What makes an indie film an indie film?

An indie film is any feature-length or short film that is made without a major studio or big production company attached. Indie filmmaking is often low-budget, which in the film industry can mean anywhere from a few thousand dollars (“micro-budget”) to a few million.

How much does it cost to film an indie movie?

As of 2014, Sundance reported that the average independent film budget was $750,000, and that was a conservative estimate. It is possible to produce a film production on a budget lower than that, but it’s important to be realistic.

How long does an indie film take to make?

“For an independent film, take about three to six months for pre-production and one to two months for principal photography, and then take maybe six months to a year for post-production,” says cinematographer Hiroshi Hara.

How much do indie actors make?

Most indie films fall into the low-budget category, between $700,000 and $2.5 million. The daily rate for low-budget actors is $630 while weekly SAG minimum pay is $2,130. If the director uses non-union actors as well, they receive the same rates.

How much money do you need to make a low-budget film?

The general consensus is that a feature made with less than a $2 million budget is considered a low budget movie. However, with the average cost of a film running between $70-$90 million, that number may be somewhat flexible. Take a look at some low budget films that were a commercial success.

What makes something an Indie?

“Indie” is short for “independent.” Independently released music is not directly financially dependent on any of the four major labels (WMG, Sony BMG, EMI and Universal). “Indie” does not refer to a style of music; it refers to the financial circumstances of its distribution.

What is an independent film?

Independent films—or “indie films”—are controlled more by the creator in terms of content, voice, and style. With a lack of big budget and fewer crew members at their disposal, indie filmmakers can be more hands-on with their film productions, and have greater freedom to tell the story they want to tell.

Should I Go Union or non-union for my indie film?

If you are making an indie film, deciding whether to go union or non-union could be the difference between a big budget or small one. Thankfully, SAG has been very progressive with their rates for “ultra low” budget films and now even “micro budget” films.

What is an indie film?

An indie film is any feature-length or short film that is made without a major studio or big production company attached. Indie filmmaking is often low-budget, which in the film industry can mean anywhere from a few thousand dollars (“micro-budget”) to a few million.

What should I look for when investing in a film?

Keep in mind the investor who puts up the cash should have a majority of the ownership in the film. Biggest risk, biggest reward. Don’t be greedy with percentages. You should be paid for your time on the film, but you should also be grateful for the opportunity to make your film with someone else’s money.