Filmmaking Fans

            There are a lot of people I know that complain about the films that are coming out of Hollywood, and yet when I ask them what is the last independent film they went and saw to support they cannot name even one. But when asked what studio film they saw last, they rattle off films even from the past opening weekend.

            If you are a true fan of something, the worst thing you can do is be passive. There is so much white noise out there with all of the distractions it’s a wonder that anything without a major budget makes it at all. If you enjoy fantasy films, get out there and enjoy them, enjoying them equals supporting them!

            I have some good friends that love to listen to audio books. And when they find a good one, they let all of their friends borrow their CD. That is the worst thing a true fan can do. Think of it this way – your money is your “vote” to keep whatever you love going. Be it a film, book, or band. Independents do not have deep pockets and the only way they’ll survive is if you get out and vote for them. Let others know about it and then encourage them to buy a copy of their own.

            Fan engagement is down so much that in order to get just a few fans into action – indie filmmakers must spend a ton of resources to spur them into action and even then if you get 20% you are doing great. It’s a good time for indie filmmakers and yet a hard time. Good in the sense that the price of equipment has dropped significantly, the digital age of acceptance is upon us and the distribution platform is ever expanding. It’s a hard time for us as there is so much content out there all competing for the elusive fan.

           

            I believe there are 3 types of “fans”. The first is just someone who is passively interested in your film (The Looker). The 2^nd will like your fan page and may buy your DVD, but not much more than that (The Seeker). The 3^rd is the most important, but is so hardest to achieve, and that is an ambassador of the film (The Doer). Ambassadors will like your page buy your DVD and most importantly they will share your film with their friends and actually engage you when you post things or ask questions, and will be a voice for the film. They are the life-blood of indie filmmakers.

So should you find yourself enjoying an indie film/book/band/game – get out there and help spread the word and vote with your dollar!

           For without you we are nothing. 

Be slow to be a Critic

            Have you noticed that people have become very comfortable with being critical? We all love the brutal honesty of Simon Cowell on American Idol – he brutally crushes people. It makes for good ratings. But is that what we all need – another critic? I have found that most times, artist really are not looking for feedback, but are really looking to say, “Hey, look at what I did…” Most times, by the time the artist shows their work; it’s well beyond the notes/feedback portion. People generally have no idea what it would take to incorporate some of those notes. And how much blood, sweat and tears went into it. A minor “just FYI, thought” would take huge effort to make it happen. I have a film that is complete and on DVD and yet from time to time I still get “notes” (suggestions) on editing it. It goes something like, “You know, I really would have…” Well, that ain’t gonna happen.

            I noticed that people are ready to be critical in doing my documentary (www.USA30Days.com). People were willing to talk right off the street and no matter the subject, people were very opinionated as though they were a subject matter expert. They were quick to give harsh feedback and ready to disagree. Being critical I’m afraid is starting to be in our DNA.

            I would say that we live in a very critical age. As an independent filmmaker, I’m not too excited about this. There is no apple to apples comparison. My film will be compared to Spielberg’s. On one hand, I get it – I need to find a way for my film to be excellent – but on another note, what might I do with a huge studio level budget?

            Now, sometimes artist are looking for honest feedback and should you be one of the lucky ones that get to offer feedback or notes; I have one thought for you – go easy. Artists pour their souls out and art is subjective in nature. The “hardest” artist – has feelings. Recognize this can be subjective and allow the artist the freedom to take your feedback or not. Also, don’t just give the negative. Use the sandwich approach – say something positive, something constructive, and end with something positive.

            If you feel you must be that critic – I encourage you to pump the brakes and sometimes its best just not to say anything at all. Nod and just appreciate their effort.

It is not the critic who counts,
or how the strongman stumbled and fell,
or where the doer of deeds
could have done better.

The credit belongs to the man
who is actually in the arena,
who knows the great enthusiasms,
the great devotion,
and who spends himself
in a worthy cause.

If he fails,
at least he fails while daring greatly,
so that he may never be
one of those cold and timid souls,
who know neither victory nor defeat.

