Make Your Feature Film - On Your Terms!
The Micro-Budget Filmmaker blueprint for bold, cinematic storytelling without the Hollywood price tag.
LACKING MONEY FOR YOUR FILM? NO PROBLEM
Micro-Budget Filmmaker is the ultimate online course giving you the knowledge, techniques and confidence to make a feature film no matter how small your budget is. Taught by director, producer, and Director's Guild of America member Joshua Caldwell.
The Micro-Budget Filmmaker course for indie filmmakers ready to stop waiting and start making.
Whether you’ve got $20K, $6K, or just a camera and an idea, this course gives you the framework, tactics, and confidence to turn your script into a finished, cinematic film—without the bloat, the excuses, or the gatekeepers.
Created by DGA director Joshua Caldwell, who launched his career with a $6K feature Layover, and has since directed films for Sony, Netflix, and more.
"Hands down the best filmmaking course that I have ever taken and last one I will ever need." ~ Robin H.
"This course helped me shoot and release my feature for basically no money!" - Cameron F.
"Josh is one of the best kept secrets in Hollywood."
- Anthony E. Zuiker, creator of CSI:
"I received 10x the value I expected. This course is a game changer."
- Andrew K.
What You'll Learn In This Course
MINDSET
Learn the core beliefs and strategic thinking that separate micro-budget finishers from dreamers. This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about unlocking cinematic power with limited resources.
LIVE ENVIRONMENT FILMMAKING
Master the art of shooting in uncontrolled, real-world locations without permits, extras, or a large crew. Create immersive, authentic visuals that rival big-budget productions.
STORY THAT WORKS
Discover how to develop a compelling, shootable story tailored to your actual resources—without sacrificing character, emotion, or stakes. Build your script around what you can shoot well.
MICRO-BUDGET SCREENWRITING
Write bold, flexible, and cinematic screenplays using Modular Storytelling—so your film stays agile, scalable, and shootable from page to production.
PRE-PRODUCTION
Learn how to strategically budget, scout, hire, and prep your film using the 80/20 rule—so every dollar, person, and location maximizes cinematic impact.
CASTING
Learn how to find, audition, and connect with talented actors—union or non-union—who understand your vision and elevate your micro-budget film.
DIRECTING ACTORS
Gain practical tools for working with professional actors—on set and in live environments—so you can guide great performances with clarity and confidence.
CINEMATIC SHOOTING
Unlock techniques for lighting, lensing, and framing that elevate your film visually—on a budget. Discover how to make your micro-budget feature look and feel like a million bucks.
PRODUCTION PRINCIPLES
Walk onto set with confidence. Learn how to direct actors, capture high-quality sound, and move quickly without sacrificing coverage, performance, or style.
COLOR, SOUND, MUSIC
Make your film sound and look finished. Explore free and affordable tools to color grade, mix audio, and license music that enhances tone and emotion—without blowing your budget.
THE PATH FORWARD
Learn how to launch your film into the world—through festivals, digital platforms, and more. This is your roadmap for turning a DIY project into a calling card that opens doors.
CASE STUDIES
See real-world breakdowns of Josh’s films and other successful micro-budget features—so you can learn exactly how the techniques taught in the course translate to finished, festival-worthy films.
What People Are Saying About The Micro-Budget Filmmaking Course
Meet Your Instructor
I'm Joshua Caldwell, a director, writer, producer, DGA member, and MTV Movie Award Winner. Despite making numerous award-winning short films and having a Golden Popcorn sitting on my shelf, I was struggling to get my first feature funded. It took years of writing scripts that would have needed multi-million dollar budgets beforeI finally asked myself: what's the smallest budget I could make a feature for?
The answer was $6000 and the film was LAYOVER. The film had no "stars," was shot on an out-of-the-box Canon 5D and 90% of it was French-language (and no, I don't speak French).
Despite all that, the film premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival, was nominated for the prestigious FIPRESCI New American Cinema Award, and launched my career. Since then, I've directed four features, worked with talents like Golden Globe and Emmy Winner Brian Cox (Succession), Bella Thorne (Assassination Nation), Academy Award Winner Wes Studi (Last of the Mohicans), Academy Award Nominee Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard), Olivier Martinez (Unfaithful), Katia Winter (The Boys), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) and so many more. All because of a little film I made for no money.
Now I'm sharing all my secrets to micro-budget production so you too can get your feature made for whatever budget you have and start your career!
Who Is This Course For?
You're willing to do whatever it takes to make a film.
You value time and following a proven plan.
You have a passion and desire to get your film made.
You're open to new ideas and new approaches.
Who Is This Course NOT For?
You do not value saving time following proven plans.
You prefer to figure things out on your own with trial and error.
You don't have faith in yourself that this is possible.
You don't think it's possible to make a great film for no money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this program for?
6K Filmmaker was designed for those who have some basic understanding of film production and directing but are wanting to take their skills to another level. This course does not teach the basics but instead challenges you to think differently about what you already know. That said, anyone who wants to become a filmmaker would benefit from this course.
How long do I have access to the program & when does it start?
How does lifetime access sound?
After enrolling you have unlimited access to this program for as long as you like.
Enrollment is ongoing and you complete the course at your own pace.
Can't I learn all of this on Youtube?
Maybe. But be prepared to spend your time searching for each individual topic. Meanwhile, our 6K Filmmaker course offers a structured, in-depth curriculum, personalized guidance, exclusive content, and a supportive community that goes beyond what you'd typically find on YouTube. It's a comprehensive and guided filmmaking experience designed to help you excel in your craft.
Am I going to need to invest in a bunch of expensive film equipment?
No! This course is not about using specific cameras or gear. The lessons taught can be applied whether you're using an iPhone or an Arri Alexa camera package. In fact, I would say the more limitations you have, the more creative you have to be.
Is there a guarantee?
Absolutely! Micro-Budget Filmmaker has a 7-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not completely SATISFIED and ENLIGHTENED by the Micro-Budget Filmmaker Program, then contact us within 7 Days for a full refund, no questions asked!
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DISCLAIMER: The sales figures stated on this landing page and discussed in the Micro-Budget Filmmaker are our personal sales figures and in some cases the sales figures of previous or existing clients. Please understand these results are not typical. We’re not implying you’ll duplicate them (or do anything for that matter). The average person who buys “how to” information gets little to no results. We’re using these references for example purposes only. Your results will vary and depend on many factors including but not limited to your background, experience, and work ethic. All business entails risk as well as massive and consistent effort and action. If you’re not willing to accept that, please DO NOT PURCHASE The Micro-Budget Filmmaker Program.