How I Made a Feature Film For $7,000

As a filmmaker and educator I am always trying to find out how to do more with less, and I urge you to do the same. Art comes out of restrictions, and limitations. So why do you want to make this piece, and can you do it with less?

“Seize The Carp” was shot in the summer of 2018 with a crew of two, myself and the cinematographer Kenny Keeler. The two actors, Charles Parks and Jane McCarron would anchor the film, as it would be completely improvised. We met for three months before heading out on our 7-day road trip to hone in on the story and characters. The secrets, life goals, and internal struggles you see in this film were crafted by the characters. The family dinner you see at the end of the film is also improvised by my wife’s family.

My goal with this film was to see what happens when the director is no longer in control of the film during production. If you communicate effectively enough during pre-production, can you make the film without interrupting the process. In my experience during this film, that answer is yes. Once we began filming I stepped aside and we followed the actors as if we were making a documentary. Each scene builds into the next one, organically and collaboratively. The actors had microphones on throughout the day and when they wanted to film, we would.

Through this process, we willingly bonded together to tell a group story. Something that would have never been possible if not for this process.

I hope this film inspires you to reconnect with a loved one, start a business, take that trip, or be grateful for where you are. I know that this film helped me to see my art form a little bit differently. It allowed me to spend time with family, and friends and create something beautiful together. I hope you enjoy watching the film as much as I did making it. Here’s to the paths we will walk in the future….

Jerry J White III

@bronsoncreative

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