- Theodore Roosevelt

Squirrelly – be who you were born to be.

Good ole Squirrelly played by Jayme Bell is one of the funniest characters we have for The Fellows Hip. Not only was it well written by Scott and Christopher, but was well executed by Jayme. When Jayme auditioned, we knew pretty quickly we had our man. Jayme was one of the first people we ensured we got locked down to take on the roll. Jayme had us cracking up, right from the start. However he’s just not all about laughs. Just like all of our characters, Squirrelly goes on a journey of his own to find out who he is.

                *Spoilers* Starting out, Squirrelly thinks he’s the every man (much like the characters from the hit show “Big Bang Theory”). He believes he is a lady’s man, a great leader with superb marksmanship skills and a guy who knows how to rough it. What he finds, much like Nate, is who he was born to be. He is the opposite of the fake persona he wants everyone to think that he is. But through this journey/this test – he reaches deep within himself to find out the truth. And in this, he begins to embrace what he originally believes are weaknesses. He finds that these are who he really is, and can now be used as strengths.

                Once he’s able to do this, he finds out that he can now embrace who he was born to be. And, if you stayed through the end, you find out how he’s rewarded…

                If you have a geek in your life, like my wife does, than just like Squirrelly – encourage them to embrace who they are and you’ll help them find that there’s a little bit of geek and hero in all of us.

How to find out who’s really in charge of a film?

Filmmaking is a team sport, but who’s in charge? Well, there are many people who make it happen, but at the core are the producers. The producer is the one who shepherds the production from start to finish. And there are many variations of producers: executive producer, producer, co-producer and associate producer.

An “executive producer” is usually someone who secures at least 25 percent of the film’s budget. He or she rarely has any creative control over the project or much involvement beyond funding. An executive producer also can be involved in several projects at one time.

A “co-executive producer” generally applies to a studio exec or distributor who has financing involved as well. 

A “co-producer” works under the producer and helps with casting, financing and post-production.

A “line producer” is the person on set who primarily supervises the budget and business issues, generally staying clear of the creative aspects.

An “associate producer” is given usually as a position of reward or favor for a job well done. The title can be offered for many reasons from funding to incentives on set or during production.

The “producer” is the one who brings on a writer and assists with developing an idea, buys a script or secures rights. He or she often hires the director, supervises casting, and assembles a crew. The producer oversees the budget and then coordinates the post-production work—everything from editing, to hiring a person to score the film, to encouraging the talent to promote the movie however they can.

In the independent world, the producer is the one who finds the money and makes it all happen. There’s a new rising responsibility to the producer role for indies, however. A producer also should be someone who can keep his or her eye on the prize by helping develop an audience for the film early on in the process. He or she bangs the drum and lets the world know the film is out there.

The only thing from preventing you from making your project happen might be finding the right producer.

TFH: At Look into the character Nate Bingley – Fearful to Fearless

**Spoilers**

Now that I (Ron) have had some time to reflect on our film, “The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers,” I find that one of the characters I really have enjoyed has been Nate Bingley, played by Cole Matson. For a film, a character changes at least three times. That’s once when you write him, once when the actor owns him and once then in the editing room by how the editor (Brian) portrays him.

Who is Nate? Nate is a scaredy-cat; one who is a momma’s boy and never wants to leave home. He’s happy where he finds himself. He’s not the adventurer… or so he thinks.

But it’s through the love of his friends and his loyalty that he is called out of his comfort zone. He must leave his safe haven to right a wrong. When he is thrown into the adventure, he is at first excited and ready for the challenge. But at the onset of his first test, he almost falls apart. With each step doubt creeps in. That is until he is introduced to the life of a hippie. There he begins to see who Nate is all about. He shows through his monologue that he has come to realize that life is meant to be lived, and he’s going to “suck the nectar out of life and drink down every last drop.”

Nate “gets it” and knows this could be the adventure of a lifetime. He who was fearful has become fearless. He begins to embrace his destiny and become the man he’s always meant to be. He puts aside the fearful gamer and begins to embrace the fearless explorer.

Isn’t that who we should strive to be like?

