Increase Your Space: If you’ve got a limited set but need a much bigger area, try this. Have your actor walk (or run, depending on what you’re filming) toward you, and simply repeat the clip over and over again. If you need variations, mark the spot he or she started in and film it again, editing the clips together afterward.

Fake Weather: Instead of getting your equipment all wet, use a hose with a spray-nozzle to make rain. Rent a snow machine for icy scenes, and use a large fan to create a windy day.

Stab Someone: Keep your actors safe with this fake-stabbing technique. With the assailant/murderer/stabber standing further away from the camera, have him or her “stab” the air behind his or her “victim.” Have the victim act as if he or she has actually been stabbed, of course. Cut to a close-up to the victim’s face, then add the sword under his or her arm, as if it has really been impaled there. Commence direction as you want the scene to play out–the victim to fall, the assailant to remove the sword–and simply edit the film when it’s finished to flow smoothly.

Monster-Making: If you can’t afford a monster costume (they usually look pretty unrealistic anyway, unless specially made for your film), buy some liquid latex. For under fifty bucks you can create scar tissue, fat, scary faces, wrinkles and whatever you need for your monster–or even for characters who just need new looks for the roles they are playing.

Here are some very simple and very cheap ways to complete the special effects you’re after.Fake Blood: Mix clear corn syrup, red food coloring, and a little bit of milk (so it’s not transparent)–and voila! Your own fake blood, at your fingertips, without having spent any. Add some purple food coloring if you wish for a darker effect.

Head-On Collision: Rather than making your actors run straight into a vehicle or other object, use this trick: Using a steady hand, film the actor slowly moving toward the object with a wide shot. Move your camera very slowly behind the object, and as the actor slowly continues to move forward, move the camera to the side of the object. Have your actor (still moving slowly) bump his head against the tree and pull back very quickly, as if he or she had hit it very hard. When you’re finished, simply edit the whole scene by speeding it up.

Exploding Objects: Rather than blowing up expensive equipment (or being put on a wanted list for making bombs), try this technique. Using a normal shot, tilt your camera at an angle. Have your actors (or just people hanging around your set) throw a bunch of trash into the frame to make it look like something has blown up. Use a smoke machine  to add credibility to the falling debris. When you’re finished, add sound effects.