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!

For 10 dollars (Canadian) anyone can become a producer in his movie. Recently Casey Walker decided to make his film totally “climate neutral” too.

Filmmaking Stuff caught up with Casey for a quick interview:

Filmmaking Stuff: Casey, there are many filmmakers reading this who are looking for funding for their movie. I guess you solved that problem. Tell us how?

Casey Walker: Well, I wouldn’t say that I’ve solved every film maker’s problem when it comes to financing, but I’ve found a way that is working for me. Instead of going to the studios or big money people, I’ve turned to the public for assistance. I created a website, mymilliondollarmovie.com to help finance my first film. For as little as $10 (Canadian) people can purchase a frame of my film and become a producer. There are a ton of benifits, and when we sell the film, you get your money back and decide which environmental charity gets your profits. It’s win win win!

Filmmaking Stuff: So if you buy a frame, you become a producer? What does a producer get in return?

Casey Walker: When you buy frames, you become a producer, get a page on our site that you can post links, photos and video to promote yourself, business or own project. You get to participate in the casting process, are entered into some cool contests, and in the end, your money is not only helping me achieve my dream, but will help keep the planet beautiful

Filmmaking Stuff: Did you have to consult a lawyer to offer this investment opportunity to the masses? Or is your financing structured as more of sponsorship?

Casey Walker: I did spend quite a bit of time with lawyers planning this out. It’s not only sponsorship based, but there is a very important charity element involved. And how many charities can you support where you’re donations get returned, and stand a chance of generating further profits for that cause. And the film is wicked funny so that ‘s a plus too!

Filmmaking Stuff: It’s a great innovation on a novel idea. How is the progress coming so far?

Casey Walker: Like anything new, it has been exciting, and there have been a lot of ups and downs. But we are picking up some great momentum and I’m having a lot of fun starting our casting process.

Filmmaking Stuff: I recently saw that Kevin Smith has become a producer and you have the video to prove it. What prompted you to get him involved? Have you heard from him since?

Casey Walker: One of the producers on the project approached Kevin Smith and things just kind of went from there. He is an insanely busy guy, and I didn’t expect to hear from him right away. But I’m sure I’ll hear from him at some point over the next few months, even if it’s just to berate me a little more. I have a lot of respect for what he has achieved and shaking his hand and getting those words of encouragement certainly have been one of the highlights of this project so far.

Filmmaking Stuff: What’s all this stuff in the press? You’re a green filmmaker?

Casey Walker: Yep, I’ve been in this business for 10 years and I’ve seen a lot of waste. I’ve always been conscious of it, but never in much of a position to do anything about it… until now. I wanted to entertain people without it causing damage to the environment, so I’ve spent quite a bit of time researching ways to ensure we don’t leave a big mark on the planet, just to make a movie.

I’ve partnered up with some really cool groups to ensure that our producers have access to certified environmental organizations. And I’m going to start doing weekly webisodes on little things an indie film maker can do to make their set/film green.

Filmmaking Stuff: Many of our readers have not yet made a feature. What advice do you have to newbie filmmakers who are chomping at the bit to get started?

Casey Walker: My advice would be to support your indie community, learn everything you can. and never give up on your dream. But don’t be stupid. Make sure you have a good project to get behind. Then be organized, keep your overhead low and remember, this is a creative business so apply some of your creativity to what ever problems are standing in the way of you making your film.

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For more information, check out Casey’s website: http://www.mymilliondollarmovie.com

Dentists do not always make great independent movie investors. This Image comes via Wikipedia

Often filmmakers get choked up when it comes to finding investors for their movie. Yes, we all know film is a speculative investment, and a bad one at that. Yes, we’ve all heard that a dentist is probably the most likely source of potential investment dollars. And finally, we all know that you need to sell potential investors on the glamor of filmmaking before they will buy into your project.

On top of these factors, if you haven’t noticed, the financial markets are in turmoil. But the good news is, during this financial downturn, you can still spend this time networking. This country is full of wealthy and successful people (other than dentists) who are very kind and generous when it comes to giving advice to young entrepreneurs.

Your job over the next couple months is to get at least one initial meeting with the wealthy guy in town… Every small town in America seems to have at least one wealthy individual. Go meet him or her.

How? Call them up on the telephone and ask for a meeting. Let the person know you are a entrepreneur seeking advice. (Because, lets face it, a filmmaker working to make a movie is an entrepreneur.) Then when you get the meeting, go prepared with about 10 really good questions about how to become successful (not focused on filmmaking, but just success). Take a note pad. And then make a friend. Dress nice. Give a firm handshake.

After you ask the question, LISTEN! Don’t ask for money. Your primary order of business in this initial conversation is to make a friend.

If you focus on a friend first, then someday your friend may be willing to help you reach your filmmaking goals.

Hope this gets you thinking.

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If you are wondering how to get money for your movie – Almost every resource will tell you that you need a business plan. Very few resources will tell you how to actually go out, find prospective investors, qualify them, contact them, get a meeting and build a relationship.

Since getting money for movies was such a frustrating experience for me, I spent the last few months creating: The Independent Producer’s Guide To Financing Your Movie. In it, YOU will gain valuable insider experience so you can avoid my past mistakes, find investors and make your movie. CLICK HERE to learn more.

If you’re a newbie to filmmaking, I’m going to give you the advice I learned early on. This has since become my work and success philosophy. And as you chart your film career, maybe this stuff is worth considering.

1. The person who fetches coffee today, will control the money tomorrow. So first, make sure the coffee is hot. Second, treat everyone well!

2. If the call time is 7AM, get there at 6:30AM.

3. If the work feels overwhelming, ask for more work. Busy people are rewarded.

4. Your word and your work is your reputation. Do not violate this rule. If you agree to do something, you do it. No excuses.

5. If you turn down freelance work, always say: “I’m already booked.” Don’t talk about vacations, etc.

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