Filmmaking is one of the few industries where the professional knows they need a fleet behind them, but the independents believe they can do it all on their own.
I’m not saying that one person cannot do a lot in the independent filmmaking world, but why would you? You cannot be an expert at everything. It’s true that very technical people can carry a lot of the load, but trying to carry the full load can drag you, and your project, under.
Right where you are, there are tons of people who are waiting for someone to step up and get something going. Just run an ad in CraigsList, and see the response you get.
Here’s my two cents. Get a team behind you. At minimum you are going to need:
1. Writer – If you are technical, usually you are not the best person to come up with the storyline. Don’t take this negatively; think of it as streamlining your craft. It’s better to be great at a few things than good at a lot.
2. Producer – This person has to be great with people. News flash – without the producer, there will be no filmmaking. Many filmmakers try and be it all. A producer can bring in funds, make introductions, recruit a great team, and then help manage that team. This person also needs to keep his eye on marketing, and how you plan on getting your film out there. If you make a great film but no one knows about it, who cares?
3. Technical – I would say this is about 90% of indie filmmakers out there today. They are the crew for production, usually as the Director/DP, and then they take on the entire post-production process as well. Meaning they film the movie, then they edit it, they do the VFX, sound design, etc. While you need others production and post-production, you should consider the following:
o Sound – Get someone to take great production sound, and to assist you with post-production sound design.
o VFX – The better your visuals, the higher the production value.
o Gaffer – Find that right person to make sure your lighting is correct. Outdoors they are not crucial, but indoors they are invaluable.
4. Score – There are way too many great musicians out there, not to be taking full advantage of what value they add to your team.
5. Actors – The world is full of wanna-be actors waiting for their chance. Give it to them!
Filmmaking is a team effort. And there are many people out there who want to say they worked on a film at least once in their lifetime. The more professional you treat your project, the more others will respond in kind.
Best of luck and keep us posted how your filmmaking adventures go! Until then – Express Your Indie!!
