How I Made a Micro-Budget Horror Film

Welcome to my weekly filmmaking blog! Whether you’re dreaming of making your first movie, already knee-deep in production chaos, or just curious how indie films get made—this space is for you.

I’m sharing my personal journey of producing a micro-budget PG-13 horror film, Parasites, from scratch—with no Hollywood connections, limited funding, and a whole lot of passion (and panic). Each week, I’ll break down the real behind-the-scenes process of making an indie feature—from the early idea phase to final export. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Could I really make a movie?”—the answer is yes. But buckle up, because it’s a wild ride.

Who Am I to Talk Filmmaking?
Let me back up for a second. I’ve always been a storyteller, but I didn’t start in film. I studied computer engineering, then pivoted into accounting, then somehow found myself working as a marketing manager. Eventually, I published over ten novels. But film That felt like a distant dream—until life (and one giant scam) threw me into the deep end.

Yes, I got involved with a fake film producer. I’ll tell that story in an upcoming post—trust me, you don’t want to miss it.  The internet is full of con artists preying on aspiring creatives, and I learned the hard way.

But that disaster led to something incredible: I connected with some passionate, honest, grassroots filmmakers. That’s how Parasites was born.

How “Parasites” Started
In June 2024, my family moved to Crete, Greece, for my husband’s job. There, I met a fellow American amateur filmmaker who suggested making a short film. My daughter—who’s in her third year of film studies pitched an idea while swimming at the beach: a gritty, post- apocalyptic horror concept called Parasites. I loved it instantly. I shared the idea with a group of indie filmmakers I’d met over the past year. Four of them signed on as producers. By October, we were shooting our first scenes. Now, in 2025, the film is in post-production with a target release this September. 

What This Blog Will Cover
Making Parasites has been one of the most intense, rewarding, and humbling creative journeys
of my life. I want to share everything I’ve learned with you—not just the highlights, but the honest struggles. Over the coming weeks, I’ll write dedicated posts about:

•  How to write a low-budget script that’s actually shootable
•  Location scouting on a budget and in foreign countries
•  How to find the right partners to work with
• Casting tips when working with non-union or amateur actors
• Scheduling a shoot when no one’s getting paid
• Raising money (and stretching every cent)
• Building a shooting schedule and call sheets
• Props, costumes, and practical FX when you can’t afford a production designer
• Getting insurance and handling legal paperwork
• Gear choices for ultra-low-budget films
• Working with your crew and keeping morale up
• Managing on-set conflicts and real-time problem solving
• Weather delays and how to pivot
• Post-production workflow on a tight timeline and budget
• Finding music and sound effects legally and affordably
• Marketing your indie film with no studio behind you
• Submitting to film festivals and preparing for distribution

These are some of the most-Googled topics by new filmmakers, and I’ve lived through every one of them over the past 14 months. If you’re in the trenches or just planning your first short, you’ll find practical advice, real numbers, and a no-fluff approach to surviving indie filmmaking.

Final Thought: The Most Important Lesson The biggest thing I’ve learned? Your team matters more than anything. One toxic person can derail your production. One committed, flexible, passionate collaborator can carry a whole scene on their back. Choose wisely.

If you want to make a film—short or feature—stick around. Each week I’ll unpack another piece of the Parasites journey and share what worked, what didn’t, and what I wish someone had told me sooner.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll try to answer them in future posts.

Until next week—keep dreaming, keep creating, and never underestimate what you can build with the right team and a lot of heart.

Before you go, check out our Indie Filmmakers Foundation Shop —we’ve got some seriously
cool merch designed by filmmakers, for filmmakers. Whether you’re on set or just dreaming of your first shoot, our gear will make you feel like part of the crew. From comfy tees, to mugs, and stickers, every item helps support aspiring indie creators through our nonprofit’s grants and education programs. Grab something you’ll love—and help us empower the next
generation of storytellers.