Evolution of Independent Filmmakers

[DeBranne]

The future of independent filmmakers... should become more "popular" I hate to say it that way, but there are SO many people that are not exposed. And really it isn't their fault. America has more "country folk" than city people, country being area's that still do not have internet, if they do, it may not be fast speed. Then, the people that can't afford film, or the people that just are not creative enough to get into it. The beauty of independent film is the idea that it is made from passion for filmmaking instead of money, the filmmaker coming from a place of Love for Film(hmmm, good name for a movie.. it's mine!). I am falling for the idea I could film Anything I want, and IF I film it well, people will enjoy watching it, a big bonus for the True Filmmaker... Though you may think you need a lot of money to film, I am noticing if you have a "special" eye you can pull off beautiful shots with only a camera for your equipment. Creativity, a root to beauty...

[Alexa]

good inspiration points!

[Zak Forsman]

the beauty of being independent is that no one can tell you what to make your film about, or how to make it. there is a great opportunity here for filmmakers to learn the conventions of cinema, then redefine them for themselves to create something unique. something unlike any studio would finance. for example, nearly everyone I know has seen the recent indie musical "Once". and everyone I spoke to about it seems to really love it. that film wasn't even what we'd typically consider "well shot". now I'm not about to dismiss the undeniable artistry of composition, color, lline and light, but most people can't see this. not on a consious level. and no one seems to care (except other filmmakers). anyway, that's just more proof to me that if, first and foremost, you put your heart and soul into the story and characters and conflicts you are exploring, then use that artist's "eye" debranna spoke of to capture and share it, you will find an audience. on the otherhand, if you limit yourself to "emulating" studio pictures, all you're going to hear is how it's like a real movie. and I don't want to be patronized to like that. real creative success will come from embracing the tools afforded to you and making the film that only you could make, and not the film ridley scott would have made with $50,000 and an HVX. my 2¢.

[hoofandmouf]

word.

[35MM SLR Special]

I agree 100%. I will add that a lot of indie films I have seen have never been popular by hollywood's standards, but that does not mean they are not cult classics. For example, the first movie made by John Carpenter was made while he was in college, for almost nothing, but it is an underground cult classic. Can anybody name it?

[spooky138]

Would you be referring to Dark Star?

[spooky138]

... now, can anyone name the cult classic that is quoted below in my signature? Hint* It came out three years after Carpenter's aforementioned film and was another up-and-coming director's first feature. Bonus points if you do NOT use IMDB.

[35MM SLR Special]

bingo spooky138, gold star. alas, i do not know what movie you are quoting without using IMDB, so i will wait until somebody else answers it, or everybody gives up before i ask for the answer.

[OldCorpse]

Lady in the Radiator Song.

David Lynch Eraserhead.

[DC]

I'm all for art and indie films, but to make a career out of it you need to figure out how to get someone to write you a check for what you create. Otherwise, it's just a passionate hobby. Nothing wrong with that though - I mean, if that's what you want to do.

[DeBranne]

Yeah, it's true... something has to pay the bills. My point about the evolution of it, nice if it got that popular you actually did make money! Like I said it Should get popular,.. is there a way??

[DC]

I love the evolution of it, the tools. Someone like me can actually purchase reasonably-priced (high-quality) gear and make films. The downside is that so can a lot of people. So I think it's even harder to make a living. You need to be really on top of your game to shine and stand out from the crowd to earn a career. But if you're talented AND you work hard, you can do it. :)

[TimurCivan]

I'm all for art and indie films, but to make a career out of it you need to figure out how to get someone to write you a check for what you create. Otherwise, it's just a passionate hobby. Nothing wrong with that though - I mean, if that's what you want to do.

There is NOTHING wrong with people appreciating your hard work with a check.


Also, trust me, at this point so many people have been burned by poor quality video services, and i mean poor quality in the sense of "skill/Talent" whatever you want ot call it. not equiptment, that when they find someone with talent they keep calling back, and you get reffered like crazy.

[Zak Forsman]

I'm all for art and indie films, but to make a career out of it you need to figure out how to get someone to write you a check for what you create. Otherwise, it's just a passionate hobby. Nothing wrong with that though - I mean, if that's what you want to do. plenty of indie filmmakers make a living doing what they do. jim jarmusch makes a living at it. hal hartley makes a living at it. gus van sant, the dardenne bros, atom egoyan, all make a living at it. and three years from now, i'll be making a living at it. :Drogar-Love(DBG):

[DC]

I hear you guys. That's exactly what I'm saying. I should have made the distinction between indie film makers making a living from their work and indie filmakers who aren't. Jarmusch, Hartley, Van Sant, etc. all get checks made out to them. Like Timur said, there's nothing wrong with someone paying you for your hard work :)

[ZephyrStar]

Would agree 100% with everything said. The thing that makes it so attractive to me is that never before in history has it been easier to write, produce, shoot, direct, and distribute your own material. The internet provides a way for ANYBODY to get their stuff out there and get it viewed. This not only gets you exposure, but helps you figure out if you're appealing to the masses before you maybe go and sink a ton of money into something. Filmmaking as a casual hobby...it's happening. I myself am gearing up to work on an independent 3d animation. I used to think such things would be very hard to achieve with only ONE person, but after watching several people do it, I know it's possible. All it takes is the dedication and the drive to keep going with it. Anybody ever heard of Makoto Shinkai? :D