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On-screen TV in low budget short film - creative solutions?

6 years, 2 months ago - Michael Achtman

What footage can I use to play from an onscreen TV in a low budget, narrative short film? Can I use an old movie that's in public domain? What creative solutions have low-budget filmmakers found short of shooting a whole sequence to mimic something on the TV? Open to using news, documentary or film/TV content, just don't want to have a blank screen. Advice greatly appreciated! Thanks.

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6 years, 2 months ago - Marlom Tander

Shoot something simple is probably easiest - cooking in the kitchen, gardening, walking along pointing at something, two talking heads in a garden.

Kitchen - camera on a tripod focused on the pan while you make an omelette. Done in half an hour and way less aggro than hunting for permissions.

Response from 6 years, 2 months ago - Marlom Tander SHOW

6 years, 2 months ago - Michael Achtman

thanks Marlom I think you may have inspired us to go that route

Response from 6 years, 2 months ago - Michael Achtman SHOW

6 years, 2 months ago - Nathan Hannawin

Hi Michael,

As Marlom suggested just shooting it yourself will be easiest. For news clips etc you can add simple graphics by following YouTube tutorials for a better look. Will save you much time and stress

Response from 6 years, 2 months ago - Nathan Hannawin SHOW

6 years, 2 months ago - Robert McCallum

Hi Michael - one solution is to ask for other film makers for their shorts or content. I supplied some shorts for background TV content for Gary Oldman's debut feature Nil By Mouth.

Response from 6 years, 2 months ago - Robert McCallum SHOW

6 years, 2 months ago - Michael Trott

My thoughts too. Ask someone on here if you can use a bit of their short in exchange for a credit
Mick

Response from 6 years, 2 months ago - Michael Trott SHOW