Who We Are continued...

The company formed in January 2006. The initial idea was to make a low-budget digital feature film which we could be proud of and which would have a good shot at getting a national cinema release. I have spent many years on the outside trying to obtain funding and support from the industry. Constant rejection became the norm; unreturned phone calls, cancelled meetings, unread scripts. The basic philosophy of Films For Nothing grew out of this frustration, where initial enthusiasm by potential backers was replaced by inactivity and sloth. Chasing the deal and playing snakes and ladders with the finance and production companies produced a gradual disillusionment with the industry professionals we worked with. It seemed that no matter how good the script or how much enthusiasm we had for the project, there was always another hurdle to jump over. And often it appeared that the hurdle was spurious - a 'no can do' attitude.

It doesn't have to be this way; you can take control of your own career and make your own movie. Four key ingredients were necessary to create the first Films For Nothing project, Man In A Box. First off there was the changes in technology that put feature film making within the reach of all aspiring film makers. Second up (and linked) came the idea. Third, we had to find the right people. And finally, it helps to have a large dose of luck.

The Man In A Box idea grew out of the limitations of our funds and resources. What would be the most effective and simplest film to make? How about a man being held against his will in one room, filmed with a single camera? Only ten years ago the minimum amount needed to make a feature film was somewhere in the region of fifty thousand pounds (for film stock and development costs), but advances in digital technology have reduced that to hundreds of pounds (the cost of the tape). Also, editing digitally means that the whole post-production process is now significantly faster and therefor cheaper.

Usually a script is written first and a cast and crew come after. With a low-budget feature there is a lot to be said for assembling the cast and crew whilst the script idea is embryonic, and in this way you can write to their strengths. In assembling your cast and crew we would recommend the following criteria: are they enthusiastic about the project? Will they be reliable? Do they have the necessary talents? Essentially our film was built around the talents of the cast and crew, eg characters in the script were created around the actors we wanted and who believed in the story.

In terms of financing, it was decided that everyone would be treated equally. All available finance would be spent on unavoidable costs (camera hire, catering, props etc.), and cast and crew would not receive any upfront payments. All services would have to be provided free, with a contractual profit share distributed when the film is sold. The specific profit share was calculated on each individuals time contribution to the film.

Do you create your own luck? To a certain extent, yes, I think you do. Whether you get to make your dream project or not boils down to one thing...how much do you want it? The sacrifices you need to make are huge; personal, financial, emotional and physical. On a low-budget feature you will be doing everything yourself. There is very limited scope for delegation. It is exhausting, frustrating, and yet one of the most satisfying things you'll ever do in your life. If you want it badly enough you will make it happen. You must be realistic and be prepared for over a year of the most intense pressure. But you can do it, and by reading, absorbing and participating in the Films For Nothing website you will make your first feature - if you want it really badly. Discovering that feature film making is within your power is incredibly liberating. You will no longer be hanging on the phone, waiting for a call from a producer or agent. Finally, you will take artistic and commercial control over your dream project. Take the plunge, good luck, and remember we're always here to help you on your journey.

Steven Rhys Lewis 13th March 2007