Horror can seem like an intimidating genre to approach for filmmakers working independently on a low-budget – BUT you don’t need heaps of cash to create something that terrifies and delights. In fact, some of the most memorable horror shorts have been made on shoestring budgets. The secret? Creativity, resourcefulness and understanding what truly scares an audience.

At SP, our community is full of filmmakers here to help you who’ve mastered the art of low-budget horror and we’ve gathered a few practical tips to get you started. If you’re looking to get started in horror filmmaking, join our community for just £5.95 for 2 months until the 1st November 2024.

Why Horror is Perfect for Low-Budget Filmmaking

One of the reasons low-budget horror works so well is the genre’s flexibility. You can tap into it’s forgiving nature, audiences want tension, atmosphere and a spine-chilling story, rather than glossy effects. As SP’er Penelope Yeulet (Dir. Sandra Gets A New Fringe) “Audiences tend to be much more like forgiving or much more open to like surreal things or like riskier things, because they’re kind of just such a fan and the horror community is so different. It’s like a community of its own, separate from the film community.” Plus, you can experiment with blending different genres within horror, whether it’s comedy, sci-fi, or thriller. Horror gives you the chance to create something unique without being confined by high production costs.

Tip 1: Hide the Monster in the Shadows

Horror isn’t about showing the monster—it’s about creating fear through what isn’t shown. If you’re working with minimal special effects, lean into the power of suggestion. As Rebecca Culverhouse (Dir. Pu Ekaw Tnod) noted, “So in Don’t Wake Up when there’s a creature that appears, and when it appears, people in the audience at festivals have very strong reactions to it and it’s literally just the actress peering around the corner but she does it in a very uncanny way. It’s also the psychology of the shots and just how to weird people out and sometimes it’s just someone’s back or just someone smiling or staring in a strange way can be very, very effective.” Clever lighting, sound design, and pacing can do a lot of the heavy lifting when you don’t have the budget for elaborate effects.

Tip 2: Use Practical Effects on a Dime

Practical effects can be surprisingly affordable if you know how to get creative. Blood, for example, can be made with ingredients you already have at home – for Sandra Gets A New Fringe, Penelope used “corn syrup, red poster paint, and cocoa powder” as well as some ultra-cheap liquid latex. She’s even used it to create an entire torn off lip… Remember, the angle and lighting you choose can make a huge difference. If your budget doesn’t stretch to special effects artists, watch some tutorials and try it out yourself and focus on what you can make look real with careful framing and editing.

Tip 3: Lean on Your Community

Independent filmmaking is all about collaboration. As Andrew Rutter shared, “For Peter the Penguin, I just happen to have a friend you know he’s actually a mate of mine who makes little Jim Henson-esque models that he sells on Etsy, So I got him on board and you know he created this big mutated penguin head“. What that short would have been like without that… we don’t know! The point is, don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s for props, costumes, or acting. Your network of creative friends might have hidden talents that can elevate your film in unexpected ways.

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Join Shooting People for Just £5.95

To celebrate Halloween, until the 1st of November we’re offering two months of Shooting People membership for just £5.95 – perfect for filmmakers looking to dive into horror or any other genre. Join here and get access to our vibrant community of filmmakers, job postings, events, and exclusive opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects.

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P.S. Looking for inspiration? Have a gander at some of the horror short films made by members of the SP community.

Eric (Dir. David Yorke) “Joshua finally gets to meet Eric, the beloved dog of a girl he’s been dating. As the evening evolves, Josh begins to get a sneaking suspicion that Eric isn’t your typical house pet.“

Insecticide (Dir. Bryan M Ferguson) was made in 72 hours by just 2 people during lockdown.

Unreel (Dir. Christopher Ian Smith) “A short disturbing horror film about the death of cinema. A young projectionist discovers that the horrors she watches on screen…. might just have invaded reality.“

Acorde / Don’t Wake Up (Dir. Tiago Teixeira) “In this one-minute horror short, a boy gets ready for a good night of sleep, but something terrible lurks under the bed.“

(Please note – some of these films have only been made available to SP members by the directors.)

