Sometimes, all you need is an iPhone to shoot video. Just ask Danny Boyle, who used a revamped iPhone 15 to film the sequel to his zombie thriller. 28 years laterwritten by Alex Garland. According to Wired, the project has a budget of $75 million and will be the largest Hollywood movie ever shot on a smartphone.
The decision to use an iPhone may have enhanced the gritty, documentary-like visual language of this genre-defining project, similar to how Boyle shot using a Canon XL-1 camera (equipped with interchangeable lenses and recorded to MiniDV tape) 28 days later.
But Boyle’s decision to shoot with an iPhone also reflects a growing trend: budgets and technology are flexible, but the story remains crucial.
Why writing shouldn’t be done with a budget in mind
While thinking about budget is something screenwriters need to understand, they shouldn’t be considered when writing a script.
When you sit down to write down your thoughts, write big! Story is and always will be king.
Movies come in many shapes and sizes, and you’re not the one paying to make them. So, write bigger! Once you get one, you’ll have plenty of time to think about your budget, but first, you’ll need to complete, share, and have a producer attached to your spec script.
Beginning screenwriters need to build their portfolios, so having a diverse body of work—genre films, shorts, independent or big-budget features, short stories, and stage plays—is necessary for a successful career. These writers don’t have producers or studios assigning or buying their work, so it’s crucial to create a portfolio that showcases your voice.
The reality is that if you’re an unknown writer, your big-budget action spec script is unlikely to get produced. Studios are not in a rush to spend $100 million on a completely unknown writer, but rather keep this spec in your portfolio to show you can write great stories.
Studios prefer to produce to a spec that they can produce on a low to mid-range budget. A low-budget movie may not bring you the huge returns you expected when you started screenwriting, but your story is complete (and you gain credibility and connections when it comes to pitching your next screenplay).
Read more: From a producer’s perspective: How to think about budget, genre and distribution
When do you think about budgeting?
While budget shouldn’t limit your first draft, there comes a point when it becomes critical to consider the cost of production. There is a time and place to consider rewriting your script to fit a budget, usually after you’ve budgeted your script.
With your projected budget in mind, you can start making changes to your script.
There are many aspects of the story to consider when adjusting elements that might take a bite out of your budget—location, day or night of filming, weather conditions, CGI effects, and actor availability.
If your job is under $2 million, keep locations and visuals to a minimum so there are no big crowds, no space stories, and no massive explosions.
Contrary to popular belief, financial constraints can benefit you and the story. As JJ Abrams once said, “I learned that financial compromise can lead to creative inspiration.”
While some aspects of the story may need to change, the overall structure, themes, pacing, and emotional arc should remain the same. Don’t get to the core of the story, but change some expensive parts of the spec. Consider limiting locations, avoiding moving vehicles, shooting night scenes day and night, and minimizing visual effects, if any.
But remember, you are just the screenwriter. Your script is just the foundation upon which others build. Focus on crafting the strongest story possible, and then worry about the budget when you’re ready to sell the spec or prepare to make the film yourself with the help of the ScreenCraft Film Fund!
Learn more: 10 Steps to Writing a Micro-Budget Screenplay
Do whatever it takes to make your project a reality
There are many ways to bring your spec script to life. From Film Fund competitions that offer up to $30,000 in funding for independent scripts to full-length projects, to fundraising events, screenwriters can find funding to make their films.
Bringing your screenplay to life may seem daunting, but there’s a local filmmaking community around you eager to help you bring your amazing story to the screen.
Prominent filmmakers have used iPhones to shoot movies of varying budgets because the medium enhances the intimate tone of their stories. If you have connections with filmmakers in your community, someone may have a camera that matches the tone of your story and be willing to borrow or rent it for your production.
People work together to make a great story come to life, and even if you don’t have a huge budget, there are creative ways to get your story out there.
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Don’t let the thought of a budget stop you from writing a story, even if it costs more than $2 million, it will take longer to produce. You should still write the spec! Keep it in your portfolio, market it to the right people, or add it to the right competition when the time is right.
While you wait, write a smaller story or rewrite a mid-budget project to fit a smaller production. A strong story could probably be produced without spending a lot of money. In this industry, points are king, so make those creative and financial decisions to make your script a success!
Read more: These filmmaking podcasts will change the way you make movies
