Shoestring theory - pragmatism and bricolage in microbudget feature filmmaking

In this exegesis I argue that the filmmakers who have enjoyed the most success in creating ultra-low budget feature films are those who most successfully practice pragmatism and bricolage. I support my argument by analysing several ultra-low budget films to find a common approach, and by cross-referencing my own observations with filmmakers’ production journals, interviews, and writings. To investigate the lived experience of the microbudget feature filmmaker, I wrote, financed, produced, directed, acted in, edited, scored, and mixed such a film myself. My resulting work, Pop-Up, is the embodiment of my tacit knowledge of pragmatism and bricolage, and this exegesis presents my explicit knowledge of the filmmaking experience. This creative work and exegesis is intended to fill a gap in the knowledge of these principles and their practical application. It aims to provide a formal understanding of how the methods and theories of pragmatism and bricolage can be applied to feature film production, particularly where the filmmaker is working with limited means.