The Ink Life, directed by Yemi Adegbulu, won the 2023 New Shoots: Filmmakers Awards. Judge Penny Woolcock commented:

“A beautifully shot documentary, the three black tattoo artists and their delighted clients clearly trusted the filmmaker. An important reminder that white skin is just an imaginary norm, this film made its antiracist point clearly and confidently. And now I want a tattoo!“

As the New Shoots: Filmmakers Awards winner, Yemi received a Nikon Z 9 – Nikon’s flagship powerhouse in the Z range, featuring a mirrorless system capable of shooting up to 8k or 120fps. Yemi has been thrilled with it, saying:

“As a doc filmmaker, the Nikon Z 9 is a game-changer for me. I’m particularly in awe of the advanced autofocus features – subtle moments of emotion are tack-sharp and the clarity and smoothness is SO good. Also completely love how compatible it is for a wide range of lenses, whether I’m doing more cinematic setups or grabbing observational.”

Yemi’s film follows three different Black British tattoo artists, exploring the significance of tattooing and the artistry behind it within Black British culture. Below is a look at The Ink Life.

How did The Ink Life start?

The Ink Life was commissioned in 2022 as part of ITV’s Fresh Cuts series for Black History Month.

Fresh Cuts is an ITV initiative designed to support and showcase emerging diverse talent in the UK television industry. It reflects ITV’s ongoing commitment to increasing representation both on and off-screen, particularly from underrepresented communities. Each year, the scheme broadcasts a series of films and documentaries, highlighting fresh perspectives and stories that might otherwise go unnoticed by mainstream audiences.

Want to get your documentary commissioned? Check out SP’s Funding and Support Directory.

How did The Ink Life get ‘out there’? How was it shared with audiences?

The Ink Life premiered at BAFTA in 2022 and was later broadcast nationwide, reaching over 300,000 viewers. It is now available to watch on ITVX. Unlike many short documentaries that are primarily distributed through film festivals, The Ink Life took a different route, being commissioned specifically for TV.

Shooting People’s New Shoots: Filmmakers Awards welcomes all types of short films, which is why The Ink Life was submitted for the 2023 awards—and won!

Interested in entering the New Shoots Filmmakers Awards 2024? The deadline is the end of September, so submit your film soon!

Yemi’s Bio

Yemi is a British-Nigerian producer with experience in both feature and short films. She collaborates with the production company Sleepwalker, where she is currently producing ‘Root’ in partnership with Dark Pictures. Yemi is in post-production as an associate producer on ‘Dreamers,’ a BBC Films and Quiddity Films production. Yemi joined this film, which marks Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s directorial debut, through the prestigious BBC Films Associate Producer Programme.

Yemi’s recent credits include: ‘The Memory Boom’ (documentary, producer) – commissioned by Phoenix Exeter, National Lottery Heritage, and the Radcliffe Trust. ‘Goodbye Train’ (short film, producer) – commissioned by the Roundhouse, Wiggin Filmmaker Award winner, programmed for the British Urban Film Festival 2024. ‘The Ink Life’ (short documentary, director and producer) – commissioned via Fresh Cuts by ITV, premiered at BAFTA, broadcast nationally, and winner of the New Shoots: Filmmakers Award 2023. See Yemi’s profile on Shooting People here.

Watch The Ink Life on Shooting People via the New Shoots: Filmmakers Awards

Auditions, castings, call backs, screen tests… It’s fantastic to get an opportunity to audition for a gig, but pre-audition jitters can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips from Shooting People on how to best prepare for when opportunity knocks. 

The Script – READ IT!

Actors are always told to ‘read the whole script’ before an audition, but sometimes the whole script isn’t shared… In this instance, ask your agent (or whoever it is that you’re speaking to regarding the casting) whether they can give you the full script or, at the very least, more information on the story like a synopsis or a film treatment. It’s extremely important to have context for the role you are auditioning for. Read all of the material you are given, and if time permits, read through it more than once. Ideally, you want to know the story well enough to enable improvisation in the casting room if needed.

Character character character…

There really are no ‘small parts’, so always do your character research. Understand your character as much as possible, every little morsel of information helps. Consider what your character’s worldview is. How are they perceived by other characters in the script?

What to wear?

