Easy Film Production Cost Saving Tips p.6

Donations

On independent films, donations are key to making a great movie. The reason I say "a great movie" is that if you don't have to spend your money on certain film budget accounts, then you can spend it in other places. The two key donations that every indie film should pursue is film stock and a camera package. These two products can cost a film around $200,000.

Both Kodak and Fuji have programs where they award filmmakers with filmstock. A key way to win this filmstock is to understand how they evaluate projects. Both companies try to hook cinematographers to their brand of filmstock to create lifelong customers. These two companies try hardest to create relationships with DPs more than producers and directors because it is the job of the cinematographers to create the visual look (ex: black & white vs color, colorful, dark, monochromatic, etc.). The look of the film is heavily influenced by the choice of filmstock. The director looks to the DP for advice on which filmstock to choose.

The other key donation is the camera package. There are two ways to get a camera package for free. First, some camera companies, like Panavision, also participate in programs where they award films with a free camera package. These camera companies also try awarding it to promising DPs for the same reason as the film companies. The second way to get a camera package is to hire a DP who owns his/her own equipment. You will have to negotiate the camera package in conjunction with their salary. Keep in mind that you should choose DPs based on their skill level most of all.

Check www.QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget.