Are you thinking of making a feature film? It’s a daunting task, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Back in 2015, filmmaker Zach Ramelan created his most significant project to date, Dead Rush. It’s a first-person zombie apocalypse feature entirely from the perspective of the main character. Think of it as a cinematic video game, but on a shoestring budget. Ramelan admits that the process was overwhelming, and he had little to no experience. He wished he had advice from other filmmakers who had already gone down this path. So, for those of you about to take on a heavyweight project, here are some words of advice that Ramelan wishes he had received.
1. Should It Be a Feature?
Far too many filmmakers make a feature when it could have been a short. Determine the value of a feature vs. a short. Features are very taxing, and they’re large projects to tackle. They are fantastic calling cards, but be aware they can take over a year to make. Be prepared to put everything on the back burner and only focus on this one project.
2. You Have Less Money Than You Think
Just because the budget seems large in your bank account doesn’t mean you have a large budget to film with. The cash will break down faster than the process of making the film. Trust us. Designate dollars for pre-production, production, post-production, and (most importantly) promotion and distribution. Remember, what’s the point of putting in all the time and effort if no one is going to see your film? Having money near the end of a project is just as important as having money at the beginning.
3. Time Is the Most Important Tool on a Film Set
Time is a priceless asset, and there’s never enough of it on a film set. You’re always rushing, and you’re limited and confined by available time. The best thing you can do to buy more time is plan. Pre-production is your best friend. Spend lots of time with it. Rehearse, prep, storyboard, and know the ins and outs of your story before taking a step onto a set. This is a lifesaver.
4. Favors Are Better than Fortune
As soon as you pay someone, you’re qualifying their skill with a dollar amount. If you don’t have any money, sometimes it’s better to ask the person for a favor than it is to pay them. If you can surround yourself with a team that is just as passionate about a project as you are, then they will prefer to put in the effort over getting a paycheck at the end. Always value the effort a crew member goes to. If someone is doing it for free, appreciate their dedication and never take advantage of them. Their time is more valuable to them than it is to you.
5. Be Ready for What Comes Next
When Ramelan completed Dead Rush, the biggest mistake he made was not having another film ready. When it premiered at Canadian Film Fest, multiple companies approached him with a variety of offers to make another movie. The problem was that he didn’t have one. He had spent so much time in the clouds of his first feature that he didn’t even think about the potential for its success. Be ready for what comes after, no matter what. If your film is a disaster, be ready. If it’s a success, be ready!
Remember, making a feature film is a massive undertaking, but with these tips, you’ll be better prepared to tackle it head-on. Good luck!
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