We're huge (HUGE) fans of The Guild and of Felicia Day (we love you, Felicia! But not in a creepy way!) and we really enjoyed her recent post about the 4 things to ask yourself before starting a web series. Educational! Insightful! Delightful!
We don't have much to add to the "before you start" discussion - but we do have a few practical no-budget-film-related tips to pass on for those of you who perhaps, like us, are not Steven Spielberg.
Here are a few of the things we learned about making a web series while we were making it:
1. Ask for what you want. Because you might get it. When you have no budget, sometimes you might be shy to ask for things. Time at locations, equipment, original music from awesome but busy friends. But something we learned (and are still learning) is that it's better not to waste time pussyfooting around. Just go for it!
Ask for what you want and then, if they can't make ALL your dreams happen, try and negotiate for what you need. You may be startled by what you can accomplish with a sweet yet straightforward request.
2. Offering to pay people in beer, snacks, good karma and internet fame is surprisingly effective! But make sure you follow up on your promise!! Particularly the part about the beer. And the snacks.
3. Consider bribes. When we ran into some trouble with the caretaker at one of our locations, it looked like we might get shut down. But then we bribed him! With a sandwich and some TimBits. Sometimes angry people are just hungry, gang.
4. If you don't know what you're doing, don't touch the equipment. It's expensive and it hates you. Get a tutorial before laying your hands on anything, theatre nerds.
5. If you're on the set, you're on the crew! It's true! Working on a no-budget web series is like showing up to help in a flood. Everyone helps move the sandbags. EVERYONE.
6. Beware the stairs. When you have a small crew, a large truck full of heavy equipment and three flights up to the location, it's good to prepare for the Herculean task ahead of time. Mentally, so that no one cries. Physically, so that no one tears a hammy.
7. You will not have time to knit. You just won't. So give it up.
I know! Helpful, right? YOU'RE WELCOME. Stay tuned for our next "web series tips" posts - we're thinking either: Sandbags - They're Heavy or It's Been 12 Hours and I Smell Myself.
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