Discover new script ideas that thrive in low-budget productions, practical advice for writers aiming to build experience, and strategies for filming your screenplay
Writing a film script for the first time may seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re working with minimal resources. You may want to write and direct your own films, but you’re worried about crafting an engaging story with limited people, props, and equipment.
Well, stifle your fears and look no further. In this guide, you’ll discover practical tips to help you write compelling scripts for your budget-friendly film.
But first, what does it mean to write an affordable screenplay?
Low-Budget Script
A low-budget script is written to be produced with a minimal budget. It’s typically self-financed and features few locations, a small cast and crew, minimal set design and props, and is rich in dialogue for character development.
If you are looking to gain a deeper understanding of how to structure your script, here’s a link to a helpful article that breaks down the screenplay format with clear examples: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-write-a-screenplay/
Now, let’s explore some script ideas that work well for low-cost filmmaking. These ideas require minimal locations, small casts, and simple props, making them perfect for indie filmmakers working with limited resources.
3 Best Low-Budget Ideas for Indie Filmmakers
1. Write a One-room script
One of the most effective ways to write a low-cost film is by limiting your setting to just one room. Putting your characters in a confined space can heighten tension between characters and emphasize conflict. The iconic film 12 Angry Men (1957) shows how powerful a story can be when the characters are confined to one room.
Some locations for one-room stories are a car, a kitchen, a bedroom, and an office room. Using props to design the room or introducing props as characters enter and exit the room gives the setting personality and helps build a strong foundation for your story.
This is an excellent practice for impactful dialogue as the confined space forces a deeper exploration of character development and motivation.
*It may even be helpful to sit and write in the room so you can visualize or even create the scene around you in real life.
2. 5-Minute Short film scripts
Short films are perfect for honing your storytelling skills. With a 5-minute short film script, you learn how to craft a powerful narrative without the need for extensive resources. You don’t need high-quality cameras or A-list actors to create your movie. You simply need to focus on creating an interesting story.
Of course, you’re not restricted to just five minutes.You can experiment with writing movie scripts that are different time lengths. Try writing 10-minute scripts, 2-minute scripts, and even 1-minute scripts. These short screenplays give you the opportunity to tell a complete story in a concise manner, creating a powerful piece to showcase.
General rule of thumb for live action scripts is one minute runtime = one page; for animation it’s one minute runtime = one and a half pages
3. Writing in First Person
Focus on creating a narrative from a first person perspective. It provides a unique challenge for you while giving you the freedom to create an immersive experience. As you write, think of how the character views the world and use eye-level shots to establish a strong connection to the character.
Tips to Unlock Your Full Potential
These tips and suggestions are tailored to film screenplays, but they can also be applied to several other types of scripts such as TV scripts, News scripts, Animation, and Video Games.
Once your script is ready, it’s time to think about the production process. Filming a low-budget film requires careful planning, especially when resources are limited. Here are some strategies to make the most of your available resources:
– Use Simple Equipment
You don’t need expensive equipment to shoot a high-quality movie. You don’t even need a camera. It’s possible to record your film on your smartphone. Changing your camera settings or downloading the Blackmagic Camera app gives your phone digital camera functions to enhance your recordings.
Other equipment such as tripods, microphones, and light reflectors can go a long way in your journey. You also should take advantage of the sun as much as possible. Using the light reflectors around your subject to create the best exposure and mood for your scenes will help save costs on external lighting equipment.
For more information on specific equipment for your budget, here’s a link with recommendations for affordable filmmaking equipment: https://www.learnaboutfilm.com/making-a-film/equipment-for-low-budget-filmmaking/
– Framing Your Subject
As you’re writing, you always want to think about where the camera will be. You want to visualize what’s in frame, where your subject lands in the frame, and how your camera and subject will move.
– Stabilization
For low-budget filmmaking, there’s a likely chance that you are limited to the amount of people that can help you. Therefore, writing scenes with stable shots becomes ideal.
A static camera can create a sense of tension or intimacy. It allows your audience to focus on the characters and their development through impactful dialogue. Using a tripod or a hard, stable surface allows for freehand recording so you can record yourself with ease.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Writing Low-Budget Scripts
- Don’t use camera directions and transitions like MEDIUM SHOT, CUT TO, JUMP CUT TO, etc. The only exception is if you’re also the director.
- Don’t write paragraphs of scene description. Limit to 1-3 sentences.
- Overuse of detail. Don’t use overly descriptive language to write a scene. Simple and straight to the point while maintaining the idea ‘show, don’t tell.’ (with the exception of animation scripts).
- Avoid cliches and stereotypes
Here’s a more extensive list of things to avoid when writing your screenplay: https://screencraft.org/blog/75-things-to-avoid-with-your-screenplays/
Here’s a Little Extra
The following quote from Script Magazine article refers to writing a script to sell, but it still applies to writing and directing a low-cost film:
“The additional thing to do if you are making your own film is to take an inventory of everything that you have access to—and write a screenplay that takes advantage of those things…When writing a screenplay to sell, think of what’s *easy* for the producer to get.”
https://scriptmag.com/filmmaking/low-budget-screenwriting-part-1#:~:text=And%20you%20can%20find%20those,of%20locations%20again%20and%20again.
To reiterate, think of ways to make the most of what’s available to you. For example, a meaningless crumpled paper on a desk can be the answer your character was looking for the whole time. Simple, everyday items can evolve into impactful symbols in your character’s story.
Maximizing your resources doesn’t just mean keeping your budget low. It means using the resources you have in the most effective way possible.
Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes progress. The more you write these scripts, the better you’ll get. The right script can turn limited resources into a compelling story, so keep on writing!
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