Bootstrapping a Project: Balancing Lean Operations with Industry Expectations?

Hey everyone, I'm a Script Supervisor, and I've been trying to get my own short narrative off the ground. The financial projections I'm seeing for even a bare-bones production are pretty staggering, yet I keep hearing about successful bootstrapped projects.

My current strategy involves pulling favors for locations, trying to utilize free software like DaVinci Resolve for post, and exploring options like ShareGrid for camera and lighting needs to minimize upfront costs. I'm even considering offering small equity stakes to key crew members instead of full rates, at least for the development phase.

But how do you actually make this work in practice? How do you maintain quality and entice talented people when your budget is so tight? Is it genuinely feasible to start something impactful this way, or am I just setting myself up for endless compromises? What are your experiences balancing these lean operational tactics with the need to produce professional-grade work?