Budget (last blog / next blog)
by Michael Neel & Greg Ansin

First off, don’t spend what you don’t have. A film is not worth going into debt for thousands of dollars. The financial return on your film will take years, and creditors want their money sooner.

Time to chop up the budget.

So to figure out what you need, write a plan. Figure out what each day of shooting will cost. For most projects, this is your BIG expense (other costs depend on your specific project). Be honest – don’t leave things out just to keep the budget low. If it is needed put it in (you can always amend it later). We suggest using some type of spreadsheet program, it is very easy to change your numbers this way (crew, number of days, etc.). Spreadsheets do not make mistakes in addition, either.

A spread sheet program helps break down cost.

So you will have a general ballpark number for your film. Places like SAG will want this for their paperwork.

There are ways to find money out there. Like it or not, you will have to be a salesman for your project. If you are not passionate about the film no one will be. There are lots of web sites, film festivals, distributors and the general public who you can pitch to/ask for money to make your film. Making a business plan for the project will help (showing what other films like yours have made, how your investors are going to make their money back, etc). Make it look sharp, with research on who your target market is and why. Having clear goals (and passion) is what an investor looks for and of course you’ll put their name in the credits!

Don't be afraid to do a test shoot or two.

Another useful tool for convincing potential investors is a trailer or a sample scene from the film. Talk is one thing, but a trailer is a great way to show someone what the film will be like – how cool the monster is, how great the acting is, how exciting the action scenes are. Make sure the trailer is concise and polished, and keep it to less than 1 minute 30 seconds.

We don’t want to lie to you – financing is the toughest part of making an indie film. Searching for sources of financing will force to you accept certain decisions about making your film. Maybe you see that you can make your film with a little money and a ton of time. Or you may realize that shooting a super 16 feature is just out of your budget and you have to figure out an alternative to get the look you want. You might have to change some of your original ideas – be flexible and we bet you can still make a good film.

This is hardest part. Period. But don't despair: people do find money. Films do get made.

So keep at it!

What they are saying about the Drive-In Horrorshow....

"10 out of 10"
- From Infernal Dreams

"Drive-In Horrorshow delivers a visual feast of blood splatter and clever storytelling."
- From Fangoria

"Drive-In Horrorshow takes the anthology and juices it fully with five unique stories that range from clever comedy to dark body horror."
- From Deadly Doll's House of Horror Nonsense

"A well made anthology of short films."
- Zombie Movie Database

"Highly recommended for those who want to confront the monsters under the bed of their childhood. And as always find them scary."
- From I 400 Calci (translated from Italian)

"The general tone of this film struck me, because I've seen real passion for the genre."
- From Ulteriorit Precedente (translated from Italian)

"This is a high recommend from me, very entertaining and obviously done by filmmakers who love the genre. Long live the horror anthology!"
- From McBastard's Mausoleum

"Drive in Horror Show is–WITHOUT A DOUBT–the greatest horror anthology since George Romero's Creepshow"
- From Planet Fury

"I can't stop singing its praises."
- From Rogue Cinema

"If you like horror anthologies pick this one up, there's something for everyone here."
- From Deadly Indie Drive-In

"Every now and then a movie will come out that knocks you socks off and with its originality, creativity and magnetic appeal- well Drive in HorrorShow is that flick."
- From Angry Princess

"With a solid lineup of 5 stories that range from the serious to seriously goofy, Drive-In Horrorshow is the perfect film for a Friday night. Or any night for that matter."
- From Planet of Terror

"A tasty little anthology in the vein of Creepshow or Trick 'r Treat, Drive-In Horrorshow is a nifty treat of a film, well worth checking out." 
- From Radiation-Scarred Reviews

"A cut above the rest and slice of incredible independent filmmaking." 
- From Horrornews.net

"One of the most entertaining horror anthologies I have seen in a while."
- From KillingBoxx

"The horror world is a fickle beast but Drive-In Horror Show manages to walk the lines of the subgenres without missing a beat. It's appeal reaches to horror fans of all types."
-Bill Fulkerson from Outside The Cinema

"Celebrates the long-lost beauty of the drive-in theater and all its bloody glory."
- From Basement Screams

"A slick five tale anthology film that was independently made and a reminder of cool shit we used to see on late night TV when we were kids."
- From Gross Movie Reviews

"A good throw back to the late night creature feature."
- From Cinema Fromage

"Top notch effects that invoke fear and comedy at the same time.  I really really like this movie."
- Podcast at Movie Fan House

"Fantastic." 
-Podcast at Horrorstuff

Other Press:

"The horror! But that's what he seeks."
- The Boston Globe talks with the filmmakers

"What motivated you and Michael Neel to make the transition from candid interviews and political documentaries to ghoulish gore horror?"
- Pamela Torres at Punk Globe interviews DIHS producer Greg Ansin

"Wowzers! That really sounds like some good shit!"
- Arrow In The Head is psyched for the release of DIHS