particularly good places to get crew who would be willing to work without a budget?

Also suggestions of vendors who might provide things like food for some publicity would be welcome.

I'm approaching film schools, asking around etc.

Thanks!

Brian DeLaney

Where are you located? There could be a meetup group in your area.

Jo Henriquez

Definitely film schools -- and back in the day Chipotle used to sponsor free lunches on film crew -- not sure if they still do, but worth asking them!

Lauran Childs

Hey Jo, thanks for the Chipotle idea! As soon as I find my main actor - a black transsexual, 40s - 50s - I'm going to do a one sheet and start asking for resources.

Hi Brian - last time I looked there wasn't a meetup. I'm in Miami.

James Drago

There's a job board here. Why not engage Stage 32 members? That's what we're here for. But I would specify that these are non-paying roles.

Dan MaxXx

This is pathetic. You cant pay Crew and you can't afford or feed free labor?

Stop production. Get a part time job, save $$$, start again when you're financially responsible for Cast & Crew.

Lauran Childs

Wow, that's savage Dan. Also that's not the point - how many movies are totally paid for out of the director's pocket? That's not usually how it goes.

Good suggestion James! Will do. Actually some talented people are already coming forward to help.

Kyle Climans

Dan is being extreme. Lauran, for people trying to build up their resume, they might agree to working for credit only. That's how I got my first IMDb credit as a writer.

Dan MaxXx

that's how short movies get made, out of pocket. That's the least you can do, feed your Cast & Crew. I doubt you are paying for gas, transportation to and from locations. People are making your dreams come true; have $$$ for food & drinks. You are responsible for the welfare of everybody involved.

Vitaly Kozlov

Dan is right. Pay for food at least. And feed everyone well on set!!! You are already trying to make a film on somebody's dime. You are the only one as a director who would benefit and maybe advance in that senario. Your crew is not gonna get much out of this gig except maybe another short that nobody in the industry would care anyway. Feature producers do not take risks and hire crews with shorts credits. No money - do not produce, sit and write and submit and let other parties to do it right.

James Drago

Always pay for food. Always. Even bad pizza is at least a gesture.

Ammad Malik

Dan didn't came out right to you Lauran, it wasn't a polite way in the first but Vitaly sounded more respectfully​. They do have a point there, I think. But I am a newbie too and I am struggling with my short too, so I understand why you are looking for Free crew. You should have said it a bit differently, like you are looking for a team, or perhaps making deals that you will pay the crew later when your short makes you money (if you're after making money with it) I can offer you with making a poster if you want, and free virtual marketing. :)

Vitaly Kozlov

Ammad, shorts never make money. Ever. Can you make me free posters/teasers for my projects in the development?

Ammad Malik

Oh, but if you upload your shorts on YouTube, will they make money from there? .... Yeah sure, what is your projects about, Vitaly?

Vitaly Kozlov

Shorts do not make money. Period. You can upload them to the Moon and get the same results. I will PM you about projects.

Paul Rothbart

I've had great success using film school students. They generally work hard, they're enthusiastic and they want to make a good film as badly as you do.

Ammad Malik

Okay Vitaly, if you say so. PM me about your projects when you can, thanks!

Dan MaxXx

Vitaly, now you owe me a favor; I just hooked you up with free posters :)

Will cash in when the Timing is right .

D Marcus

Paul, what film school do you recruit from?

Maroun Rached
Vitaly Kozlov

Dan MaxXx, as you know free always comes and goes. It's always symbolic. If you need a favor shoot me a message. It's free.

Ammad Malik

Vitaly, Dan hooked you with free posters? I mean it's cool by me if you have someone else to work for you, might do better job than me.

Vitaly Kozlov

Ahmad, no Dan meant it's you who will do it. Let's see what you can come up with.

Ammad Malik

How did he hooked me with you? I didn't see any introduction from him.. Lol

And my name isn't Ahmad, it's Ammad.

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