Wear comfortable clothes. Obviously, don’t rock up to an audition dressed in your PJs, but wear clothes that you feel comfortable performing in and that also lightly nod to the role you’re auditioning for. Please do not go ‘all out’, for example, if you’re auditioning for a period drama do not dress in a costume from the period. However, if your character in said period drama is an extremely neat person, dress neatly as a subtle nod to the character.

Your Voice, Your Ideas

Come to an audition with ideas! Be confident in your choices and showcase your interpretation of the role. Of course, be ready for notes and direction, but make sure you enter the room having decided on your interpretation. Be prepared to talk about your interpretation of the role.

Collaboration in the Casting

Show that you can listen to notes and take them on. Auditions are often quick and it might feel like there isn’t time to ask questions. However, if you are not sure that you understand a note from a director, please ask for clarification. A good director will be curious to hear your questions on their ideas and work. Welcome feedback on your interpretation of the role and be flexible – it is important to show that you enjoy collaboration and that you are easy to work with.

Treat Yourself

Show your enthusiasm and please say THANKS to those in the room for being invited to audition. After the audition, TREAT YOURSELF. Even if the audition was an absolute dud, do something for yourself to celebrate your work and your commitment to your craft.

Keep Track

You might find it helpful to keep an audition diary. For example, you might like to note:

How you felt the morning of an audition.

How you felt directly after an audition.

Anything that happened while preparing for the audition or on the way to your audition that impacted your performance.

Who did you meet in the audition room?

Who were the producers, director and casting director?

Have you auditioned for them before?

Keeping track might help you to notice patterns in your auditions. For example, it might help you notice what type of characters you get called up for the most, which might inform how you prepare for your casting type. Keeping track of your work with an audition diary is a reflective practice that costs nothing.

Why do people say “break a leg” before an audition?
It’s so that they’ll end up in a cast.

Bad audition joke aside, let Shooters know your audition tips in Ask and Discuss.

We know how gruelling auditions can be, so we’ve made entering the New Shoots: Actors Awards as simple as possible – you don’t even have to audition! You just have to share your love of performing with SP 💛

Not a Shooting People member yet? 
To celebrate New Shoots Actors, SP has reduced membership to 50% OFF until May 14th.

Shooters also get 20% off annual Spotlight performer membership with the discount code SLSPACT20, as well as 90 days FREE Mubi subscription.

💛

Whether you’re a budding filmmaker eager to bring your creative vision to life or a seasoned pro looking for new opportunities, the UK short film scene is a tough – but fun – place to get into. Shooters are constantly exploring the processes of making short films, from funding opportunities to filming locations, and everything in between. With the BFI NETWORK England short film funding closing very soon (eek!), what better time is there to celebrate Shooters and SP alumni who’ve released work via the fund?

‘Sandra Gets a New Fringe’
By Penelope Yeulet
After making the life changing decision to get a new fringe, a disregarded office worker attempts to get her dismissive colleagues attention in increasingly bizarre and violent ways.
‘Sandra Gets a New Fringe’ was the runner-up of the New Shoots: Filmmakers 2023 award. Penelope wrote, directed, produced, and acted in the film (woah).
Watch it here.

‘The Leerie’ 
By Joseph Daly
In 1899, a Scottish lamplighter facing redundancy is haunted by nightmarish visions of an electric future. 
‘The Leerie’ was selected as the New Shoots: Filmmakers Summer Round 2022 winner.
Watch the film here.

‘Alo’
By Xenia Glen
Alo, an undocumented overseas Filipino worker, is struck by a latent seizure which jeopardises his status in the UK.
‘Alo’ is screening at Sundance Film Festival: London, find out more on the Events Calendar.
Watch the trailer here.

‘Rushed’
By Arnold Vosey
A chance encounter between a black woman and a South Asian man in Birmingham forces them to confront life changing events they are desperately trying to escape.
‘Rushed’ was shortlisted for the New Shoots: Filmmakers 2023 awards.
Watch the film here.

That’s just a handful of Shooters who’ve made short films via the The BFI NETWORK England short film fund over recent years. But guys… please do remember that there are SO MANY other ways to get your shorts made, seen, and shared beyond just the traditional film funding routes… 

That’s why SP’s next event is New Shoots: Filmmaking with F#ck All Money 💛

Come and hear from 4 wildly different bold brilliant short filmmakers who have made everything from short wacky horrors to eccentric moving-image art to heart-felt documentaries, all on next to no-budget… SP will be chatting about everything from production tips to cut costs, off-kilter fundraising strategies, DIY distribution methods and more… 💸 🎥 Discover who the filmmakers are and RSVP HERE.

