Show Don't Tell: Micro-budget Filmmaking

Many micro-budget feature films are budgeted around $10,000 - $15,000, and are produced over the course of 10 - 12 days. While this type of budget can be a challenge to work with once cast, crew, locations, and other costs are factored in, it can actually go a very long way when approached the right way.In this podcast, Noam breaks down a simple formula for budgeting a 12 day feature film at $1000/day. Using this approach, filmmakers can confidently approach their production process, knowing that all of their core expenses will be covered, including: Cast and crew, location fees, gear, post-produciton and more. The methods outlined here can be easily adapted to feature films with larger or smaller budgets, and are designed to be custom tailored to the unique needs of films of all shapes and sizes.For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

One of the most challenging tasks for micro-budget filmmakers is creating a shooting schedule that serves both the creative needs of a feature length production and the logistical paramters of the project. The goal is often to shoot as many pages per day as possible without sacrificing quality, but that is easier said than done.Over the course of this episode, Noam outlines a 12 day shooting schedule that he highly recommends for filmmakers looking to find that perfect balance between quality and efficiency. The schedule is designed for an average shooting rate of 7 1/2 pages per day, and a total of 5 days off over a 17 day period.While no two productions will ever have the exact same logistical needs, this schedule offers an optimal starting point designed to serve a wide variety of micro-budget films.Learn more at www.noamkroll.com

It goes without saying that actors are the lifeblood of any film, and for this very reason it's crucial that all narrative directors fully understand how to elicit powerful and authentic performances from their talent. No two actors are trained in exactly the same way, and no two use the same tools to bring their characters to life, making communicating a specific vision with talent particularly confusing for many directors.There are however, many universal techniques and approaches that directors can and should apply both on set and off, that will allow them to tap into the full potential of their talent, regardless of their training or background. Over the course of this podcast, Noam explores a number of these key fundamental techniques along with many practical tips for directors looking to better inspire, empower, and uplift their actors, with the ultimate goal of fully bringing their vision to life.For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

No two filmmakers have the same story, or have broken into the industry in the same way. Filmmaker Jens Jacob is certainly no exception. After moving to Los Angeles with no industry contacts or resources whatsoever, he leveraged his unique abilities behind the camera, a strong business acumen, and invaluable soft skills to carve out a spot for himself in this industry.By working hard, staying humble, and strategically building his network while also opening up multiple businesses of his own, Jens was able to move from PA to Producer and beyond in practically no time at all. Over the past few years, he has produced and directed a number of high profile projects including network airing pilots, the online smash hit Anomaly, and most recently a feature film titled The Heart Of Man, which will have it’s theatrical release this fall.In this episode, Jens shares his wisdom, stories, and insight on all things filmmaking - including some poweful advice for filmmakers that aiming to build a lasting and lucrative caree

No two feature films are made the same way, and this sentiment is especially true of micro-budget productions which often come together under very unconventional circumstances. Director Joe McClean's latest feature film - The Drama Club - is certainly no exception to this rule.With a budget of only $67,000, Joe and his team pulled off development, production, post-produciton, and self-distribution in a true DIY fashion, and have an excellent feature film to show for it.Over the course of this in-depth interview, Joe shares some tremendously valuable insight into each stage of his process. He outlines how he was able to raise the budget for his film himself, put together a dedicated cast and crew that were willing to embrace a project on this scale, his techniques for working efficiently on set and in post, and his experience with film festivals and eventual choice to self-distribute.Be sure to check out the trailer and feature film using the links below:The Drama Club Trailer: https://vimeo.com/185824231The D

Countless filmmakers have leveraged the power of Vimeo to showcase their work, refine their craft, and ultimately build an audience for themselves. Some have had so much success on Vimeo that they have even drawn the attention of Hollywood producers who later afforded them the opportunity to direct, write, DP, or otherwise contribue to full blown feature film projects.On this episode, Noam chats with Derick Rhodes, the Director of Creator Programs & Events at Vimeo. As a filmmaker himself and a former producer for Shutterstock, Derick is truly a wealth of knowledge, and over the course of this interview he shares some invaluable insight for filmmakers looking to maximize their presence on Vimeo and truly make a dent with their work. From explaining the power of Vimeo Channels to detailing how Vimeo Staff Picks are made, Derick dives deep into the inner workings of Vimeo, and shares insight that virtually any filmmaker can can learn something from. He also elaborates on Vimeo's education tools - such as Vi

While some filmmakers absolutely love the writing process and consider themselves true writer-directors, many others prefer to focus strictly on directing, and as such are often searching for high quality written material to work with. In this episode, Noam explores 3 fundamental strategies that can greatly benefit those filmmakers who are eager to get on set as soon as possible, but struggle to find the right material to get them there.For more content like this visit: www.noamkroll.com

Filmmakers at all levels - amateur and professional - often struggle with the same question: What type of project would best help my artistic career, a short or a feature film? While there is no right or wrong answer, there are some clear pros and cons to both that should always be taken into account before venturing off into production. in this episode Noam weighs in with some of his thoughs on each, and outlines how to make the most out of both.For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

Using scene coverage in unique or unexpected ways is one of the most effective ways for you to leave your mark on a film. Filmmakers are often taught to simply cover their scenes with just a master and closeups, which often leads to less interesting storytelling and less dynamic scenes, even though better choices are readily available.In this episode, Noam shares his insight on how to approach the art of coverage to give yourself more creative and practical options on set and in post-production.For more content like this visit: www.noamkroll.com

With hundreds of 4K capable DSLR and Mirrorless cameras on the market today, choosing the right one can be a very tough decision. In this epsiode, Noam outlines his tought process for purchasing the right camera for your unique needs as a filmmaker, the most critical features you should be looking for in a camera, and explains why DSLRs/Mirrorless cameras are as relevant as ever for filmmakers on a budget.For more content like this, be sure to visit www.noamkroll.com

In this episode, Noam interviews Jamie Benyon and Lucy Jordan, who recently completed production on a micro-budget feature film titled Time of The Season. With exprience on big-budget productions such as Wonder Woman, Doctor Strange, Fantastic Beasts, Free Fire and Rogue One, the filmmaking duo has developed a unique take on their approach to micro-budget films.For more content like this, be sure to visit www.noamkroll.com.You can see some of Jamie and Lucy's work on Time of The Season below:https://twitter.com/TotSFilmhttps://www.facebook.com/TimeofTheSeasonFilmhttps://www.instagram.com/totsfilm/

Filmmakers are notorious for starting projects that they don't finish, and more often than not this issue stems from a lack of proper motivation and commitment. In this episode, Noam explores the fundamental reasons why motivation and commitment are the keys to success for filmmakers, and shares some actionable tips that will help you stay on track throughout the course of your filmmaking process.www.noamkroll.com

Noam explores the different paths that filmmakers take to become feature film Directors, and shares actionable methodology that is universally helpful for aspiring Directors who are looking to reach their full potential.For more content like this, be sure to follow Noam's blog at: http://www.noamkroll.com

On this episode, Noam shares insight and tips on crafting the perfect story and script for a micro-budget screenplay. Using examples from his recent feature film, he outlines the do's and dont's of writing a script with the intention of producing it on a micro-budget level.For more content like this, be sure to visit http://www.noamkroll.com