Budgeting for Shaam

 

 Making a Film on a Low Budget

One of the biggest challenges of independent filmmaking is working within a limited budget. For Shaam, I had a total budget of 10,000 PKR, which meant I had to be strategic about where I spent my money. Despite these constraints, I was able to create a visually compelling and engaging film by prioritizing essentials, borrowing equipment, and making the most of available resources.

Where My Budget Went

With only 10,000 PKR, I had to be selective about my spending. Here’s how I allocated my budget:

Lighting Equipment Rental – Main Expense

• Since lighting is crucial in setting the tone and atmosphere, I rented a professional light to ensure proper illumination, especially for night scenes.

Food for the Crew – Keeping the Team Motivated

• Filming can be exhausting, so I made sure to provide food for my cast and crew. Even though everyone volunteered their time, offering meals was the least I could do to keep morale high.

How I Saved Money

Owned Equipment – Using What I Already Had

• I already had access to a camera, lens, and tripod, so I didn’t need to spend extra on renting or buying them.

Borrowed Gear – Getting Help from Friends

• A friend generously lent me a gimbal, which helped create smoother, more dynamic shots without needing an expensive stabilizer rental.

Actors Worked for Free – Passionate Friends as Cast

• My actors were my friends, who agreed to be part of the project without any payment. This saved a huge amount of money compared to hiring professional actors.

Free Location – A Family Friend’s Farmhouse

• One of the biggest filmmaking expenses is securing a location, but I was able to film at a family friend’s farmhouse at no cost. This gave me a perfect setting without worrying about permits or rental fees.

Lessons Learned About Budgeting in Filmmaking

1. Prioritize Essential Costs – Instead of spending on unnecessary props or extra gear, I focused on lighting and food, which directly impacted production quality and efficiency.

2. Utilize Available Resources – Borrowing equipment, using personal gear, and relying on connections helped me cut costs without sacrificing quality.

3. A Passionate Team Matters More Than Money – Even with a small budget, Shaam came to life because my friends were committed to the project.

Filmmaking doesn’t always require a huge budget creativity, resourcefulness, and teamwork can make up for financial limitations. While I had to make compromises, Shaam proves that a strong vision and careful planning can result in a compelling film, even on a low budget.