Producing for Profit

Chapter 11Mounting a Production

Tricks of the Trade

When producing a low-budget independent film, there are many simple tricks that I’ve learned and used in an ongoing effort to maximize production value for the lowest possible cost. I’ve seen low-budget producers have shirts made with recognizable network news logos on them, which usually get them and a small camera and sound crew into certain areas without scrutiny. I’ve also seen producers print up business cards that gain them access under certain “perceived” auspices as well.

In “Fast, Cheap and in Control” (Daily Variety, February 6, 2008), David Frankel wrote:

Shooting outside the studio gates offers independent filmmakers much more freedom. Unencumbered by upper-echelon studio execs, ...