After making four zero-budget feature films, I felt it was time to give back to my film community.

 

This is primarily aimed at those who lack money and connections but have a strong desire to make films—especially feature films.

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Making a film takes a lot of time, so you need a day job that allows you the flexibility to make films.

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You won’t be able to write scripts, handle pre-production, shoot, and manage post-production while working Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.

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Unless you get a big grant or find a financier early on (I’m still looking), you need to view your day job as a means to support your filmmaking. You don’t have to love it, but you do need to like it. If you don’t have substantial savings, you’ll need to work hard to save for your films. Films cost money, even so-called zero-budget ones.

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That’s why it’s important to find a job that allows you to fluctuate your work hours. Sometimes you’ll need to work less, and sometimes significantly more.

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Surround yourself with people who love film as much as you do. You don’t need to love the same films, but it’s crucial to respect each other and be willing to meet in the middle. Your first film won’t be as good as you think, but you’ll improve over time.

Remember this: People who work for free or for future profits will come and go. Many people say they want to make feature films, but few mean it. It’s not glamorous to eat chicken wraps for lunch seven days a week or to get poor sleep. People come and go. But when you find those you like and work well with, hold on to them. Don’t let your ego get in the way. You’re not a big Hollywood director. You’re a zero-budget filmmaker. It may be your idea, your vision, but it’s everyone’s film.

 

Speaking of ego.

 

Don’t sleep with your lead actress. Sure, she may find you exciting now, but face it—you’re not. She might think you’re cool while filming, but six months later, when you’re complaining about the lack of money or respect, she won’t.

 

Choose your life partner wisely—someone who values you beyond what you can offer in the moment.

 

Oh, and if you’re married with kids, it’s even more crucial not to sleep with your lead actress.

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Divorces cost money. Money that you, as a zero-budget filmmaker, don’t have.

 

Things will go wrong. Often.

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Don’t break down. Don’t cry on set. Save that for home.

 

If, against all odds, you manage to shoot the film, what happens then?

 

Well, then the film needs mixing, coloring, and music. Post-production costs the most for a zero-

budget filmmaker. So go back to point one: you need a day job with flexible hours to adjust your workload when needed.

 

But what happens when the film is finished?

 

Either you seek distribution, distribute it yourself, or put it on YouTube.

 

The most important thing is that the film is finished and available for anyone interested in watching it.

 

You won’t become an overnight success story.

When the film is done, you plan the next one, simple as that. Sooner or later, someone may notice you.

 

Or they may not.

 

You’ll have so much to do that you’ll barely have time to reflect on your life choices.

 

But remember to appreciate the journey and the progress you’ve made, no matter the challenges you face.

 

/Daniel Hållquist