As students we are taught to be independent: to work on our academic studies and gradually move to graduation. As filmmakers we are taught to work diligently to make independent film work. But is this the best way to work?
Back to high scho0l. What if you had a few colleagues with whom you could combines skills. One, lets say, is good at math. Another, perhaps good at history, and you, perhaps good at English Lit? what if each of you took the corresponding tets for each other, ensuring each of you got the combined best mark.
In the world of academia, this would be called cheating, and each of us would each be expelled.
But in filmmaking, it’s totally different. Pooling different talents in pursuit of a single goal is exactly how successful filmmakers structure successful outcomes.
It takes 3 types to make independent film work
Here are the three major types of people you need to launch a career in film:
1. The visionary
Sometimes, in film, called the producer, this person is the one with the vision. Sometimes they see a new way to make films that reach or touch a new audience. Other times they see a gap in the marketplace to create a new type of story. The visionary is willing to take enormous risks to get their vision onto the screen. They are willing to do whatever it takes, emotionally and financially to make their vision real. A visionary knows how to find or guide a writer to make the best possible script. A visionary will understand how to spot a director with the skills and style that best suits their vision. Most importantly too, they know how to assemble the team that works together to make their movie come to life.
2.The specialist
This is the person that who buys into the visionary’s vision has has the specific skill needed to make the idea birth in the best possible form. It could be the director who knows how to enhance the project by adding in visual elements. It could be the designer who creates the poster image, as Robyn Larkin of Bobo Creative does for Raindance Film Festival, as Ufuk as cinematographer and editor Did for this years 2023 Festival trailer.
Another key specialist you need is a cinematographer. Zoran Velkovich shoots many Raindance movies.
However you approach your specialists, they will be interested in three things:
Firstly, payment of course. Secondly, they will want to make sure that your project makes their career look good. And lastly, do they get along with you. Hence the saying, ‘The film industry isn’t what you know, but whom.” Meaning, in addition, the power of networking.
3. The Manager
The manager comes in every day and makes sure that things occur. They make sure that the visionary’s dream is becoming relity. The manger ensures that wach of the specialists have the tools and time to execute their tasks, and generally that the entire project is progressing on time and on budget. On a film set, this person’s title is Line Producer.
The independent filmmaker’s challenge
When you start your journey, you are likely to have to manage all three areas yourself. And if you are like me, you will be really good at one or two of the three areas. But one area can slip through the cracks. The lack of a manager could mean that the festival submissions and marketing of your film slips away. If you are short on speecialist skills, maybe the edit is sub-standard, or the sound improperly produced. And before you know it you will have beaten yourself into a pulp. And this is when people often abandon their dream.
So how can you manage the twin challenges of finding the right balance between people and money?
Try this:
The forcing mechanism
It’s all about developing a system. And to create a reminder of the tasks that need completion no matter how trivial or mundane. Have you ever avoided doing your tax return? Or ‘forgotten accidentally on purpose’ to return a book to the library? I know I have.
Why not make a schedule where you can set tasks, and then measure your success. This should act as a forcing mechanism to make sure you keep your eye on the ball.
Daily: Check your messages, your contacts and manage at least one message on your social media. Keep a list of the things that must be done. And the things that you want to do.
Weekly: Initiate and revise your workflow plan and set targets for the key measurables: ie: script, budget, cast and finance.
Try to set goals that are both short and long term. Achieving something short term is really good for one’s confidence.
Monthly: Email or call all relevant contacts on your Specialist and Manager lists
Quarterly: Contact any relevant helpful contacts who have expressed interest with an update on youyr project
Annually: Send your entire database an update on your progress, as well as relevant news on your upcoming projects.
Once you have decided what needs to be done and when, the only outstanding question is who will help youi get the task done. You might want to outsource some of this work, leaving you time to develop and research new ideas.|
For example, you might need a lawyer to assist with contracts. Or a script editor to help with the screenplay, or a designer to help with the poster and marketing images.
While none of this is cheap, or free, I firmly believe that outsourcing to the very best person you can will pay huge dividends.
Fade Out
Managing your filmmaking career is demanding. But the rewards are sweet.
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