This isn’t about everyday life. How do you make a movie without $100 million dollars? Or $5 million? What about $650,000? First part is writing a script that fits the budget. There are plenty of ways to start the script and contain your script’s world and storyline. Of course, it’s easier to start writing and letting the mind wander all over the galaxy, Earth, or some interdimensional travel. No one said that wouldn’t be fun to do. Go ahead and write away. We’ve been given imaginations for just that reason and what a great way to escape.
But, do you want to make a movie? That’s something else and if that’s your goal, it’s something very different than escapism. The process of starting a script determines whether you’ll make it, see it get made, or let it resides on your hard drive until it dies. Let’s discuss how to start that process productively, or at least, what I did.
When I started writing Severed Road, it started from a single thought of repulsivity…French cuisine. The meal process that made me want to throw up my lunch was the impetus of the concept for my film. It transferred quickly from animal to human and I was off to the races. I knew a successful screenwriter and asked how to write a script. If you’ve ever asked someone that is really good at what they do, you know that look they give you. Part why are you asking me and part you think what I do is easy? Thankfully, she was gracious and started with the first step. Write a synopsis.
Is that really the first step? No, but she knew I wasn’t thinking about a big budget picture. She knew it was going to be a slasher film from the getgo.
I spent some time thinking about what can be done inexpensively by containing certain aspects of the film, e.g. locations. Damn. Depending on your geography, locations can more expensive than the price of your gear. Start with researching what locations you want and then find out the rates. It’s the first step to realize how fast a budget can build to the this film will never get made stage. I used a trick to contain my story.
Start with a Post-it™ Note and write all of your locations you need for your script. Put that note on your computer or laptop screen, and write. Keeping those locations in mind so you don’t wander too far off.
Stay away from night exteriors. They are the most expensive, but that’s for another post.