No-Budget Filmmaking

We made it to double digits! Thanks for all the listens! Alex and Trevor examine the growing trend of shooting your next project on a mobile phone. With iPhones and Androids getting better and better cameras, is the phone in your pocket a viable option to shoot your next project? If it worked for Soderbergh, it must be ok for you, right? The duo talks about the pros and cons of using your phone as your next cinema camera.

How focused should you be on one aspect of filmmaking? Should you zero in all your attention solely on directing? On editing? On camera work? The guys talk about the pros and cons of knowing how to do every job on set, even if it is just basic, working knowledge. Plus, they reveal the big surprise that they both survived Alex's bachelor party trip to Vegas.

LEDs, Tungsten, Fluorescent, HMI - enough technical lighting mumbo jumbo to make your head spin, but what is the lighting route you should go for your next project? Alex and Trevor tackle the best, most cost-effective ways to get the best lighting for any shoot. They point out the biggest lighting mistakes they see in films that just appear "off" and tell you what you can do to avoid making them. Talking about lighting may not be sexy, but it sure is important.

Sundance, TIFF, Tribeca! You HAVE to get into these film festivals....or not. Alex and Trevor talk about the pros and cons of film festivals for the no-budget filmmaker. Is it worth the cost to submit? What should you do and what can you expect if you get in? Film festivals may not be the best route for every film, but if you think yours is destined for a screening, they help you prepare to get the most out of it.

Rent or Buy? What is the best route to go for the no-budget filmmaker? Alex and Trevor could talk equipment for hours and give you tips on how to go about acquiring your own. Where do you go, what options are the best, and if you do buy, what should be the main purpose? Plus, they talk about the new ways to rent equipment, including services like Sharegrid and KitSplit.

48 Hour Film Festival, 100 Hour Film Festival, access to equipment for a short time period, there are many reasons people try to shoot an entire short in a weekend. But without the proper planning and execution, what seems like a fun challenge can quickly turn into a sleep deprived nightmare. Alex and Trevor discuss their own experiences with short shoots and help you decide if it is something you should do.

People think there is nothing sexy about location scouting, but it is a vital step in ensuring your no budget project is completed on time and on budget. Alex and Trevor tackle what to look for during a location scout, who to bring, and what to accomplish.

Third times a charm! Everyone has had writers block - sitting, staring at a blank screen, trying to come up with the next great story. So where can a filmmaker find an idea for their next script? Alex and Trevor talk about where they find inspiration and point you in the right direction for your next project.

We made it to a second episode! Everyone makes mistakes during the filmmaking process, but they are even more prevalent when you have no budget. Alex and Trevor discuss the most common mistakes they see no-budget filmmakers make and talk about the biggest mistakes they made on their own projects.

Welcome to the debut episode of No-Budget Filmmaking with your hosts, Alex Darke and Trevor L. Nelson! In this episode, Alex and Trevor answer the age-old question, do you shot list or do you not shot list? Spoiler alert, it depends on the situation! They ponder if shot lists actually restrict a filmmaker and discuss how strictly we follow their own detailed, highly professional shot lists. They also talk about what they think is new and cool in the world of filmmaking.