Film Industry Insights

Seven years ago I drove out to LA and dove into the mainstream film industry. Since that time, I have come up with three major insights I would like to share with you.

1. Nobody is going to produce your movie (unless you do it first).
Just about everybody in Los Angeles says they have a movie script. These people also say, “I don’t know if I’m going to produce this thing or just sell it.” The reality is, BOTH routes are equally challenging. And most people end up wasting years waiting for someone else to produce their stuff. Stop it! Grab a camera and make something. Seriously. Don’t you dare wait for a producer!

2. Your movie idea is great.
Not all movie ideas are great. But everybody has one, including my doctor, dentist and taxi driver. The problem is, most of these people won’t take the time to get their ideas on paper. The thing is, everybody in the film industry has a movie idea. But ideas are just that – ideas. It is the implementation that matters. So if you find yourself trying to sell an “idea” you are wasting time. Write something. Or get someone else to write something. Then re-read film industry insight #1 above (and take action!)

3. Movie distribution is the barrier to entry.
This one goes out to the veteran filmmakers in our community. Those of you who have actually taken action and made your movie. Firstly, pat yourself on the back. At least you’re not stuck lingering in film industry insight #1 or #2… But you probably discovered something you wish you would have known then – without a clear plan for movie market sales and movie distribution, you are dead in the water. Some good news? Things have gotten better. Companies like my www.MovieSalesTool.com (they pay me) and resources like www.HowToSellYourMovie.com can help you access the marketplace.

Why is this important? Because if you can figure out your strategy for marketing, sales and distribution, you can work backwards and have an clear strategy for overcoming film industry insight #1 and #2 (like most people) – Which means you will finally stop waiting for someone else to give you permission to make your movie business.

Bonus insight for single filmmakers…
Working in the film industry does not improve your dating life. Neither does running one of the most popular filmmaking blogs in the world. So just in case you think the film industry is going to improve your dating, think again. Everybody in LA is in the “film industry.”

Obviously I am not the only person with film industry insights – what are your thoughts? Comment by clicking here (scroll down.)