Is it possible to shoot a film on digital for $40,000 for a general release?

Answer 1

Yes, check out Rick Schmidt's "Feature Filmmaking at Used Car Prices" - he gives great advice. It's one of my favorite books.

Answer 2

Short film - yes
Music Video - yes
Documentary - maybe
Feature length film - no

Short films shot on digital with a good crew cost about 10 grand if everyone works for free and 30-40 grand if you pay your crew. Same goes for a music video. Music videos are only about 1-4 days of principle photography and short films are anywhere from 2 to 10 days, depending on length of script. but remember, you have to get permits and accommodate crew, which includes finding free parking and food, and under food, there is crafty, which is essentially snacks, soda, coffee, water available anytime and hot meals every 6 hours. Shooting days are typically 12 hours, but will go longer is pre-production is weak. And good luck trying to get a steady crew if you're not paying them.

This is why you can't make a feature with that money. The smallest number if shooting days for a feature around 20 days, and that's pushing it. Trying to get all those people to take a month off with no pay won't cut it because you won't find the qualified people who know their way around a set to help you make a decent movie.

If all you have is 40 grand and a feature script, rewrite the script. A good script will get you good money. A bad script will get you nothing. Or turn it into a short, then that way, you can really see if certain scenes work or not, plus you have something to show to potential investors to turn your short into a feature. For every short you actually get to shoot, you should have 3 other shorts already written in case someone likes it. The same goes for feature. Don't have just one script, have 3 or 5.

Yeah, Kevin Smith maxed out his credit cards and made Clerks and won Sundance and all that, but that was a combination of good luck and good timing. Yes, he is very smart and talented, but that doesn't cut it. If being smart and talented equated to success in the film industry, than Michael Bay, Uwe Boll, and all those other hacks who make crappy super-expensive movies would not be working, period.

My point is this. You can't make a good feature for 40 grand unless you have an AMAZING story. And even then, if your story is really really good, I'd rewrite the script at least 3 or 4 times to get more money. The more money you have, the better the production will be and ultimatly, the better your final film will be. The only guaranteed way to make yourself a success in the film industry is to have an amazing story. Everything else is about good luck, good timing, and good connections.

Answer 3

It's definitely possible, but likely difficult because these days the general release film clocks out at about $60 million when everything is said and done.

Answer 4

it's possible...but hopefully a lot of your friends are film distributors because it makes it more difficult to convince your film deserves to be seen in multiple theaters.

Answer 5

the blair witch project cost just over 20000

Answer 6

Yes it is: El Mariachi.

Answer 7

I doubt it.

Answer 8

Yup, been done.