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