10 JUNE | 7PM | FREE | ONLINE | OPEN TO ALL CREATIVES

✨ ✨ ✨See you online ✨ ✨ ✨

Psst! For those of you who aren’t SP members (YET! 👀) event tickets come with discounted SP membership…

The hype is building up around Cannes 2024 and the selected films have been announced, so, what does this mean for UK independent filmmakers? From navigating the Marché du Film to networking to spotting scams, heres our top tips/info.

If you’re looking for friends to hang out with at Cannes, accommodation buddy-ups or advice, SP is a welcoming community network of independent filmmakers here to help. We’re offering 50% off annual membership until the 26 of May, just use the promo code CANNES24 at checkout.

How to navigate the Marché du Film

Some people will be flying out for the prestigious Marché du Film (The Cannes Film Market) which is arguably one of the top film markets internationally. If you’re going, it’s a great idea to try wrangle someone who can speak French to accompany you to get the most out of your experience, you’ll find a lot of people chatting away in English BUT if you want to go the extra mile.

If you’re going to look for funding, there aren’t a ton of pitching sessions per se, but the Producers Network is probably a good place to start where you’ll find people in the know. If you’re looking for distributors, put yourself in their shoes, if you were looking for a film like yours, where would you go…

With the Marché the more you can think outside the box and meet interesting people, the more luck you’ll have. Make sure you grab peoples contact details though, a lot of the time people won’t want to talk business on the spot, so getting an email or number will be crucial to follow up.

Generally speaking, it’s relatively known to hang out late at the Mondrian or Petit Majestic to see if you can meet anyone interesting, chance encounters can and DO happen.

What films are screening in the 2024 Official Cannes selection

Arguably the most talked about film to screen at Cannes is set to be Francis Coppola’s self-funded Megalopolis. The film is set to be a mad one, with an all star cast including Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, Jon Voight, Shia LaBeouf, Laurence Fishburne and Dustin Hoffman, and with plenty of drama behind the scenes (we got the inside scoop from Mike Figgis whose filming a BTS doc at our last networking event and it’s NUTS. Follow our Eventbrite to find out about the next one). After a long struggle for distribution, it’s looking like French distribution company Le Pacte might be picking up the film – Cannes is tight on it’s distribution regulations, with films being selected for competition being required to release theatrically in France and not debut via streamer first. On top of this, France has strict windowing rules, requiring a 17-month gap between a theatrical release and launch on global streaming platforms – so here’s to hoping!

Also on the line up is Andrea Arnold’s Bird which is set to premiere as a work in progress, with approximately 2 weeks left of sound design left to go. Very little is known about the plot of the film besides that it is “starring Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski, is about a 12-year-old living in a north Kent apartment with her brother”.

Other hot topics include Cronenberg returning to Cannes with The Shrouds, a visceral introspection on grief and widowship, rumoured to be inspired by his personal loss of his wife, Yorgos Lanthimos Kinds of Kindness swiftly following the release of 2023’s controversial Poor Things with both Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe set to star again. Plausibly a knock-on from the strikes, the programme is set to have a significant amount of non-English films, with India making headlines having not one but two films represented in the official selection, All We Imagine As Light directed by Payal Kapadia and Santosh, British-Indian Sandhya Suri’ debut feature.

How to find accommodation for Cannes

If you’re looking for accommodation now, you might run into some troubles, people book EARLY and prices hike up around the time. Many people book in early to save spots, so it’s worth asking around to find out if anyone has spare spots in Airbnbs or hotels. SP’s Ask&Discuss forum is a great shout to ask around and see if there’s anything free.

How to spot Cannes Scams

With a festival as big as Cannes, there are a lot of scams about. So if something feels off, make sure you double-check that what you’re looking at is actually affiliated with the festival. Namely, a lot of people complain that the Cannes Shorts Corner isn’t what it’s cut out to be; any film submitted seems to screen, and it does not actually accredit you to the festival. It’s still a great way to get your foot in the door and meet other cool shorts makers, but make what you will of what people say…

Should I network before Cannes?

