I'm working with a production company, and we're trying to explore ways of reducing production costs to be able to produce more films at once. Specifically, we're looking at approximately 6-7 feature length films in production at any one time, with a budget of possibly $300k each. I'm looking for suggestions and advice from others on methods you've used to trim down film budgets, and what would allow us to get more films in the production pipeline at once. It might be the best way of location scouting, what's the most efficient team of people, or what software and techniques might be used in post that could bring down costs for us. Keep in mind we do smaller indie films that focus on character and story instead of action and effect. I'm really just shopping around for any opinions, so anything you might care to share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Shoot using DV. Have interns work on your film (check with local colleges). Use locations belonging to friends and family. I worked on a film that was shot in the director's workplace and another that was shot in someone's home. Make sure you feed people - but costs can be cut there by cooking it yourself instead of ordering out. Use costumes that the actors have - ask them to bring clothing that they have at home that might fit their characters' personalities. Edit and do the other post-production yourself instead of paying someone to do it. Plan a lot during pre-production. It will save you time and money because you won't have to re-shoot or call people back, since you'll do it right the first time.

I was once told by my professor, that the first thing a producer and director should do is to write down a list of things they can get for free or extremely low cost. By establishing this you can work from that point on.
in terms of post, ashley is right, if you have the knowledge, do the editing yourself. it does put more work for you, but you will be saving costs. Otherwise you can probably request for editors on sites like craigslist or mandy
I, myself am an editor in the S. california area and also an ACP in FCP lvl 2. there are people like me out there who are either working for freelance or for resume' building.

Work within the limitations of your budget from a script level first.

Example: Elaborate sets, period pieces and large scale night shoots are all expensive to stage.

Do things properly the first time. Time after time on set producers have cut corners, not consulted the HODs(this especially includes the Gaffer and Key Grip) and have ended up with more problems, costing more money than if they had done it properly first.

Example:
I was on a tv series a while ago with a couple of 120kva Mooncubes rigged off 100t Cranes to provide a soft ambience for a series of night scenes. During rigging the producers refused to spend $1200 at the request of the electrics and rigging departments to purchase and build a canopy over the top of the mooncubes. As you could guess, it rained on set one night, causing the lamps in the mooncube to short, causing the dimmer room and generators to trip. A 45min reset, 200plus extras and the full crew waiting, and $30,000 in lost wages later... you get the picture.

Be smart about where you cut corners. DO NOT totally cheap out on things like food, b/c it will kill your crew's morale and that's an unquantifiable commodity that you can't really get back once its lost.

Shoot HD for sure, i don't think you can shoot film on that small of a budget. The RED is a good low cost (relatively) camera that can produce high end results. Or even a cheaper camera so long as you are using 35mm lenses. Bring in people w/ their own equipment (ie a DP w/ their own camera), sound team with their own gear, and that will save you some money. If the DP is good they can make it look good without a lot of G and E equipment. If your key crew (AD, DP, Gaffer) are really good and know what they are doing, you can probably get away with a support crew that is much less experienced but free (ie film students, interns, etc.)

Also, get an editor who can wear multiple hats (color correction, sound editing, etc.) and you can save some time and money on the post end.

quote:

Originally posted by AshleyM:

Have interns work on your film (check with local colleges). Use locations belonging to friends and family.

I think this is sound advice.

Student interns are agile, diligent workers (if you know where to look). They may need some adaptation but they are quick learners. Shooting at friends' and relatives' houses is also a great idea. Paul Haggis used his own house when he shot CRASH.