"Oh God! Something's rubbing against my foot!"

This famous line from the film Open Water (2003) got the audience's attention. It made their hearts pound and their brows break with sweat. It scared them. They loved it. Open Water was produced on a $500,000 budget and opened on August 8th, 2004. By October 7th, a mere two months later, it had grossed over $30 million, according to IMDB. This is one of the many examples of an independent film being produced on a small budget and yielding quality results.

In today's market, there is a growing need for content producers to create quality films on an independent, or small, budget. This is, of course, due in large part to the state of the economy. Audiences are just not flocking to most films, like they do to Avatar and Harry Potter. So why would producers choose to make Independent ("Indie") films? Where is the need? Let us examine. 

First, globally speaking, producers from around the world are finding their niche in small, 

 targeted distribution channels. Therefore, domestic indie production companies have their work cut out for them in this competitive genre. However, producing a low-cost film does not mean low risk. If you don't get good content at a low cost, you may lose your job. Or, perhaps, your entire company may go under. The flip side to this is over-budgeting. 

Say, for instance, you have the means to throw a lot of cash into a project. You sacrifice other, less important priorities to make it happen. Then you have another problem. If you are lucky enough to be one of the "big fish" in the world of indie production companies, the worst that may happen is that over-budgeting means no bonuses. If you are not the "big fish" in the pond, then you may break the bank before the film is even in the can. The flip side to this is finding the "cheap" and easy way out. That is, getting actors to work for free; finding the less experienced talent who will become the next shining 

Todd Parker directing an episode of the television series "Atlanta:Homicide"

star. Be warned though, as getting producers and actors with the wrong experience can increase costs and give you more of a headache than getting run over by a frenzied crowd of paparazzi at Mann's Chinese Theatre. Time is money, and every dollar spent coaching and directing the talent is one dollar that you are already behind. This can certainly add up. 

Also, and this is a very big one that a lot of indie producers seem to ignore, it is necessary be mindful of rights and responsibilities. You, as the producer, have the task of not mixing the wrong content with the right content. An incorrect mix of content can mean costly and time consuming lawsuits. Why? Simply put, everything is owned. Trademarks and patents abound and, without careful preparation, some very costly lawsuits could find their way into your portfolio. 

The good news is that there are some simple things content producers can do to reduce costs and produce quality content.

Hire a Producer with Quality Low Budget Experience

These individuals are usually the ones receiving the recognition at local film festivals. They are also the people whose photos appear in the "Lifestyle" sections of the local newspapers. Glance thru from time to time for the terms "Local Producer" and "Hometown Filmmaker". Anybody who is worth a reporter writing about is also worth you talking to. This, however, does not mean they are unreachable. Look them up on Google, send them an email, give them a call, go up to them on the street, thank them for their contribution, get their business card or start a dialogue. You will be on your way before you know it.

Search for Good Content at Film Festivals and Buy Quality Programs from Independent Producers

Some of the most well-known film festivals are Cannes, Tribeca and Sundance. No, you do not need to fly all the way to the French Riviera. A small investment on your part for a roundtrip airline ticket to New York City or Utah can go a long way in meeting these individuals. Plus, there are many other film festivals taking place, almost monthly, 

in every major city across the US, from Boston to Oregon. Check the "What's Happening" sections of local newspapers and make a point to attend. Most film festivals have booths where these films are available for sale. Purchase copies of a few films. They will not be too difficult to find. After all, everybody is in this business to make money.

Schedule a trip to New York City or Los Angeles.

Walk around for a day or so and you are bound to see a film crew on a street corner. Stand by and watch for an hour or two. Talk to the grip, which is the person holding the boom mic, when they are on a break. Ask for their name and their email address. The secret is not to start at the "top" trying to get a word with the director, as he has a lot on his mind. But rather, to start "small" with the crew. They are the ones who will be happy to have a brief discussion during the down time. Plus, they will love the attention. 

With the right preparation, some networking and a bit of research, it is possible to create a high quality, revenue earning film on a small budget. Do your homework and hit the pavement and you may just create the next big Indie flick. 

Todd Parker is no stranger to the world of motion pictures. Parker has written several films including "Claustrophia" and TV shows such as "Atlanta:Homicide". In 1998, Mr. Parker founded "Wilmor Production Services", a full service film and video production company based in the New York Metro Area. Mr. Parker has also co-written a historical fiction thriller and teamed up with Mr. Lawrence Greenberg, of PONI TV, to launch the cable television series "Zombie Etiquette." Todd Parker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Writing from St. Lawrence University and is a member of the WGA-West

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