Yes! Cannes is a swathe of people and can often be overwhelming, if you’re thinking of going or have booked your ticket, see who else is there and buddy-up to attend things together! Lots of SP’ers go each year, so SP is a great place to start forming connections ahead of the festival.

If you want to join our indie filmmakers community, we’re running an exclusive discount for those interested in Cannes or who are missing out and want to find community anyway, just use the promo code CANNES24 at checkout to get 50% off an annual membership until 26 May.

Shooting People’s New Shoots: Actors Awards is opening on May the 1st ✨ New Shoots is a yearly award programme that celebrates, supports, and spotlights creatives working in film. The winner and runners-up of the Actors Awards will receive mentorship from world-renowned casting director Des Hamilton, Spotlight memberships, Mubi subscriptions, kit, and cash prizes 💸

“It was amazing meeting with Des Hamilton Casting through SP’s New Shoots: Actors Awards 2024. It’s the Hard Working Ethics, Discipline and Committing to the Role that makes all the difference for an actor.”

Jason Hall, Actor, New Shoots Runner-Up 2023

Nine shortlisted actors will take away other prizes, support, and spotlighting to SP’s community of filmmakers. Entry is super simple, you don’t need to audition or submit a showreel – we want to hear about your dedication to the craft over the amount of experience you have. To enter, you’ll just need to be a Shooting People member and answer a couple of simple questions about your experiences as a performer.

Thinking of entering the New Shoots: Actors Awards? Here’s some advice on the performing arts industry from actors who entered last year…

The best thing about being an actor is other actors. I think we need to recognise each other more and lift each other up wherever we can- and not view each other as competitors.

Elinor Shooting People Actor Member

There is so much advice out there for actors, so much that I don’t feel I can share anything new or revelatory. However, something that has served me particularly well is having the confidence to take less advice. A lot of thriving and incredibly successful people make it up as they go along and are much closer to you than you might think. Absolutely listen to their words, but make sure you’re up and doing something with that advice the next day.

Bradley Shooting People Actor Member

If you are emerging  in any sense of the word  you have to fight for your right to be an artist  I’d encourage you to create your own work, especially if it’s political, because due to the cuts happening within the arts sector your very existence in this is industry is political

Chloe Shooting People Actor Member, Actors Award runner-up 2022

Shooting People was a great introduction into the film world for me! Like-minded people, with links to resources, good advice and a network. It’s a great way to meet potential collaborators, cast and crew,

Alice Lowe – SP alumni, actor and writer/director ‘Prevenge’, ‘Sightseers’

When it comes to UK filmmakers, it often seems like there’s an endless pool of jobs boards and it’s impossible to know where to start. You’ve got everything from Indeed, to Facebook Groups to independent websites, so here’s a little bit about why we think Shooting Peoples cast and crew board is one of the best.

IT’S AFFORDABLE

Being a filmmaker is expensive enough, so we don’t think you should fork out 100s of pounds just to seek out work. At SP, we’ve kept our annual membership prices the same for over 10 years – but right now it’s EVEN cheaper.

We’re currently offering 50% off SP membership until the 31st of January 2024 so if you’re looking to join our community, there’s no better time than now.

JOIN THE SP COMMUNITY FOR 50% OFF

FILMMAKER-ORIENTATED SEARCH

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Have you ever tried searching LinkedIn for Producer roles? You’ll quickly find that / a lot / of different industries have “producers” and seemingly after all this time, the search on major job platforms for film is still rocky at best. At SP, almost every project/company is going to be film-related and you can filter your search by department or role, as well as region. Gone are the days of endlessly scrubbing, we’ve made it easy to find roles which genuinely apply to you.

PEER-TO-PEER POWER

When you apply to roles on SP, you’re not just pinging your application into an ether ready to be screened by robots and auto-dejected, there are real people behind it and most of the time, you’ll be surprised by how willing other filmmakers are to go the extra length to get passionate collaborators on board. We’ve got that extra personal touch, and we’ve even made it easy for members to flag when positions are filled so your time isn’t wasted.

