Easy Post-Production Cost Saving Tips p.2

My second tip for saving your film budget during post production is to focus on spending money that will end up on screen. An important part of post-production is screenings. I wrote "screenings" not "screening" because you will need more than one so you can get as much feedback as possible. Be careful who you show the unfinished film to and that they realize it is a work in progress. Distributors will ask, request, even demand to see your film immediately. Don't be intimidated. They just want to see the film first and will also want see it when you are ready. You usually only get one chance to show a film to a distributor. Make sure it is completely and entirely finished to the best of your abilities.

Back to screenings... the most important aspect of a screening is the audience reaction to the story. Theaters and screening rooms will try to charge you an arm and a leg for the highest quality in digital or sound. In reality, you will show your movie before it is color corrected and sound mixed. As long as you inform the audience, they will understand. Also, look for a screening room with the correct number of seats. Screening rooms usually are either 50 or 200 seats. If you only have 60 people, don't book the 200 seat screening room. The empty seats will have a bad effect on the audience. In that case only invite 40 people and save the other 20 for another screening.

For a guideline on how much to budget in screenings for your movie budget check www.quickfilmbudget.com