BCPVA Meeting – Nov 23 2021 – The Essentials of Micro-Budget Filmmaking

While we all celebrate the fact that the cost of the technology associated with capturing a moving image has shift dramatically lower over the last decade, the cost of most other production costs has remained steadfast. In fact the cost of sound stages, locations, vehicles, crew support & wages, if anything, have all increased, particularly in urban centers.

At the same time web based distribution of content has in principle allowed filmmakers outside the studio system entry points for unique narrative and documentary projects that target select smaller audiences. Is this happening? If we hold up Netflix and the like up as an example, we can say yes definitely, and on a huge scale, but what about productions swimming in a far thinner revenue stream, the so called micro budget productions? For these productions the skill and creativity required to produce an artful and compelling story within such strong constraints makes each micro budget success a small miracle. It is this last topic that makes this month’s meeting both fascinating and very valuable for anyone with independent film making in mind. This month’s guest Matt Kincses will cover the essentials of micro-budget filmmaking and has the valuable perspective of someone who works in both the thick of Vancouver’s major film and TV production environment, and also has extensive experience producing and directing independent features, and shorts.

Topics for Discussion:

•            Micro-budget filmmaking from pre-production to distribution

•            Making a film during COVID

•            The essentials of micro-budget filmmaking

 Matt Kincses

Facility Coordinator at Whites Fraserwood Studios. Producer at Eagle Point Pictures. Freelance Videographer/Photographer

Meeting Details:

People can start joining the meeting at 6:30 pm for informal networking. The main program will start at 7pm and run until 8pm with Q&A and discussion of new and shared work to follow until 8:30.

If you have never used Zoom before, please join early to download and troubleshoot.

How it will work: You can connect with both Windows and Mac computers / laptops, Apple and Android cell phones, and tablets with the Zoom video app. This link will give you a prompt to download and run Zoom if you have never used Zoom before. If you have used Zoom, it will open a box with Zoom Meetings highlighted – click the Open Link button. When you connect you can test your headphones, webcam, and microphone with Zoom, before you join the talk.

Audio: This is the most important part.  We want/need to avoid feedback -so wear headphones. If members don’t wear headphones, the audio from everyone else will feed into their microphone and this can cause a feedback loop.

Microphone: Most laptops and mobile devices have built-in microphones (and webcams).  These will work just fine. Your mobile devices likely shipped with headphones with a built-in microphone – this works great too.  If you have and headphones with three rings on the connector then your headphones have a microphone built-in.  If you are using an external USB webcam, then it probably has a microphone too.  If you haven’t used it in a while, you may want to plug it in and possibly update the driver. Webcam: If you are joining with a mobile device then take the time to mount your device on a stand at eye level.  The same basics that apply to videography apply to webcam usage: add some soft front-light, avoid back-light, and be aware what is in your background.

Topic: BCPVA NOVEMBER 23 MEETING

Time: Nov 23, 2021 06:30 Vancouver

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87470740355

No Password Needed

Work safe, stay well and see you all online on Nov 23rd!

Sincerely,

The BCPVA Exec Committee