IT’S NOT ALL FULL-TIME

Barely anyone working in film can afford the luxury of making it their full-time gig, and even those who full-time freelance aren’t necessarily looking to get tied down working for companies. At SP, we’ve got a huge diversity of roles, ranging from short-term collaborative roles to long stints on high-end productions. No matter what your schedule looks like, there’s going to be something out there which can work around what you’ve already got on.

DIVERSE PRODUCTION TYPES

Commercials pay the bills, but most filmmakers will have a niche they’re searching for. At SP, you’ll find a bit of everything, from documentaries to music videos, to funded shorts to collaborative filmmaking challenges – you’re bound to find a project which will spark genuine passion.

MODERATION

Your greatest allies are almost always going to be your fellow filmmakers so having a community-sourced jobs board can be amazing. Unfortunately, there’s always going to be some bad eggs and when it comes to jumping on a new project, having transparency on what you’re getting into is key. That’s why at SP we have in-house moderators who are all filmmakers too, we know what you need to know and every role on SP will have by-passed a mod check to make sure any neccessary info is available and that pay rates are fair/transparent.

For collaborative roles (often unpaid or with token fees attached), we require members to explain if their project is insured, as well as why they are offering the role as expenses only. We’ll always allow passion projects at SP, but we’re not here for exploitation.

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ACTORS ARE WELCOME TOO

Finding castings is a whole different ball game to crew roles, so we’ll be hosting another blog soon about why we think our casting board is pretty brilliant, but as a jobs seeker, you don’t need to niche yourself down as an actor OR filmmaker – we know so many of us wear a million different hats and any role in film is welcome at SP.

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WANT IN?

SP membership is now 50% off until the 31st of January 2024. Join our community to find your next role, come on, let’s make film.

It’s that time of year again, from setting new years resolutions to scoring some steals in the sales, January is a big time for filmmakers. To make it easier for you, we’ve collated a list of the some of best discounts and reductions for kit, career development and more.

Level Up and Network

Shooting People: 50% off Annual Membership

So we may be biased, but it is also going to be the cheapest one on this list – Shooting People’s Annual Membership plan is 50% off until the 29th of December.

SP is the UK’s largest thriving UK independent filmmakers network. We’ve got one goal, connect more filmmakers to get projects made. From our film funding database to our cast and crew jobs board – we’ve got everything you need to start your own project or jump on a new production.

Get Deal (save 50%): Join the SP community for just £19.95. | OFFER ENDS 31st JAN

Camera Gear

Park Cameras: Save on used cameras and accessories.

Park Cameras offers used cameras, lenses and more for a fraction of the price, all coming with assurance that they’ve been checked to be in good working condition, with a 6 month warranty. It’s tons more reliable than eBay, all while still snagging those savings.

Get Deal: Save on selected used cameras and kit.

GoPro Hero 12: Save £60

The GoPro Hero 12 is a fantastic tool for filmmakers looking to capture stunning footage on the go. With its high-quality 4K video capabilities and advanced stabilization features, it’s perfect for shooting dynamic scenes and action sequences. The compact design makes it easy to incorporate into your filmmaking toolkit, whether you’re shooting a documentary, a web series, or a short film. Plus, the user-friendly interface and versatile mounting options make it a breeze to use in any filming situation.

Get Deal: Get a GoPro Hero 12 for £339.99 (saves £60).

Movo iVlogger: Get 18% off iPhone Filmmaking Kit

Looking for an all-in setup which won’t break the bank? Shooting on your iPhone is a great way to get started with filming cinematic footage. The Movo iVlogger has all the basics, nothing more, nothing less, including a tripod, mic and light.

Get Deal: Get the Movo iVlogger for just £97.95 on Amazon

Audio Equipment

Rode Wireless Go II Single Microphone

Quality sound recording and a lightweight, ultra compact design makes this extremely nifty microphone system ideal for filmmaking, interviewing, reporting and any other social content creation. It’s also got universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers and is very easy to get working. A real game-changer for anyone who wants top-notch sound without the fuss.

Get Deal: Get a Rode Wireless Go II Single Microphone for £199 (save £20)

Editing Software

Vegas Pro Edit: Save £358 on perpetual licenses

Any editors out there sick of getting caught up with monthly subscription bills? Sony Vegas Edit offers a comprehensive editing package, without all the rolling subscriptions. It’s known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for filmmakers to jump in and start editing without a steep learning curve. It also offers a wide range of features, from advanced color grading and audio editing to special effects and compositing tools. This New Years, you can get the whole package (and some freebie add-ons) for just £199.

