Chloé Zhao shot Songs My Brothers Taught Me with non-professional actors and a tiny crew on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
She spent years visiting the reservation and went through over 30 drafts of the script. When her funding fell through, she shot the film anyway using her own savings and small grants.
Just a story she believed in and the patience to tell it.
That film got her Sundance recognition. That recognition got her The Rider. That got her Nomadland and an Oscar.
Filmmaker tip: Your first feature doesn't need a million dollars. It needs one great location, actors who believe in the story, and a crew that won't quit.
I made my first film for 10k. It was hard work for everyone, but they believed and we made it happen. I am forever grateful to all the cast and crew who helped me complete my first feature.