Want some filmmaking advice? Stop thinking that you need Hollywood to give you permission to be successful. You do not. And if you're waiting around for someone to discover your talent, you'll wasting time. Think I'm kidding? Talk to any filmmaker about filmmaking, they will tell you the world has changed.
Inexpensive production technology coupled with the emergence of accessible distribution outlets like Amazon has changed the game of indie film. Gone are the days when you simply made a film and sold it to the highest bidder. These days you just need to grab a camera and take action…
Filmmaking Advice For The Modern Filmmaker
These days every filmmaker with a camera is making a backyard indie. And as a result, the market is saturated with a never ending supply of mediocre movies. Suffice it to say, it's hard to get noticed as a serious independent filmmaker.
1. Stop Thinking Like An Artist
You need to stop thinking like an artist. This means you need to stop crying about how challenging it is to get your movies made, seen and sold. Instead you need to reshape your thinking. From now on, think of yourself as an entrepreneurial filmmaker. Adopt the philosophy of a thriving small business owner.
You need to remember that your independent film business lives and dies by direct marketing and word of mouth. And since your business is your audience, you need to make every effort to amplify your reach.
2. Make Remarkable Movies
Finding your audience starts with engagement. And if you want to engage, you need to focus on making memorable, remarkable movies. A remarkable movie makes people take pause and tell their friends about it. This starts with your log-line. What is your hook? Who is your audience? Why should anybody care?
My filmmaking advice is to answer these questions BEFORE you do anything else.
3. Reward Early Adopters
During the social window, you will receive emails from people asking when they can see your movie. And if you're like most filmmakers, you will tell these eager fans that you're waiting for a distribution deal. This is a mistake. These people are your most enthusiastic fans. These people will go the distance to become your word of mouth army.
What will you do to help them help you?
4. Pay The Price
When I started filmmaking, Hollywood was an impenetrable kingdom. To make a movie, you had to get permission. But those days are over. With inexpensive cameras, social media, email marketing software, and aggregators, you now have direct access to your popular marketplaces.
Are you willing pay the price in terms of time, money, education and experience?
5. Gain New Skills
Between every gig, you need to gain new skills. Looking for ideas? If you are still writing, check out these screenwriting articles. If you have a script and you are seeking investors, take time to read every film funding article. And if you have a feature and you're looking for ways to sell your movie, you can grab my sell your movie guide.
