FILMMAKING STUFF Filmmaking Stuff is a resource for independent filmmakers, including articles on independent film finance, screenwriting, production, movie marketing and film distribution, as well as interviews with Hollywood producers, movie directors, screenwriters and other filmmakers.

Progress through the eyes of a space man. Somehow this relates to filmmaking. Image via Wikipedia

So you want to produce an independent movie? Great. I think this is the best time in history to finally make your indie movie.

Why? Let me provide you with 3 uplifting reasons to help you make your movie now:

1. First, the cost of production has gone down dramatically for micro-to-low budget movies. These days, technology provides ways to get more bang for your buck. You can make your movie look super expensive, add some kick-butt FX and also get an awesome, high resolution image.

Assuming you’re super crafty, stuff that once cost millions can be done for under 10K.

2. Secondly, once you complete principal photography, you can complete your entire post product with the power of a laptop. To give you newbies some perspective – nearly a decade ago, you would originate your content on film, not HD. After that, you would then pay to have the film processed, color corrected, transferred to video, edited and then transferred back to film. You would also handle your sound design in much the same way. (And to really give you perspective, I had to physically “cut” my film on something called a flatbed editor.) UGH.

Anyway – today you can walk to your local Mac store and get a laptop and software that does this for you.

3. And finally, once you have a polished, finished movie, getting your work to the world is much easier. With some good internet marketing and the use of social networking tools, you no longer need a middle-man to get a return on investment. And while digital self distribution is still rough, we are only a few years away from VOD becoming the norm.

Anyway, I hope you are totally jazzed about making your movie. Sometimes self doubt and procrastination can really get in the way of good ideas. If you can help it, don’t let it. Please keep pushing forward. Believe me, there are many people out there making movies and making money making movies that are far less talented than you.

Just believe in your ability to make your movie now. Trust me, when you get to the other side you’ll wonder why you waited so long!

Spread The Word!

Posted under Filmmaking

Image via Wikipedia

In case you haven’t noticed, becoming a professional filmmaker requires persistence, tenacity and an unyielding ability to overcome obstacles and keep going, even when doing so seems crazy… I wanted to share a little tool I have been utilizing for years.

The tool is called the Filmmaking Success Mindset. The FSM is a set of filmmaking declarations that, if repeated over and over every day – will help you condition your thinking for the better. Your thoughts will influence your beliefs and your beliefs will influence your actions. Put enough actions together and you will begin to forge a new life as a filmmaker.

If you like this sort of thing, I have provided a PDF download. CLICK HERE to get it. Print it out and place it on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror. You can then review every day to improve your thinking.

What I think about becomes real.

I play to my strengths. I support my weak areas with talented collaborators.

I take advice from people who have actual experience.

I spend time with people who make me feel better about myself. I always work to make others feel good too.

Following dreams is easier with money in the bank. I save what I can.

I keep an idea book and write down movie ideas as they come my way.

My word is trust. I never break my word.

I deserve Hollywood success because I am creative and passionate.

I always bring my ideas to fruition.

Spread The Word!

Posted under Filmmaking