If you don’t have money, power, or connections but have a lot of talent, guerrilla filmmaking might be a solution. It’s not as easy as it sounds, in fact, it’s even harder if you don’t have a clear vision.
Before I get into guerilla filmmaking, I’d like to state that I do not encourage it since it can be dangerous. Let’s see why.
Important: Shooting Guerrilla Style Is Mailny Illegal
First and foremost, you must be careful since guerilla shooting is considered illegal or it can be in the grey area. It can depend on the country, state, city, and other factors.
Of course, you can always try to do it secretly, but it’s dangerous since you can have legal issues if you get caught. Nevertheless, here are several factors you need to pay attention to:
- Permits & Permissions: Many cities require a permit for commercial filming. If you’re shooting without one in a place where it’s required, it can be considered illegal.
- Private Property: Filming on private property without permission is usually illegal and could result in trespassing charges.
- Public Safety & Disruptions: If your shoot causes disturbances (e.g., blocking traffic, using fake weapons, or creating a public nuisance), authorities may intervene.
- Right to Privacy: Filming people without their consent, especially in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, may violate privacy laws.
- Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Use: Some places allow small, non-commercial shoots without a permit but require one for commercial use.
What Is Guerrilla Filmmaking?
Guerrilla filmmaking is an independent film shooting style conducted secretly with no permits, a small film crew and budget, and almost no props.
The film crew uses whatever equipment, resources, and locations are available. Logically, young and independent moviemakers use this technique since they don’t have the necessary budget to create expensive sets and rent out locations. Furthermore, they don’t have time to obtain permits or they’re rejected. There isn’t a budget for almost anything, let alone for expensive actors and actresses.
Big studios, and even smaller ones, avoid guerilla filmmaking not to risk getting caught and being sued.
Guerrilla Filmmaking Techniques
As mentioned above, guerilla film making is risky and in many places, illegal, so you can get in trouble. However, if you decide to make this move, here are some techniques for making a guerrilla film.
In most cases, try to shoot every scene just once. It’s tricky anyway, so you probably won’t get a second chance. Use the smallest crew you can have, prepare ahead of time, be ready, and make sure everyone knows exactly what they need to do. If there are many people in your location, don’t shoot. Also, don’t argue with authorities. If they tell you to stop, then stop immediately.
Try to look like you’re not making a movie as much as possible. For instance, don’t use action and cut, or if you must, do it quietly. Don’t carry props because it will make your movement difficult. If you have to, use a highly small amount. In addition, use less noticeable audio equipment and one camera.
Guerrilla Filmmaking Movies
Here’s a list of some of the most important guerrilla movies ever made:
- Pi (1998) – Darren Aronofsky
- Following (1998) – Christopher Nolan
- El Mariachi (1992) – Robert Rodriguez
- She’s Gotta Have It (1986) – Spike Lee
- Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971) – Melvin Van Peebles
- The French Connection (1971) – William Friedkin
- Prayers to the Gods of Guerrilla Filmmaking (2018) – Johanna Taylor
Final Words on Guerilla Filmmaking
This filmmaking style isn’t used often but several directors began their later-famous careers through guerilla filmmaking. For example, Nolan made Following for only $6,000. Therefore, a guerilla movie can undoubtedly be successful.
However, the possibility of legal problems remains, so if you decide to do it, you have to be very careful. Maybe Spike Lee’s Gotta Have It: Inside Guerrilla Filmmaking will help you, which also includes the screenplay.
Maybe original storytelling is lost because there are fewer enthusiasts. If you want to be one of the new leaders, be careful, and good luck!
framebyframecritic 
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