Earn the Title. Stay Motivated. Be Responsible.

Through the years of being a filmmaker, I’ve met several self-proclaimed filmmakers. Upon further investigation, I find out they actually have never made a film, but really want to. Well, I hate to disappoint, but in my book that’s not a filmmaker; it’s more of a film enthusiasts. You have to earn the title by doing a film. It’s hard work, and it’s better not to take that title for granted. Filmmakers give up so much to make a film. They struggled, worked hard and power through to make a film. I’m convinced that unlike the “one ring” in “Lord of the Rings” “wants to be found,” as Gandalf describes, a film is just the opposite. A film doesn’t want to be made; it fights you at every step of the way. Only the few complete a true full-length feature film (narrative or documentary). Those few know what I’m talking about. It’s not for the faint of heart, nor is it a simple title given away and used lightly; it’s one that is earned.

And, being a filmmaker is like working out at the gym. I was looking around this weekend at all the many other people in the gym with me. They weren’t the elite bodybuilders. Most of them were out of shape, but there they were going for it right along with me. No matter how out of shape they were, it was their effort that motivated me. I actually had a better work-out because of their exerted effort. Surround yourself with motivated individuals, and you will find yourself rising to new heights. Filmmaking is tough, so it’s critical that you stay motivated. You got to go for it, but in the right way. Wildly going for it is a crazy persons’ game and for the young.

I’m not 21 anymore. When it comes to working out, I have to ease in, not just jump in all crazy like. I have to go into working out, and filmmaking, with responsibility. Lately, I’ve talked to filmmakers that are willing to go “all in” on their first shot. They are willing to give up everything and risk their family’s welfare along with it. This is just rash, and even false bravado. I fully understand the urge and desire to prove you have what it takes, but, keep in mind, most films will never return a profit to their investors. I know we think we have “the one” idea that will change the way film is done, but in case you don’t, there is nothing showing a little responsibility when you make a film.

If you do these things, it still won’t be easy, but before you know it you might just have a film and be a filmmaker.

What do I need to do to get (re-)started in filmmaking?

A friend of mine recently reached out to me and asked, “Help, I don’t know how to get back involved with filmmaking!” She is a great writer, but due to life’s circumstances, she has not written anything for a long time. She is now married with two small children that demand her attention. She had given up her writing to pursue her dreams of becoming a wife and a mother – very noble things. But, the passion in her heart for filmmaking never ceased. She was able to keep it at bay for awhile, but recently it’s called her gently out of her Hobbit hole. She does not share this same calling with her family, so it takes being around other creative people to help foster this longing.

I can totally relate, but for people like us we can never leave filmmaking on the altar for long. It’s more of a calling than a desire to just do film. Our goal is not a hobby, but a profession. But, she had been out of it for so long, she no longer knew where to look. Here’s what I offered her, which can be for a writer, actor, or filmmaker:

1. Find the local 48 Hour Film Project in your area. http://www.48hourfilm.com/ - they have them all over the world. People take them very seriously and really give it their all. I was very impressed about the team I found myself on. Or there are others, like the 168: http://www.168project.com/

The point here is really to surround yourself with filmmakers – reach out and make connections. Plus, you get to say you actually completed a project – how many writers/actors/filmmakers can say that?

2. I was a little skeptical about this next idea, but when I attended one – I found 25 other local filmmakers just like me. Check out the MeetUps in your area: http://www.meetup.com/.

The group had gear and desire – they are still meeting today making projects.

3. Just about every college out there has some type of film program. Look within their communications department. You can either a) take a class, or b) volunteer for student projects. Just reach out to them, let them know what you can do, and be a contributor when you get a chance.

4. Use social media to find filmmakers – from YahooGroups, to Google+, to Facebook (of course). Filmmakers know other filmmakers.

I have found most people out there have a desire to make things as professional as they can and they are willing to sacrifice for it. If you can't find a group in your area, I encourage you to step up and start a group then (be a producer). You never know, you might find yourself taking 30 days off work and doing a feature!

Here’s to making next year about doing projects!

What other advice would you have offered? Leave a Comment and share!