Starting production design with a low budget in mind can be intimidating and frustrating. Even though you have a bunch of great ideas, some might not make the cut due to budget limits. This is why it’s important to plan ahead as soon as possible. So to help you manage production design on a low budget, here are a few simple tips.
Be realistic about budgeting:You need to understand the realistic aspects of your budget. Production budgets often have limitations that can be easy to try to ignore. But you should realize that once filming starts, you may end up with even less money than you planned. So be realistic about your budget from day one.
Hire the right people:If you have a tight production budget, then you’re probably going to have a small crew. This is why hiring the right people is essential. Having a small crew won’t be a problem if you have qualified, talented people on board. So make sure you’re hiring people you can work with well.
Choose locations carefully:Locations can make or break a film, but you don’t want to blow your budget on one set. This is why it’s important to look for locations that you can film in for free or for cheap. You should also choose local locations and look for sets that won’t be super recognizable by viewers.
DIY what you can:DIY projects can save a ton of money, especially when it comes to sets, props, and wardrobe. However, it’s also important to think about what you’re making yourself. For example, fake money should never be made. Back in 1865, one-third of U.S. money was fake and the Secret Service was established to catch counterfeiters. So if you’re DIY-ing props like money, it’s important to use legit prop money that was solely designed for film.
Buy the right props:Movie props are a must-have for any film. Whether it’s personalized prop money, realistic-looking weapons, or futuristic devices, props can help elevate any scene. This is why it’s important to choose the right movie props. If you can’t DIY everything, buying props from a reputable prop house can make a big difference in the quality of your film.
Hopefully, this article will help you manage production design on a low budget. The budget isn’t everything — with the right mindset and creativity, you can make your ideas reality.