Filmmaking used to be about making films, period. A filmmaker’s job was to make a film. But with the new and exciting age of the Internet filmmaking is not only what it used to be and producing a film is just a part of that process. In reality, making a film is getting easier but…
Things Filmmakers Usually Forget to Include in the Budget
For an indie filmmakers budgets are often tight and in order to pull the production off, we cut everywhere and everything, often forgetting to include the following: 1. The general rule of budgeting is to have 10% – 15% of your budget put aside as contingency money. During my production of “Anna & Modern Day…
When You Are New to Filmmaking, You Should…
1. Pay constant attention to what is happening in the business. Find few of news publications you like reading and check them on a daily basis. I’m not asking you to read every article but check the headlines and see what is in and what is out. 2. Learn, learn and learn even more. This…
What Is the Director’s Job Once the Film Is Finished and Ready for Distribution?
Once the final cut of your film is ready, you need to start marketing, promotion and distribution activities. I believe that marketing and promotion of any film should begin during the production, but I also realise that trying to cover marketing and promotion while making an independent film is not as easy as it sounds….
What Does the Director Need to Do During Post-Production?
My personal, post-production list usually includes the following and in that order: 1. Give myself at least a week off and away from the project. 2. Start watching the footage and making notes. 3. Start choosing the takes I like the most. 4. If I edit myself, start assembling scenes. 5. Start assembling sequences. 6….
What Does the Director Need to Do on the Film Set?
Once on the set director’s job is pretty straightforward. No, no I’m joking; it’s far from that. As a director on the film set you need to: 1. Make decisions and often fast, usually, your choice will have serious implications for the whole film (no pressure). You need to be decisive; the crew members, as…
What Does the Director Need To Do Before Going into Production?
I remember the stress and pressure I felt when I was going to direct my first film. I was still a film school student, trying to figure out what means what in the film world. I knew very little of what my job required from me but as with everything you live, you work, and…
Can You Successfully Self-Distribute a Feature Film on Your Own?
In my opinion, the answer is no; you can’t successfully self-distribute your film on your own. Distribution requires a long-term commitment from the filmmaker/s as well as the distribution team, which needs to be assembled to have chances of running a successful campaign. Simply speaking, the amount of work and the logistics effort required to…
Why Making Short Films Is Worth Your Time?
1. Making short films gives you the practical experience on the set you need to become a successful director. Every time you make a short you become more confident in yourself and your abilities and this business is all about confidence. 2. You practice your storytelling techniques. Storytelling is not only about technical abilities or…
How Do I Write My Scripts?
1. I have my initial idea. I don’t need to know what is going to happen from the beginning to the end. I just have an idea and play around with it in my head. 2. I search for my characters’ names around me and inside me and come up with some necessary information. I…