Making a successful micro-budget film is all about optimizing your on-set workflow to capture the most shots in the shortest amount of time.
There are many ways to do this, but today I want to share a 4-step workflow to achieve this.
in short:
- The most important scene of the day
- Rehearse talent during lighting setup
- < 3 shots/shot (average 1 – 2 pages/hour)
- Wild vocals and behind-the-scenes footage recorded after each scene
Following the steps above, under the right conditions you will be able to capture 10 – 15 pages per day.
Let’s unpack each step simply:
blocking scenario
Production days always run smoother when the entire crew spends 30 minutes at the end of the day rehearsing each scene with the actors.
This can be led by the first AD (if there is one) or by yourself.
It sets the pace by making the cast and crew more proactive and in sync. This in turn speeds up the day considerably.
At this stage you need to determine:
- Where the actors go
- where the camera will be installed
- What coverage angle do you need?
- What lighting setup do you need?
- Any other technical considerations
Having an in-depth conversation beforehand can save you from 100 unnecessary conversations throughout the day.
Talent rehearsal and lighting
The two biggest variables that can determine the success or failure of your day are:
- How prepared are your actors?
- How much time do you need to spend on lighting?
Most independent productions spend the majority of their day in discussions with talent (figuring out the acting) or with the camera team (figuring out the lighting).
You can eliminate wasted time by giving yourself a brief window of time before each scene to rehearse and prelight simultaneously.
It’s much easier to adjust a performance before the cameras start rolling.
The same goes for lighting.
Plan as much as you can before you start shooting, but give yourself 10 minutes before each scene to get everyone in the zone.
Now, once you start rolling, you don’t have to stop until you have it.
Limit the number of shots per shot
On a micro-budget production, getting enough coverage is always a major challenge.
When you’re working so fast, it’s easy to overlook the “less important” shots that are ultimately needed in the edit.
To solve this problem, optimize your workflow to capture the widest range of shots for maximum coverage.
My rule of thumb for getting there:
Limit the number of shots to < 3 shots per shot or angle of coverage.
If you don’t set limits for yourself, you may end up capturing too many shots you don’t need and neglecting the coverage you need.
3 takes isn’t a lot, but it was enough to get it done – especially since the cast and crew were so well rehearsed.
At this speed, you should be able to shoot up to 2 pages per hour.
Wild sounds and background music
Unfortunately, when you work so fast, it’s common to overlook important sonic or visual details.
But those extra details make all the difference. The two biggest missing pieces are usually:
- Clean performance/dialogue recording
- Additional behind-the-scenes footage for inserts or transitions
If you don’t have these assets in your edit, it can mean a lot of ADR work and potential reshoots or pickups, both of which are extremely costly.
If you do have them, you’ll save yourself time and money while significantly improving your final product.
After you complete each scene, take 5-10 minutes to record the actors’ lines, sound effects, and insert/B-roll footage.
Start with the Wild Lines – Have the actors read the script into a microphone, for audio only, to ensure every line is recorded cleanly.
Next, have the actors perform the scene without dialogue so you can record all the sound effects.
Finally, shoot some environmental b-roll to capture any insets, cutouts, or transitions that might help you.
These little extra details will be a lifesaver in editing.
That’s it. Hopefully all of this helps streamline your on-site workflow!
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