Recently James Murdoch said that theatrical window “is gone for good”. If it’s true, what that means for us, indie filmmakers and content creators, who rely on video/film as part of our creative work? Well, this is what I think will happen: Film/video distribution will become more democratised and having films screen only in theatres…
What Is at Stake for Your Character?
If the character in your story doesn’t want anything, doesn’t have any goals, and not much is at stake for them for not reaching those goals, you’re risking that your story will feel flat and forced. If the stakes aren’t high enough (something to motivate, push your character to take decisive action to reach their…
Writing A Screenplay: The Main Character
As writers, we all know that our audience (readers first, before the screenplay can be turned into a film) need to care for the main character. If they don’t… well, the script will be disappointing for them and, most likely, that will be a pass. Remember that some people care for characters and others don’t….
A Short List of Useful Marketing Tips & Hacks (part 2)
1. Your marketing’s starting points:— What are your marketing objectives?— Are you trying to launch a new product?— Are you trying to enter a new country?— Are you trying to win over customers from a competitor? 2. Sample ideas for blogging (blogs and articles which are going to be a part of your content creation initiative to raise awareness of your…
What Are the Essential Elements That Make Screenplay Work?
Having time to develop your story is a blessing, especially when you are driven by inspiration and the urge to tell the story in the purest of its form. As long as you can stay connected to that need, don’t overanalyse your story; it might work to your disadvantage. Let the writing flow. However, when…
Let’s Talk About Titles
The title is one of the most crucial elements of your screenplay. There are entire books and blogs devoted to creating and coming up with mind-blowing titles. In our daily life, attractive and catchy titles increase the odds of us picking up a book, reading an article, or watching a video. Unfortunately, nowadays, people don’t…
Final Thoughts on Producing My Low Budget Feature Film
FILM FESTIVALS AND FRUSTRATION THAT ARE IRREVOCABLY PART OF THIS PROCESS As some of you probably know by now, film festivals are a costly part of the filmmaking business. I have submitted Anna to over 30 festivals and didn’t get accepted to even one.Yes, it was depressing, frustrating and hard to take at times. Some…
Why Should You Pitch Your Screenplay Idea Before You Start Writing the Screenplay?
Every screenwriter is hopeful that their story can be turned into a multi-million-dollar franchise. It has happened before, but this delightful miracle is as likely as winning a lottery or maybe even less; hmmm…? However, if you are still certain and not discouraged in the slightest, the first thing you will need to do to…
How Did the Post-Production of My Feature Film “Anna and Modern Day Slavery” Go?
MARKETING & PROMOTION At first, I tried to keep everyone who was directly involved, or who contributed to my film, in the loop with emails, tweets and FB posts. But when life demands started crowding me, I needed to focus on my main priority. At that time it was delivering the final cut. During the…
How to Come up With a Hook for Your Screenplay?
For a reader, filmmaker, producer or an agent to become interested in your screenplay, you need to find a “magical” way to grab their attention. In reality, no one will devote even five minutes of their time to your project if their interest hasn’t been tickled. And, the easiest and the fastest way to do…