By Alan Denman
Why do we aspire to be filmmakers? What drives us to pour hundreds of hours into writing a script that may never be made or stand in an icy field at four in the morning to shoot a scene in a film that may never get distribution? It’s not the desire for fame or wealth, although these could be useful if handled carefully. It’s passion, a creative vision we carry inside us, a desire to make up a story, an artificial world, and pretend it’s real. That’s what really drives us. And for all of you who dream of escaping the grind of a mechanical existence there’s some very good news: there has never been a better time for making independent films than now! And here are five reasons why.
1. The present system has reached its limits
Traditionally films are expensive to make. Costs have continued to rise over the years. To recoup their investment films have had to be as commercially attractive as possible. In order to keep their company credit lines rolling and pay their executives, the Studios have established a formula: “tentpole movies” – franchises, many of them based on comic cartoon characters with massive special effects, sets and stunts. Remakes, sequels and prequels also dominate their thinking.
This is way beyond the scope of most filmmakers. Most will never make it to Hollywood and, if you do, you will struggle to maintain your creative integrity in the face of accountants and financiers. You may still dream of becoming part of the Hollywood or UK film fraternity, but you may want to consider an alternative: become an independent filmmaker and be in control of your destiny.
2. Digital technology liberates us
Purists will argue that celluloid makes more beautiful images, but digital technology is here to stay. Thanks to Black Magic, Red, Canon, Panasonic digital cameras, high quality photography is now available for very low cost. You don’t have to send the rushes away to be printed overnight: you can see instantly what you have just filmed. Now with brilliant technology that is improving at an exponential rate we can make a film for a few thousand pounds that, if lit, shot, directed and acted well, will look like a million dollar movie. With a low or micro budget investors are much more likely to get their investment back and the pressures on the producer and director are reduced, allowing for more creative freedom.
3. Online marketing and distribution
Traditionally, most films made do not even cover their costs. A theatrical release is used to promote the sale of a film in other media (DVD, television, VOD, etc), but the cost of theatrical release is prohibitive. Most films will never get this. However, something else is occurring at this time: online distribution. As the technology for the digital distribution of entertainment continues to improve, so online distribution will become stronger – and the market will be global, rather than restricted to certain territories. Anyone anywhere with a computer will be able to download and watch your film. Potentially, what this means is that sales agents and distributors can be bypassed. A producer may only make a small amount for each download, but the potential audience is worldwide. “Creative accounting” by sales agents and distributors in which the producer sees no return for his/her film can at last be a thing of the past.
4. Role boundaries are dissolving
Traditionally, roles in the filmmaking world have been clearly categorized. Directors, producers and writers have been distinct skill sets. However, with the advent of accessible, affordable digital hardware and software there is great opportunity to develop multiple skills – and, in fact, a need to do so if you wish to maintain your independence. Writers can learn about the production process and become producers. Directors can edit their films. Directors, writers and producers can use software to production design scenes. One person can’t do everything and film will remain a collaborative process, but with the dissolving of role boundaries a much more inclusive understanding of filmmaking is occurring and this will lead to more interesting, less genre-led films.
5. New kinds of stories
To continue from this last point, films traditionally have been sold according to genre – thriller, horror, science fiction etc. This is a convention that will change as independent filmmaking continues to open up. Other, massive changes are going on in society – changes in the roles of men and women, scientific discoveries (particles can go faster than the speed of light!), theories of quantum physics, incredible new technologies such as the 3D printer. This is an amazing time to be alive. We can let our imaginations go and imagine anything we want. No more formulaic genre storytelling, thank you!
These in a nutshell are five reasons why this is the best time ever to be making independent films. It’s time to let go of the past, embrace the present and dive into the future. Are you ready? Let’s go.
http://www.raindance.org/site/index.php?aid=9379&
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