Film Strategy

Check out Filmmaker James Cawley 's review of some Zacuto Gear (including the Cinema Recoil Rig, Gratical HD and more).

Filmmakers, no, you will not go to jail for bankruptcy. Fraud on the other hand... It is difficult to plan ahead and come up with the perfect budget for a film but the allure of making a film can not be denied. And so, the filmmaker plods ahead come what may to make that film. But for low-budget indie filmmakers all it takes is one misbudgeted item to derail the whole project. So when you gotta make that film even if you lack enough funds then you must be efficient and flexible to make it to the finish line. Here are 3 tips to get there: ATTRACT TALENT WITH PARTNERSHIPS Find the best Writer, Protagonist Actor/Actress, DP, Sound Mixer, Line Producer / Production Manager, Lawyer and Editor you can afford. Develop a professional relationship and friendly rapport with them. Think long term. If you can't afford their fees, put together a compensation package that is more than just credit and deferred compensation. Even low pay is better than nothing. Some other forms of comp

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Haffe Acosta , who works on films as a DP and an AC from low-budget indies to mainstream big budget projects, about the things a director and DP should do to make for a great working relationship and a great picture.  He suggested 3 things a director can do for the DP and vice-versa. "The relationship between the DP and the Director is like a marriage; there must be ultimate trust in this partnership." ~~Haffe Acosta. 3 THINGS THE DIRECTOR SHOULD DO TO MAKE THE DP's LIFE EASIER HAVE A LOOK BOOK OR SKETCH JOURNAL FILLED WITH NOTES, ARTWORK, PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO CLIPS . A picture is worth a thousand words is never more true than when a director is trying to explain to the DP what shot they want.  The DP's life is made much easier when the director can point to pictures and other movies for what look they are going for.  BE REALISTIC (BUDGETWISE AND TIMEWISE) .  A good DP loves a challenge but some direc