Tips for awesome production design on a budget
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Image source: UniArts.se
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Low-budget films have certain tradeoffs to make to complete a finished product on time. Sometimes, however, the production design is among the different areas that are often neglected. This can be a nightmare given that production design affects all aspect of the project, making the filmmaker’s whole vision come to life. Here are some tips to ensure good production design while on a budget.
Get professional advice: Try hiring an interior design and convey the environment you’re thinking of. Expert advice, even if it obviously comes with a price, can help you with coming up with cost-effective solutions and helping determine the type of work to be done.
Make the most out of the location: Change the color of a home or indoor location through some affordable wallpaper and tape, and make sure all the props in the scene are there for a good reason. Think carefully of the environment, what it’s trying to say to the audience, and how it’s telling the story visually.
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Image source: TinyMovingPictures.com
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Costumes don’t have to cost a fortune: Have actors bring with themselves some common items of clothing. Visit high street shops that offer discounts to students (if you’re a student filmmaker) or go for charity shops to gather some highly niche items or things that need to look well worn.
Don’t neglect lighting: Lighting translates the vision into reality and hides a multitude of production sins. It sets the mood and makes an extraordinary set out of an ordinary one. Work with your DP and have a grip in charge of lighting. Consider using camera filters for atmospherics.
Steve Sorensen is freelance writer from San Diego who loves exploring about various topics in his essays. More on Steve’s musings here.
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