No Experience? No Film School? No Problem!

A few years ago I decided to make my first feature film. My family thought I was crazy. I lived in Colorado and I had no experience, no film school, no industry contacts, and limited funds. How could a guy like me make a real movie?

But just six months later my film, Army & Coop, had wrapped principal photography and was moving into post-production.  I had actually written, produced, and directed my first feature film.

How did I do it? Guerrilla style! I personally handled writing, auditions, contracts, props, wardrobe, locations, sponsors, music, accounting, craft services, and much more.  When you are working with a micro-budget, that's what you do.

Give me a few hours and I'll show you just how I pulled it off.

And, more importantly, I'll show you how...

​

YOU CAN TOO!

Dennis Hefter on the set of Army & Coop

MAKE A MOVIE NOW

LESSON PLAN

01

Welcome

Meet your instructor. Dennis Hefter sets the stage for your journey through guerrilla filmmaking. He talks about his experience leading up to writing, producing, and directing Army & Coop. 

02

Introduction

Dennis discussed the Make A Movie Now video series. He lays out ground rules and goals for students. He also explains his background and career path prior to filmmaking.

03

Video Series

Dennis takes you through how he made Army & Coop.  He also explains that he produced the Make A Movie Now video series in order to remove the mystery surrounding film production.

Pre-Production

04

05

Strategy

Developing a solid distribution strategy upfront is potentially the most important element of filmmaking. Your film must attract a narrow and easily identifiable market niche in order to succeed.

Material

Dennis discusses how good material is required in order to produce a good film. He describes how and where to find good material, or how to develop and/or write your own screenplay.

06

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a great source of funds if you have the time and ability to manage a comprehensive campaign. Dennis describes his use of crowdfunding and how it impacted post-production.

07

Legal, Admin & Accounting

Dennis discussed the importance of proper legal representation, accounting, and general administration. He also describes the importance of good insurance in case of injury or data loss.

08

Casting

Dennis takes you through his step-by-step process of holding auditions, handing callbacks, and selecting your cast.  He also explains the importance of a table read with your cast after auditions.

09

Locations & Sponsors

Obtaining locations for no cost is a surmountable obstacle. Dennis secured six locations and six local brewery sponsors, all for no cost. He explains how he accomplished this and how it impacted the film.

10

Props, Wardrobe & Set Design

Guerrilla filmmaking requires that you find a way to get your props, wardrobe, and items for set design free - or at very low cost. Dennis explains how he handled these matters within his micro-budget. 

11

Script Breakdown, Budget & Shooting Schedule

Developing a solid budget is essential to controlling costs. Dennis discusses script breakdown and developing a realistic shooting schedule that can be achieved.

Production

12

Preparation

The marketing of your film starts before you turn on the camera. Make sure you start promoting your film early. Also, the importance of organization and structure in film production is discussed.

13

Light, Sound & Scene Setup

Lighting and sound are as important to production value as video quality. Make sure you know the basics. Dennis discusses scene setup and how he worked with his cast and crew.

14

Directing

Dennis discussed how he quickly learned how to direct actors in order to support creativity while getting the shot he needed. He talks about how each actor must be coached uniquely. 

15

Stay on Schedule, Food & Data Security

Dennis explains how to staying on schedule and on budget. Food is important to your cast & crew. Don't skimp on the food. Your film is just gigabytes of data. If you lose your data, you lose your film. 

16

That's a Wrap

You've wrapped production. Now what? See what Dennis learned about post-production and the importance of a good editor.

Post-Production

17

Picture Edit

How to find a good editor and work with him/her to build a solid film. Rough cuts are rough!  Add some temporary sound effects and music to get a better feel.  Picture lock means picture lock!

18

Color, Sound & Music

Dennis explains how he was able to find local bands that were willing to provide their songs to the production for no cost.  He also discusses how he found a good colorist and composer.

19

Trailer & Poster

Dennis explains how he created the Army & Coop movie poster for no cost. He also discusses the importance of a good trailer to a micro-budget film and how to produce one for free.

20

Self-Distribution

Dennis revisits his Pre-Production Strategy and develops a self-distribution plan that targets his niche audience.