When you\u2019re crafting a period piece<\/strong>, everything is more expensive. Not only do your hard costs skyrocket (wardrobe, locations, set dec, etc.), but a lot more time and effort is needed in other areas of the production as well. During pre-production for example, you (and probably your art director\/production designer) will need to thoroughly research the time period<\/strong> in which your film is set in so that you can portray it accurately.<\/p>\n Even in post-production, things can get tricky. Depending on how good or bad your locations were, you may need to do set extensions, or other VFX work<\/strong> to help sell the setting that you\u2019re trying to emulate. Not to mention, more extensive and specific color correction is often required to really help craft the feel of your world.<\/p>\n With all that said, there are ways to make great period pieces even when dealing with limited budgets<\/strong>. Your options certainly won\u2019t be as extensive as they would be if you were working with Hollywood-level funds, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not doable. If you\u2019re willing to take into account the five tips outlined below, you might just be on your way to making your next period piece.<\/p>\n The look of your film will ultimately be determined by the locations that you choose. If you choose the right locations, your work is going to be a lot easier both on set and off. However, if you make less than desirable choices, you might not be able to pull off the look you\u2019re going for and the entire project could fall short.<\/strong><\/p>\n My rule of thumb with locations on low-budget period pieces is to always go simple<\/strong>. If you\u2019re shooting an exterior shot at the beach, on a farm, or in the forest, chances are there isn\u2019t a whole lot of set dec that will need to be done. The same can be said about a vintage home or train station<\/strong> (that hasn\u2019t been restored). These are just a few examples of course, but the point is that you need to look for locations that work for you \u2018as is\u2019. Chances are you don\u2019t have the budget (or research) behind your project to create something from scratch, so look for locations with no discernible giveaways of modern times<\/strong>, and you\u2019re off to a good start.<\/p>\n Wardrobe is one of the best ways to add production value and realism to your period piece. At the same time it can be very costly. Vintage wardrobe items can be really rare and hard to find, and naturally the price can be prohibitive for many filmmakers. That said, if you\u2019re willing to knock on some doors, you might just get it for free.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you team up with the right stylist, they may just be able to work some miracles for you. Typically stylists have relationships with brands and can pull some really amazing options for you, usually at no cost (since the items are loaned). Rather than spending your wardrobe budget on actual items, invest in a good stylist<\/strong> and it can pay off big time. Here’s a quick video that features Paco Delgado<\/a> (the costume designer from 2012’s\u00a0Les Mis\u00e9rables) discussing period piece costuming.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"5](\"https:\/\/pbblogassets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2015\/06\/anna-karenina-period-piece.jpg\" "\\"5")
<\/p>\n
\n\u00a01. Choose Simple Locations<\/h3>\n
![\"5](\"https:\/\/pbblogassets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Downton-Abbey-Period-Piece.jpg\" "\\"5")
<\/p>\n
\n\u00a02. Get Your Wardrobe Sponsored<\/h3>\n
![\"5](\"https:\/\/pbblogassets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2015\/06\/remains-of-the-day-period-piece.jpg\" "\\"5")
<\/p>\n