I figured I’d make a post about making a film with the resources you have, instead of waiting forever for “funding” to magically appear. This isn’t a jab at proper budgets—they’re great when they happen—but let’s be honest: for many, that may not be anytime soon.
Get your script in shape.
Write it, polish it, and make it the best it can be. Then take a hard look at it and see where you can scale things down. If you have a scene set on a cruise ship, could those moments take place in interior rooms you could shoot in a hotel? Establishing shots can be handled with VFX or creative solutions. Be honest about what’s essential to the story versus what’s expensive fluff.
Build a simple schedule.
It doesn’t need to be overly complicated—just a rough idea. How many days do you need to accomplish X number of scenes? Group scenes by location and avoid unnecessary wardrobe changes to save time and stress.
Break down your props and special items.
What do you actually need? Anything expensive? If your script calls for a bear suit, who has one? Can it be swapped for something cheaper? If not, ask yourself how badly you want to make this film—because solutions often come down to creativity and commitment.
Casting.
Do a proper casting call. Pay your actors and feed them well. That respect goes a long way. I also like to pick a couple days during the shoot to take the cast and crew out for a meal. Our go-to is Cracker Barrel… but we’re Midwesterners, so there’s that. LOL.
Lodging.
I’ve built relationships with local VRBO owners, which keeps costs down, but even hotels will sometimes give 10–20% off if you explain what you're doing. People like to feel appreciated and included—don’t be afraid to ask.
Crew.
This is where it can get expensive fast. Be realistic about what you can handle yourself. Can you direct and DP? Great. If not, plenty of people are eager to work for lower rates—students, newer filmmakers, or pros between gigs. Just vet their work. Do what you need to do to get your project moving.
Gear.
Don’t stress about having the latest and greatest equipment. Someone who knows their craft can make almost anything look good. Focus on skill and story over gear.
And finally—and most importantly—don’t let negativity drag you down. Someone else’s bitterness or unsolicited lecture doesn’t determine your path. If you want to make a film, make it. Life is too short to wait for permission. Go for it.
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This is a must-read, Stephen Folker! I remember talking with a filmmaker way back about making my short script. He asked me something like "are you sure the script is ready (the quality of it and figuring out things then to save money during filming)?" I thought it was ready. Things didn't work out, and the film never got made. I looked at the script later and realized it was an okay, action-packed script. It could've been a lot better with more rewrites, and I could've cut things to save money. And it would've helped if I got pro feedback on the script.
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Great post @Stephen Lack of budget for a film often instills a fear of failure, prediction of inferiority in its execution or even a refusal to attempt in the first place. Obviously, the more staging & coverage, the more cinematic choice finally but simple budgets also work. A well written scene can never be killed by using simply a wide shot, 2 medium & a close up, if that’s all the tech allows. A roaming i phone, (not the main cameras actors aware of,) can pick up footage to work with in final cut. EG Cut aways, POV’s, unexpected new story strand etc. The mindset is, what do we have? Not, what do we lack? With a flexible approach, even on set mistakes, can be re engineered to become something else entirely in edit.
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Nice post and encouragement to the community, aspirants. Best wishes
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Stephen Folker This is what we are all about at Diamond Shadow Productions, and all those in the Independent Producers Guild. We need you in the Guild.
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Stephen Folker Thank you for the tips! :) I’m 15 years old, I would like to making a short film, and I have an iPhone (though it’s quite old haha), two friends from filmmaking lessons, who are interested in acting, and a classmate who used to complete a vocational program for kitchen assistant (she could be the catering cook), and my filmmaking teacher has a play group with actors.
So I just need to come up with an idea xd
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Maurice Vaughan We've all been there with what if's, but it's better to focus on the present. Sometimes things aren't meant to be.
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Debbie Croysdale 100%.
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Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg - thanks! Would love to learn more about IPG.
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Imola Orbán I remember making short films with my brother and neighborhood kids using my dad's 8mm video camera. We never worried about quality of picture, just the story and having fun. I'd do anything to go back to that time frame. Have fun with what you have! Make the stories up. Just make art!
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I made a full feature this way-SETESH 2025 now on youtube. Good advice.
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Stephen,
Thank you for posting. After years of frustration waiting for other people to produce my screenplays I'm seriously thinking of producing one myself next summer. Although I'd love to produce (and direct) my Austin Screenplay Competition Finalist, TREEHOUSE, another screenplay I've written fits all of your above criteria to a tee. Like the play it was adapted from nearly all the scenes in UNDER A FULL MOON IN NOVEMBER take place in the courtyard just outside my condo. With the exception of two outdoor scenes in New York City (I know, that might be costly) the rest take place in various places and buildings within our condo community. And since nearly all the characters in the script are seniors, I'm blessed with a group of exceptionally talented actors from our condo association's Theater Guild; some with Hollywood and Broadway credits. My biggest concern is DP, Crew and Gear, but I've already reached out to several of my old screenwriting/filmmaker buddies to see if they'd like to handle that. Of course, if there are any filmmakers in the Western Connecticut area who would like to collaborate on the project, please contact me directly. Again, thank you for posting, Stephen!
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Stephen Folker Well there's https://independentproducersguild.org and our 501(c)(3) stagescreen.org - I am available to talk direct if you want. We're connected so just DM me here and we can go from there.
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This is the ultimate "stop waiting, start doing" guide! Your practical steps, like scaling the script and focusing on respect over budget, are great tips! Thank you for the push to make things happen with what we have.