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.

Over the past decade everything in the world of filmmaking has changed – for the better. If you’re an avid reader of Filmmaking Stuff, you know that I’m really excited about all the movie making opportunities that are now possible.

Thanks to advances in both production and distribution, the simple use of an HD camera, a good story and a few clicks of a mouse allows many would-be filmmakers to realize their vision.

And regardless of whether or not you’re making your first feature or your fifth, if you want to make movies professionally, the evident challenge will be measured by your ability to find your audience, build a following and get those folks to exchange cash for the privilege of seeing your work. For many filmmakers, this is easier said than done.

I’ve made this mistake too…

To most filmmakers, prepping a project revolves around actually getting the movie made. And rightfully so. But as a consequence of this focus, marketing a movie and building buzz is usually put on the back burner until post production. And while I’ve been that guy – I’ve also learned that waiting until post production to hit the market is not a good strategy.

To increase your odds of buzz building and subsequent sales success, before you pour your heart and soul into your passion project, I ask that you step back and at least accomplish one easy movie marketing exercise. What is the one thing you can do right from the get-go?

Craft a quick and concise answer to these two classically important questions:

1. What is your movie about?
2. Who is in your movie?

These questions always come up. And based on my experience, a name actor or a strong story hook that immediately paints a picture and provokes a positive or shocked response is good to have.

But if you’re one of the many filmmakers attempting to build buzz around your complicated character driven story, without name actors – I don’t have to tell you it’s tough. Add a convoluted response to these questions and although not impossible, your odds of building buzz in the marketplace will be diminished.

Conversely, having well rehearsed answers to these questions (that you can deliver with enthusiasm) will increase the odds that an emerging fan could potentially (easily) explain your movie to other people – with or without the quintessential indie queen  Zooey Deschanel attached.

And that’s what word-of-mouth is all about.

Then once your story platform is established, all your movie marketing tasks such as, branding, and creating consistent colors, logo, font, DVD cover, poster, website and putting a focus on your target audience will be much easier to define and faster to implement.

So I’ll end today’s thought with two questions: What is your movie about? And who’s in it?

Spread The Word!

Posted under Distribution

Charlie Day -- Image via Wikipedia

As a filmmaker, getting a project off the ground is often easier said than done. From day one, you are faced with a seemingly never ending barrage of challenges like how to get money, how to actually finish what you start, and importantly – how to sell your project… A project that has no guarantee of success.

Faced with this level of uncertainty, it’s not surprising why many would-be filmmakers and producers give up before they get started.

But thankfully there are some creative types who face these challenges, go the distance and come out on top.

Today we are going to focus on one such story. It’s a true story about a group of friends who had a great idea, limited resources and no budget. (Sound familiar?) But what these friends lacked in cash did not in any way hinder their creativity. And thankfully so.

The television show they created is called Always Sunny in Philadelphia and it has become one of the biggest hits on American television.

Charlie Day is an actor, writer and executive producer of the hit series, and he took a few minutes to stop by Filmmaking Stuff to chat about the show.

Jason Brubaker
Hi Charlie. Thanks for stopping by today to share some thoughts.

Charlie Day
Sure. No problem.

Jason Brubaker
Can you tell us how you shot the pilot? Is it true that you guys came up with a few ideas, grabbed a camera and did it all for $200.

Charlie Day
The only cost was the cost of video tape really.

Jason Brubaker
Wait… You made the pilot for the cost of video tape? Did you at least have a script? Or was it mostly improv?

Charlie Day
There was a script too. We did improv off of the script.

Jason Brubaker
Originally Always Sunny revolved around a bunch of out-of-work actors trying to break into the industry. But if I understand correctly, the network made some tweaks and set the story in Philadelphia.

Charlie Day
Well let’s get one thing straight. We are the producers so we changed it. However it was the Network’s suggestion that we do so and I think it was a good one. There were already too many shows about the entertainment industry at that time.

Jason Brubaker
Was the initial story idea autobiographical?

Charlie Day
Ours was not really autobiographical at all. Maybe we used our real names or referenced a show that we were one but outside of that it was all fiction.

Jason Brubaker
Once you had a cut, did you shop the show to other networks before the eventual deal with FX?

Charlie Day
I think we went to Comedy Central, HBO, NBC, VH1 and Fox as well.

Jason Brubaker
Then once things got rolling with FX, you guys ended up with over a million viewers in your first season! Were you surprised by the positive audience reaction?

Charlie Day
We were always proud of our show and expected people to like it. So surprised, no. Pleased yes.

Jason Brubaker
So to put this in perspective, you guys had an idea, grabbed a camera, created a hit TV show… And then one day Danny DeVito decides to join the cast.

Charlie Day
Well it was not a hit when Danny joined the cast. We were looking to boost ratings and get a press story by adding a well known cast member. We got lucky with Danny.

Jason Brubaker
With the addition of Danny and the added exposure that he brought, there had to be some question of what would happen next. Did you feel like your life was about to change?

Charlie Day
I didn’t feel like my life was going to change. If anything I was hoping it wouldn’t ruin the show. We didn’t know what Danny would be like as a person. It turned out he is as great an actor as he is a person. Like I said, we got lucky with Danny.

Jason Brubaker
Now you’re headed into the 6th season of the show. Yet each episode remains entertaining, funny and totally off-the-wall. How are you guys able keep the story fresh and interesting?

Charlie Day
There’s just a lot of things that make us laugh. And the more we get to know the characters the more fun it is to write for them. It also helps that we are working with some other talented writers.

Jason Brubaker
Would you say the creative process has evolved a lot since the pilot?

Charlie Day
Well since the pilot, yes. It takes a lot more work to do 60+ episodes.

Jason Brubaker
Some people now describe the show as a cult hit. Is there an initiation ritual to join?

Charlie Day
Just watch the show and join the cult!

Jason Brubaker
What advice do you have for filmmakers and other would-be producers who still think they need a gazillion dollars to garner success on their projects?

Charlie Day
If you can get it, great. If not find another way. There’s no one way to make a hit.

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If you enjoy a laugh and you are not yet watching Always Sunny in Philadelphia, you need to be. To find out more about the show, click here for the official website

Spread The Word!

Posted under Interviews with Hollywood