Serious indie filmmakers stop at noting until the movie is actually in the can – or these days – in your hard drive. Still if you’ve been working to make movies for any length of time, you know there are days when you hit obstacles, sometimes so seemingly insurmountable that you just want to give up on your project. Don’t do it!
My name is Chris Foster. When I was 19 years old, I was obsessed with making a feature film. The problem was, I only …
In the following filmmaking podcast, I share some thoughts on how we might actually make independent filmmaking profitable again. Specifically, I compare the filmmaking production process to any small business. And I share my thoughts on VOD (video on demand) distribution – and how this sales channel finally gives every filmmaker the opportunity to create multiple streams of movie income.
If this is your first feature, don’t feel bad if you cry. Most filmmakers either lose their temper or cry or both. If you have to cry or lose your temper, call a time out and take a walk. Go somewhere nobody can see you. There is no quicker way to lose credibility than losing your emotions on set—especially a low-budget set.
What’s your biggest indie filmmaking challenge? In this filmmaking article, we explore your biggest challenges and what you can do to overcome them.
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. . .
Part of why filmmaking seems challenging and impossible is because many of us start our career with the belief that filmmakers need a gazillion dollars, tons of experience and an address in Hollywood to make a living as a “real” filmmaker. While this was once true, the new model of movie making allows you to create and sell movies from anywhere in the world.
Without a defined market or an established sales channel, it is difficult to justify financing, which makes it very difficult to pay cast and crew – which, by the way, makes it difficult to produce a movie.
The feature iPhone film Tangerine premiered at Sundance and was picked up by Magnolia Pictures. I loved how these filmmakers took it upon …
Ever notice that the same directors and producers always seem to work with the same filmmaking crew? There’s a reason for it. They know …
As a result of lower priced production equipment, coupled with non-discriminatory distribution, YOU can make, market and sell your movie this year and you don’t need to ask permission.
The traditional independent filmmaking business was defined by a filmmaker finding a script, locating investors, raising money, making the movie and then landing an awesome distribution deal – and living happily ever after. Over the last few years, the entire model of indie filmmaking has gone Topsy-Turvy…