Get Deal: Get Vegas Pro Edit perpetual license for £199

Find Inspiration

MUBI: Get 90 Days Free

Ranging from independent short films to archival undiscovered gems, MUBI has a catalogue of excelling international cinema.

Get Deal: Get 90 Days Free Mubi Subscription

That time of year has come… Boxing Day Sales are live and hopefully, you’ve got some pocket money burning a hole in your pocket to invest in filmmaking gear because we’ve rounded up the best Boxing Day sale steals.

Level Up and Network

Shooting People: 50% off Annual Membership

So we may be biased, but it is also going to be the cheapest one on this list – Shooting People’s Annual Membership plan is 50% off until the 29th of December.

SP is the UK’s largest thriving UK independent filmmakers network. We’ve got one goal, connect more filmmakers to get projects made. From our film funding database to our cast and crew jobs board – we’ve got everything you need to start your own project or jump on a new production.

Get Deal (save 50%): Join the SP community for just £19.95.

Camera Gear

3 Legged Thing: 50% off selected ex-demo tripods and accessories.

3 Legged Thing are a UK-based company providing high quality, affordable tripods for all situations. We particularly love their Mike tripod, it’s extremely versatile, offering everything from a max height of 1.48m, to table-top mini to monopod conversions. All coming with an ultra-smooth cine-head with a multitude of attachment points.

Get Deal: Get 50% off selected tripods and accessories.

Park Cameras: Save on used cameras and accessories.

Park Cameras offers used cameras, lenses and more for a fraction of the price, all coming with assurance that they’ve been checked to be in good working condition, with a 6 month warranty. It’s tons more reliable than eBay, all while still snagging those savings.

Get Deal: Save on selected used cameras and kit.

GoPro Hero 12: Save £60

The GoPro Hero 12 is a fantastic tool for filmmakers looking to capture stunning footage on the go. With its high-quality 4K video capabilities and advanced stabilization features, it’s perfect for shooting dynamic scenes and action sequences. The compact design makes it easy to incorporate into your filmmaking toolkit, whether you’re shooting a documentary, a web series, or a short film. Plus, the user-friendly interface and versatile mounting options make it a breeze to use in any filming situation.

Get Deal: Get a GoPro Hero 12 for £339.99 (saves £60).

Movo iVlogger: Get 18% off iPhone Filmmaking Kit

Looking for an all-in setup which won’t break the bank? Shooting on your iPhone is a great way to get started with filming cinematic footage. The Movo iVlogger has all the basics, nothing more, nothing less, including a tripod, mic and light.

Get Deal: Get the Movo iVlogger for just £97.95 on Amazon

Audio Equipment

Rode Wireless Go II Single Microphone

Quality sound recording and a lightweight, ultra compact design makes this extremely nifty microphone system ideal for filmmaking, interviewing, reporting and any other social content creation. It’s also got universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers and is very easy to get working. A real game-changer for anyone who wants top-notch sound without the fuss.

Get Deal: Get a Rode Wireless Go II Single Microphone for £199 (save £20)

Editing Software

Vegas Pro Edit: Save £358 on perpetual licenses

Any editors out there sick of getting caught up with monthly subscription bills? Sony Vegas Edit offers a comprehensive editing package, without all the rolling subscriptions. It’s known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for filmmakers to jump in and start editing without a steep learning curve. It also offers a wide range of features, from advanced color grading and audio editing to special effects and compositing tools. This holiday season, you can get the whole package (and some freebie add-ons) for just £199.

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The runners-up of this year’s New Shoots Actors Awards are the fantastic performers: Elinor Coleman, Tiggy Bayley, and Jason Hall. They will receive mentorship from Des Hamilton Casting (Jojo Rabbit, This is England, High Life), free Spotlight memberships, a cash prize, and more to support their careers as performers. The overall winner of the New Shoots Actors Awards will be announced later this year. If you’re casting a project this summer, make sure you look into these tremendously talented actors.

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ELINOR COLEMAN

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TIGGY BAYLEY

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JASON HALL