Making Movies

A monthly journal of a moviemaker's first feature film.

by Taso Lagos | Published December 3, 1993

I am making a movie.

Not just a little movie, but a feature length one. And without much money. In fact, about $20,000 of my own money- and we're shooting part of it on 35mm film, using Panavision camera equipment.

I am not supposed to be doing this. We are taught that we need a few milion dollars to make such an attempt, or at least several hundred thousand. I am doing it with $20,000. Does that mean I'm crazy? Probably. But this project is more than just a dream- it's really a test. Can it be done? Are all those words found in self-help books about making a decision and then watching providence come through for us really true, or just bullshit? Maybe with this movie I am asking the ultimate question- is there really a God?

I am making a movie.

Of course, I would not recommend anyone do this- unless you're capable of withstanding the stress. I am blessed with a life-partner who understands the tensions and triumphs involved and is always supportive- and that is a huge moral boost. But the point is that making a movie is possible, and what I am saying is, it's necessary. For too long we have been imprisoned by our own self-doubts and the garbage coming out of Hollywood. We live in our own limitations and prisons- and so we rarely venture to break those chains, even if we want to do something badly, really badly.

I have been talking about making a movie for years. I thought I needed a duffel bag full of money and a lot of friends in the movie industry. Meanwhile, I had an idea for a movie for such a long time that scenes from it woul play in my mind and drive me crazy at night. So, I had a choicemake a movie or go insane...

So I am making a movie. And you can, too. Come up with an idea that is suitable for low-budget, or as in my case, no-budget, production. Then start talking to your friends, hash the idea around a little bit, put all your resources on the table and commit to making a movie. Then see what happens. Just like I am doing right now. Let go of the outcome and just try to make a movie. Then you can write this article. Stay tuned. MM

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COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT

Comment by alfe on 10/18/07 at 6:22 am

humble,handsome,gentleman,that’s all thank you

Comment by johnson_seattle Personal Injury lawyers on 1/19/09 at 1:20 am

your Idea is good,What i can suggest you, if you are planing to make a low budget movie than better you try your hands upon the general problem of common men or the current affairs, you know people enjoy such stuff.

Comment by hindi movies online watch on 3/12/11 at 12:15 am

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Comment by sohbet on 4/29/11 at 10:47 am

thanks editor

Comment by sohbet odalari on 4/29/11 at 10:48 am

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Comment by Films on 11/24/11 at 2:22 pm

I am not supposed to be doing this.

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