Getting The Most Out Of A Small Budget

By Author: Josh O'Neill
Total Articles: 2
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Whether it’s a corporate video, music video, documentary or a film production, shooting with a low budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. A great idea and a creative approach to production can go a very long way on a small budget. You may have endless money, but it means nothing without a good idea and a strong vision. For example, a good camera means nothing when the DOP doesn't understand composition, lighting and movement. You’re better off shooting on a DSLR with a good DOP than on a RED Epic with an average one.

A good idea is a vital starting point, but it won’t carry your production across the line. You need to think about how you can maximise your production value when it comes to producing your idea.
The writing, locations, production design, performances, cinematography & editing are some of the key factors you need to get right for your good idea to work. While money certainly makes things easier, having a low budget is no excuse to skimp on any of these. You may not be able to hire Russel Crowe, build a spaceship set and shoot it all with a 50 foot crane, but you can certainly ...
... do something subtler that can be just as interesting.

Perhaps the best example can be seen with the writing. It’s amazing how many big productions have been hindered by bad writing. After all, this is the part that costs nothing other than whatever a writer may charge for their time. Perfect your script, have it critiqued by others, re write as much as possible, get it right because the rest of your production will depend on this. At the time of writing, there is no difference between your production and a multi-million dollar Hollywood production.

It’s important to think about you production design. How is everything going to come together and appear on the camera? The key to making a good low budget production is to get creative with your production design. Find an overall feel and style and stick to it. Rather than shooting in your backyard or on the corner of the nearest street, use interesting locations that will look good on camera. Google interesting & extreme places to shoot. A good location doesn't necessarily cost you anymore than a bad one. Shop around op shops for cheap costumes and outfits. If you’re shooting a music video then don't let the talent just wear their favourite band t-shirt! Think about the shapes, colours and style of your costumes and locations and how they compliment the mood you are going for.

Be creative with your camera work. Shoot everything as many times as you can from as many angles as you can. Think about your lighting and allow enough time to tweak it for every shot. If you’re shooting a music video make sure your camera work and editing compliments the feel of the music, find a style and stick to it! When editing, try and cut to the beat & only use cross dissolves sparingly. An easy way to spot an amateur production is through it’s relentless use of cross dissolves.

If you perfect all of these elements you can make your one hundred dollar production look like a million dollar production. Remember that everything you do should somehow compliment what the camera is hearing and seeing.

Josh O'Neill is the owner of Visual Contact. Visual Contact is a Melbourne Video Production business specializing in corporate videos, promotional videos and web videos.