Writing and Directing Your Micro or Low Budget Film

Not all independent films are created equal. There are multi-million dollar indie films as well as those done on a shoestring budget. But, the size of the budget does not directly correlate to the audience’s experience. And sometimes, having restrictions on your budget can spark creativity - whether it’s with your locations, number of shooting days, your art department, your lighting and camera, or your contracts with actors and crew.

In this workshop, you will learn about the factors that go into making a great film on a small budget. Your instructor will break down successful low budget films and give you the practical tools for approaching your screenplay and your film as a director, including how to make the most of your funding and understanding your options for distribution. Whether you need to reconsider your screenplay’s budget to get it made, or simply want to develop an idea with a smaller budget in mind, this workshop will help you address those limitations.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a clear idea for how to approach a micro or low budget project as a writer and director.

How the course is structured:

From Monday to Friday, you’ll meet as a large group for lectures and discussions.

For an additional fee of $150, you can meet with your advisor for a 45-minute 1-1 session in January and get feedback on one of the following which you will work on in the course:

• a logline and 300-word synopsis
• a one-page summary
• the opening scene of your screenplay
• a pitch deck

What you bring to the course:

• An idea or script for a micro or low-budget film you plan to make

What you’ll get from the course:

• Examples of successful low-budget films in different genres
• Considerations for crafting a story for a limited budget
• Considerations as you prepare to direct a low-budget film
• Preparing your approach for different budgets
• An understanding of low-budget union agreements in the U.S.
• How to find the right collaborators
• Mistakes to avoid when your budget is tight
• Opportunities for tax incentives and deciding on where to shoot
• What to prepare for festivals, publicity, and distribution
• An understanding of options for distribution

This course will:

• provide tools and techniques to apply to any project
• connect you with other creators via a discussion board where you can discuss core concepts and share your work.

Intensive Schedule

Monday, December 16

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (PT)

Tuesday, December 17

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (PT)

Wednesday, December 18

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (PT)

Thursday, December 19

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (PT)

Friday, December 20

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (PT)

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available and are considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Those who apply earlier will have a greater chance of getting support. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the registration form and follow the instructions on the left side to fill out a scholarship application.

Sundance Collab provides accommodations and support services to participants with disabilities. Accommodations and services are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Please email us at accessibility@sundance.org to arrange for services.