I always hear about independent filmakers like myself, living and working on a shoestring budget. Yet they get things done. How do you do it? And eat at the same time? Funding?

The secret is to find people to help you on your projects for free in exchange for you helping them in their projects. That's how it's done. Finding a guy with an XL1 to shoot for you shouldn't be too hard. What do you have to offer them in return?

It's also all about networking. The more people you know, the more likely you are to know someone that will let you shoot in their offices, or has a brother with acting experience, or is married to a composer, etc... You get the picture.

I get the picture. I feel I have a lot to offer. I am willing to do pretty much anything. Act, write, grip, sound, you name it. I don't want to get something for nothing. I love film and doing anything related to it just excites the hell out of me. I have yet to find anyone local that has a XL1. What are the chances of that? Get me out of podunk!!!!!!!!!!

Make a small ad and distribute it around camera stores, or the film department of local schools. Search the internet forums. Maybe there is someone on here?

A PD150, VX2000, DVX100, GL1, GL2, or any other 3-chip camera will do the job just as well as an XL1.

right on! will do! thanks guy!

Alonzo,

Have you ever had a chance to read "Rebel without a Crew" by Robert Rodriguez? Man it is a MUST read for the shoestring indie filmmaker. Robert gives a detailed behind the scene look at what it took to make El Mariachi. If you have not read it, go out and get it!

skimmed through it at barnes and nobles one night, will go back and buy it