The Art of Low-Budget Visual Effects in Independent Films
Summary
In this Q&A discussion, professional writers and directors Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, and Zach Stolt share their experiences and knowledge on creating visually stunning films on a low budget. They discuss their practical and visual effects techniques used to create their latest film, an independent sci-fi action flick, as well as the importance of keeping the storytelling at the forefront of any visual effects used.
Table of Contents
- Importance of Low Budget and Limitations
- Combination of Practical and Visual Effects
- Filming Practical Effects for Visual Effects
- Staying Grounded in the Story
- Conclusion
Importance of Low Budget and Limitations
When working on a low budget independent film, having limitations can be a good thing. According to Daniel Kwan, it can be creatively fulfilling to have obstacles to overcome when making a film. Limitations force filmmakers to find unique solutions to problems, and as a result, the practicality of the film is improved. With their latest sci-fi action movie, they were able to apply the same strategies they used in music videos with no budget and tight deadlines, which involved using only five people to achieve almost 500 visual effects shots. The team also emphasized the importance of not overusing visual effects and keeping the story at the forefront of the filmmaking process.
Combination of Practical and Visual Effects
The team’s strategy for creating a visually stunning film on a low budget was to combine practical and visual effects. They noted that practical effects can be more effective and easier to shoot than visual effects in several instances. For example, during a scene where Michelle Yeoh’s character Evelyn does a verse jump and gets pushed slowly through the office while sitting on an office wheelbarrow, the team achieved the shot by keeping the camera still and cranking open the shutter to create streaks of light. They also created some of their practical effects using puppets, such as the raccoon and hot dog hand. The team noted that shooting practical effects can be more fun for actors since they know exactly what they are reacting to, and it makes the filming process more manageable.
Filming Practical Effects for Visual Effects
Daniel Kwan shared his method of cutting down on visual effects costs by shooting stock footage himself before using visual effects to give it the desired look or effect. During a sequence where Yeoh’s character Evelyn travels through different universes to reach a Kung Fu world, Kwan filmed street shots using a small camera and filmed capture of 4K resolutions, from which they were able to create the spaces through which Evelyn travels using visual effects like wire removal, motion lines, and others. Kwan’s technique is an excellent example of how filmmakers can create stunning visuals with low budgets by using practical effects that later become components of the visual effects. By utilizing this method, in independent films with low budgets, filmmakers can suspend disbelief without breaking the bank.
Staying Grounded in the Story
According to the team, the key to creating exceptional visual effects on a low budget is to stay grounded in the story. They emphasized the need for visual effects to supplement the story and not be the primary focus. Instead of distracting from the story, visual effects should add to it. They encouraged other filmmakers to adopt this approach and understand the language of visual effects because visual effects will always be a vital aspect of filmmaking, even when the goal is to make them look invisible.
Conclusion
The ability to make visually stunning films on a low budget is a valuable skill for independent filmmakers. By using practical effects and visual effects in tandem, filmmakers can achieve impressive visual results without spending large amounts of money. However, ensuring that visual effects complement the story is essential, as it prevents immersion-breaking moments and creates a more captivating story. With the rapid evolution of computer-generated technology, visual effects have become more manageable and cost-effective than ever, and by following the advice of the expert directors and writers, an independent filmmaker can achieve visual effects-filled results while keeping the story at the heart of it all.
