I think one of the biggest challenges writers face is an unrealistic standard of perfection. And as a result, it’s easier to talk about writing without actually writing. So let me offer you a strategy – don’t be afraid to write a crappy first draft. And second to that, don’t be afraid to suck.
After posting the following ROI marketing formula, many people have written to tell me that my numbers are unrealistic. And for the gazillionith time – I get it! Everybody agrees that recouping a 1M dollar budget based on Pay Per Visit advertising alone is an outlandish proposition.
One of the most important filmmaking strategies you must adopt in this era of modern moviemaking is a long term perspective. In years past, filmmakers focused on making one movie, selling it and then moving on to the next movie.
As a filmmaker, it sure is great when you screen your newly produced movie on the big screen. But for many filmmakers, the idea of making movies remains just that, an idea. And sadly, many otherwise great filmmakers will never realize their potential.
Or it may be that in the middle of my script things drag along too slowly–a common problem of first drafts. In that case, reminding myself that the traditional story model calls for escalating conflict can lead to better consideration of how I can add incidents that ramp up the tension and drama.
In years past, filmmakers only self distributed their movies when they had to. It wasn’t a choice! But these days, filmmakers can choose to self-distribute, because 9 times out of 10, making your title available on Amazon and iTunes and other popular VOD marketplaces can potentially pay more than a traditional deal. Because a deal that pays zero is not a deal. (Of course I’m expressing my opinion.)
