As a filmmaker, selling your movie usually involves traditional distribution – film festivals, schmoozing, phone calls, follow up and a whole bunch of NOs and crappy distribution offers. And even when you get your movie into the market, there are still no guarantees that your movie will be a success. This can be discouraging…
Have you ever wondered how to become a director? As a filmmaker, bringing your vision to life and sharing your story with the world is one of the primary reasons you make movies. Yet very few would-be filmmakers ever take the chance at actually making and directing a movie. Why is that?
One of the first accomplishments most filmmakers check off their list is the short film. If you’ve never made a short film, you’re in luck. Not only are there a gazillion film festivals that offer a short movie program, but with so many websites, like YouTube and Meta Cafe’, you have the ability to reach a global audience.
For those of you planning to crank out some movies, I recommend you start small. Find a few collaborators and assign jobs based on interest. Then grab a camera and complete some micro projects such as music videos, short films and funny sketches for YouTube.
I spoke at the UCLA film school and I got the impression that the next generation of filmmakers are open to new ideas, and new ways of making movies. Thanks to familiarity with YouTube as well as access to affordable production equipment, many modern filmmakers are embracing accessible, non-discriminatory distribution channels without hesitation or excuses.
By now you’ve heard of crowdfunding. But the little secret that nobody is talking about is this – Not all movie projects will get fully funded by the crowd. BUT. . .
