The Shocking Truth About Making Money With VOD Distribution
In this filmmaking article, Los Angeles Producer Jason Brubaker answers the question – Is it possible to make money with video on demand distribution?
Three Tips On How To Target Your Target Audience
A BIG reason movies fail is because filmmakers do not define their target audience. This article provides quick tactics on how to find your target audience.
How To Make Money On YouTube
Making money with short films can be a pain in the butt. This was especially difficult when I started my filmmaking career. The reason? Back then, the market for short films was limited. In fact, most short films went to festivals and later faded away in quiet obscurity. But thanks to YouTube…
Five Filmmaker Success Tactics You Need To Utilize
If you’re filmmaker seeking practical filmmaking tips you can use TODAY, I’d like so share some thoughts with you. The world of filmmaking is changing. Producing content is getting cheaper. And distribution outlets are becoming increasingly accessible. While these changes have not fully hit mainstream Hollywood, you can rest assured that it’s only a matter of time until the ripple effect has a leveling impact.
5 Things Your Film School Degree Won’t Teach You
When I was first starting my filmmaking career, I thought long and hard about the prospects of film school. At the time, I figured a degree from one of the top film schools would increase my odds of garnering success. Now, after having worked in the game for awhile, I can honestly tell you that very few people, if any, have asked me where I went to film school.
Is Traditional Movie Distribution Dead?
While creating creating community around your title, building buzz and increasing your fan base is both challenging and fun, a lot of filmmakers have no idea how to get started. In this regard, one of your first steps is to determine if your movie is ready for the marketplace
How Affordable Digital Film Cameras Make Your Vision Possible (On a Micro-Budget)
Christopher Nolan’s first film, the 1998 picture Following, was shot on black and white 16mm film. To conserve money on expensive film stock, …
When Trailers Lie: A Friendly Reminder to (True) Indie Filmmakers
For years I’ve seen a disturbing trend in the true indie film community that hasn’t much abated—true of course meaning that you made …
Here Are 10 Ways NOT To Market Your Movie
If you are looking to market your movie, I would like to provide you with a list of what not to do. The reason for this list is simple – Most filmmakers are screwing up. Find out how.
The Tools Beeple Utilizes To Create Awesome Videos
My fascination with video began in college, where my personal style led me to abstract, weird, 3D-animated projects that were more computer-oriented than …
How To Plan Your Theatrical Release
If you’re planning a theatrical release for your film, you are not alone. Many filmmakers dream of having their movies on the big …
3 Surprising Reasons Why You Need To Produce An Independent Movie
So you want to produce an independent movie? Great. I think this is the best time in history to finally make your indie movie.
How To Keep The Magic of Filmmaking Alive
There is just something totally magical about the creative process. When you’re making a movie, it isn’t about the outcome. I mean, yes, you want to do great work. And you want people to enjoy your show. But in the process, like the night before the first day of production – when you stare at your ceiling until 4AM, too excited to sleep. Wondering if you have enough equipment. Wondering if you’re crazy for choosing such a creative path in life. Dreaming of first film festival success, then a career in Hollywood when people ask you to work, instead of you asking for work… I mean, all of these thoughts flow through your mind.
The Secret of Pitching to Film Investors (Shhhh. Don’t tell.)
“How do you plan to sell this movie and return my investment?” That’s the question prospective film investors are going to ask you.
What Quentin Tarantino Can Teach Us about Filmmaking
Early in my filmmaking career, I made a lot of mistakes – Many of these mistakes are attributable to a real lack of advice from people with experience. The following video offers good advice to new filmmakers who are looking for guidance. (And for those of us filmmakers who have produced a few features – this is still great advice!)
What YouTube Teaches About Re-Cutting A Movie Trailer
Today, I wanted to focus on a little humor – the part about trailer-cutting that makes the process fun. For some case studies on how a little music, a little cutting and a little creativity can change how people think about your story – I’ve added the following examples:
How to Avoid Crappy Video On Demand Distribution Deals
Many filmmakers with an independent movie and no deal make the mistake of forking over their VOD rights to bottom-feeding traditional DVD distribution companies, promising to their titles onto iTunes. In some cases, these filmmakers give up their rights for up to seven years.Why?
The Great Self Distribution Hoax
In this filmmaking article, we explains the great self distribution hoax and why there is no such thing as traditional distribution deal. Read more…
How To Optimize Your Movie Website For Sales
If you’re like most filmmakers, you have a website for your movie. And odds are good you are trying to fit too much into it. So the first thing you need to do is remove all the distracting crap. Whenever I mention this at a talk, invariably someone asks me how to determine what’s distracting? It depends on your website objective.
How To Make Your First Feature Documentary
For filmmakers interested in making a feature documentary, advancements in production technology has created the golden age. Equipped with a camera, it’s never …
5 Feature Filmmaking Secrets Every Filmmaker Should Know
If you’re an ambitious writer, I’m going to tell you a secret. There is no better feeling in the world than the day you stop sending query letters and instead, you start producing your own work. For years and years, you have dreamed about seeing your work on the big screen. You know you’re good. So why ask for permission?
How To Grow Your Audience (For Filmmakers)
Like it or not, many social networking sites run the risk of going out of vogue. So from day one, you will want to migrate your fans off the social networking sites and get them into your own email, mailing list…
A Filmmaker’s 5 Laws for Managing A Film Crew
The size of your film crew can have a huge impact on your budget and logistics. Even if you’re not paying your crew, …
How A Filmmaking Mentor Can Help You
As a filmmaker, establishing a mentor is invaluable. Without my mentor, I would have never gone to NYC, would have never made a movie and would have never fell on my financial face—and recovered. Consequently, I would have never made the move to California, produced features or written these words.
What Filmmakers Need To Know About VOD Distribution
While many traditional distributors would like you to believe otherwise, VOD distribution has been democratized. While it is possible that your film will …
Crowdfunding For Your Film (So You Can Raise Money)
In this filmmaking podcast, author and Crowdfunding expert John T. Trigonis answers your most pressing questions about Crowdfunding For Filmmakers.
How to Take Charge of Your Crowdfunding Videos
You have probably watched crowdfunding videos where filmmakers talk about the film they are going to make without showing what they are capable …
Film Production: 3 Tips To Avoid Crying On Set
You need to Create a Plan B for your movie. You need to cover your butt! This filmmaking article provides three tips to help you avoid crying on set.
Thoughts On Film School
In this article, Hollywood film producer Jason Brubaker shares his thoughts on the pros and cons of film school for aspiring filmmakers currently weighing the options between traditional film school (and the price tag) or one of the many hands-on filmmaking education alternatives…
How To Create A Movie Marketing Plan In 5 Minutes
Many filmmakers spend years making their first feature, only to have their hopes of prosperity evaporate at the first sign of rejection and disappointment. The festival circuit can be hard enough. Add thoughts of a non-existent traditional distribution deal, and you might find yourself becoming very cynical.