Ask HN: is it possible to make high quality movie really low cost?

[wsieroci]

Hi,

I was wondering if it is possible to create high quality movie really low cost? I mean movie like "21 grams" or "Memento", something what does not need special effects.

Best regards, Wiktor

[GHFigs]

It's certainly possible. As with anything, it's a trade-off, and making the most of what resources you have and being willing to do the hard work and make the sacrifices necessary seems to be key.

Some notable examples made under $10,000 USD:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primer_(film) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Following_(film) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Mariachi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Apu_Trilogy

[wsieroci]

nice :)

[ameister14]

Make, yes. A Black Magic camera shoots totally in raw and only costs a few thousand dollars.

If you want a steady cam, though, that's significantly more expensive; though you can find or make cheap alternatives they won't work as well.

After camera and equipment costs, you need actors, a script, director, grips etc.

You can do this for low cost if you get students or something, but union labor will cost a lot. Here are the WGA minimums, for example: http://www.wga.org/uploadedFiles/writers_resources/contracts...

Marketing and distributing a film will cost quite a bit as well.

[gregcohn]

Yes, but I think some of the other answers her suffer from survivor bias. The fact that some talented people are able to make movies that cost less does not imply that that some percentage of cheap movies are likely to be awesome.

It is NOT possible to make a high quality movie without a large amount of talent, at any cost.

You should evaluate your talent and/or access to talent as the primary driver.

[mikecane]

It's the acting talent that costs, if you already know how to do the producing, writing, directing, editing, photography, and music. You could get free talent. People are glad to have something to show they've done something for someone else when they go out on casting calls and seek agents. But if they're not getting money, you better be prepared to at least feed them.

[mave99a]

Yes. Oscar winner "Once" was shot with DV and a budget of ~€150,000. Its box office was ~$20,710,513. It won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_(film)

[zpk]

The answer is yes, and no. Its the talent that costs money, and deservedly so. If you can land that cheaper then go for it. Check out Robert Rodriguez too, he makes movies for 1/3 the typical Hollywood cost...he gives solid advice on learning the craft.

[chris_dcosta]

A well shot, well edited film can be let down by a poor stroy or a poor script. These are variables you have to get right so all the players have to be A players who get on very well together. good luck!

[rdouble]

"Primer" was made for $7000.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primer_(film)