For your equipment, bear in mind that any camera can be used to shoot your film. Here are some options you could consider:
- Do you know anyone who has equipment that you could borrow?
- Could you use your mobile phone?
- Have you considered affordable options such as second hand DSLRs or your laptop camera?
One notable example of a feature film shot on old videotape cameras is low-budget drama, Tangerine.
For sound, think about what you have around you. Your phone may have decent audio, or you could use the old school technique of attaching a microphone to the end of a broomstick pole. When it comes to lighting, our top tip is to make the most of natural light. Filming at night will require a lighting budget, whereas shooting outside in the daylight will cost next to nothing. When filming indoors, consider what practical lights are around you.
Remember – before shooting your film, do some test shots on location and check the audio to make sure it works to a high enough quality. Location recces and test shots are vital on no-budget films.