BUDGET ON A SHOE STRING, AND STILL MAKE GREAT FILMS!

16 July 2021

You have a really, really good script on hand, and the Executive Producer really likes your script! Yes! You have just secured your first deal.

Then comes the bombshell… sorry, my friend. We are way under budget here. Previously, we have agreed on this budget, and now we need to halve it.

Well, don’t be pessimistic. You can still make great films with a reduced budget!

THE FILMING SET: A BEAUTIFUL SYMMETRY OF CHAOS AND POETRY!

The Producer is worried whether he needs to do a retake.

The Director is enquiring the Script Supervisor: What was timing of the rehearsal?

The 1st Assistant Director checks with the 2nd Assistant Camera woman if everything is in order.

The 2nd 2nd Assistant Director is checking to see if the lunch break is within schedule.

The Best Boy is waiting for instructions to dim the lights.

And the list goes on.

THE FILM SET: CHAOS AND POETRY IN DUAL ACTION

The filming set is a chaotic place, not unlike a super market. However, once the Director calls “Action!”, all chatter stops. That is where filming actually begin.

Welcome to the cinematic world.

One way of expressing filming, in my view, is one of chaos and poetry, all operating together in one seamless action.

From the nascent script written by the scriptwriter, to the action on set, a film involves the sweat and tears of many different professionals and individuals, all united by one goal: To ensure that the film is completed and aired on screen.

It may be overwhelming at first, but if you have the passion for filming, the hustle and bustle of the film industry can be intoxicating!