Film-makers now ready to pump in more money in smaller-budget films

Here’s something to celebrate for the small-budget filmmakers. The success of these small-time films last year has already proven that  they can be profitable ventures too. And encouraged by the response these films have garnered at the box office, film-makers and financers are now ready to pump in more moolah hopeful of increasing profits.

“No film comes with a guarantee, and smaller films are a risky affair too. But then there’s also lesser money invested but a higher chance of profitability on that amount. So, the money being invested in marketing has definitely gone up, as have the film-making budgets,” says a producer whose house boasts of several such films.

Another film-maker however points out that whether the budgets have increased or not, one thing is for sure and that is the attention that these films now get at production houses.

“Whereas, earlier it would be difficult to sell or even garner any interest at the production houses, now they at least find an audience,” says a film-maker.

Explains trade analyst Amod Mehra,  “These corporates and the bigger production houses have to show a certain number of films in their repertoire each year. Now, since they can’t reach very high numbers with big-budget films alone, these small budget films act as a supplement. Also it’s impressive for a film house to have some niche films to their credit. So, it’s a no-loss venture for them.”

Mehra further adds, that often they do end up making money on these small ventures too, so it’s a risk worth taking. He however does point out that these films may not see a very high hike in basic budgets though, as then the entire purpose gets defeated.

“These films still only have a niche audience and that can’t be over looked. People still are not ready to spend their moolah until it’s not a film by a well-known film-maker or has done well word-to-mouth,” seconds another film-maker. But they all unanimously do agree that, “what these films often need are good marketing budgets and producers and investors are now realising, even if that’s how far it can go,” they conclude.