Video

Video: How are the ideas/principles of shoestring filmmaking present in the video work/s you’ve included on your website?

Low-budget filmmaking is primarily based on creativity and smart use of available resources rather than relying on large budgets. This concept was clearly reflected in my project, Our Green Lung, where I aimed to create a significant impact using simple and limited resources.

One of the main strategies I employed was maximizing the potential of the resources I had instead of using expensive equipment or large teams. In the videos I produced, I used my personal phone camera, along with the free video editing software provided by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT), Adobe Premiere. According to Zogall (2021), filmmaking using smartphones presents an innovative opportunity for both producers and viewers alike. With this technology, it is possible to achieve a high level of creativity and productivity. Instead of focusing on complex visual effects or filming in costly locations, I concentrated on the strength of storytelling and presenting information in a smooth and simple manner. This approach aligns with one of the key principles of low-budget filmmaking, which is that the story is the most important element that can attract attention and achieve success.

Additionally, I was the only person managing all the tasks related to producing these films, which is common in low-budget filmmaking. As Broderick (1992) pointed out, a low-budget filmmaker often takes on all necessary production roles, from writing to filming to editing. For example, films like Three Bewildered People in the Night and The Long Weekend o’ Despair, directed by Araki, demonstrate this approach. Araki wrote, directed, and edited these films himself while studying at the University of Southern California. This reinforces the idea mentioned by Jones (2015) that multitasking is an essential part of this industry. In this type of production, filmmakers must take on multiple roles to keep costs low and ensure that production remains within the available budget.

The videos I created for the Our Green Lung project clearly reflect these principles. I focused on making the most of the resources I had available, reducing the crew size to just one person, and relying heavily on the power of the story. This approach not only helped me control costs, but it also allowed me to produce high-quality content that reflected my personal creativity and ability to adapt to the available circumstances. By leveraging modern technology, such as smartphones and free editing software, I was able to deliver a strong message and make an impact despite the limited resources. My emphasis on storytelling, combined with the effective use of visuals and sound, helped convey the environmental message of the project in a way that resonated with the audience.

In conclusion, producing low-budget films does not necessarily mean compromising on quality. It presents an opportunity for filmmakers to innovate and make the best use of what they have. This type of production encourages experimentation and creativity, allowing filmmakers to explore new ideas and techniques without the constraints of a large budget. The experience of working with limited resources can result in unique artistic achievements that emphasize the filmmaker’s vision and adaptability.

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References

Broderick, P. (1992). The ABC’s of no-budget filmmaking. Peter Broderick. https://www.peterbroderick.com/writing/writing/abcsofnobudgetfilmmaking.html

Jones, S. (2015). Independent Filmmaking and Digital Convergence: Transmedia and Beyond. Routledge.

Zogall, G. (2022). Smartphone filmmaking: Theory and practice: Max Schleser, 2021. New York, London, and Dublin: Bloomsbury Academic, ix + 246 pp., notes, index, £24.99 (paper). Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, 42(4), 844–845. https://doi.org/10.1080/01439685.2022.2111090