Planning the Low-Budget Film

Novice and aspiring filmmakers seeking to learn how to develop a feature film will find a step-by-step blueprint in this guide. Drawing upon the more than 30-years experience of an industry professional, the book examines how to identify and break down shooting sequences in scripts, scout locations, create a production board and shooting schedule, deal with unions, budget a film, and rebound when it all goes wrong. Along the way, readers learn how to economize to get the most value from limited funds and what to look for in a prospective crew. To facilitate an understanding of the concepts, a real-life example of a complete budget and production board for an independent low-budget feature film, The Anarchist Cookbook, is provided.  The guide’s concise list of contacts—film commissions in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and England; payroll companies; and vendors of supplies—along with a directory of unions and guides will simplify sourcing. Other supplementary aids include a complete glossary of industry terms, a list of all safety bulletins issued by the Industry Wide Labor/Management Safety committee, and a comprehensive index.
 

Robert Latham Brown teaches production planning at the University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television. His credits include producer, line producer, production manager, and second-unit director on films such as The Anarchist Cookbook; Child's Play; Child's Play 2: Chucky's Back; Child's Play 3: Look Who's Stalking; Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom; Local Color; Robin Hood: Men in Tights; S.W.A.T.; and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. He lives in Los Angeles.