6 Tips for Independent Filmmakers Just Getting Started

Creating a film is not an easy task. It requires skill, dedication, creativity and innovation to imagine what a movie should look like and then bring that idea to life. Once completed, though, it’s an exciting feeling of accomplishment.

Independent filmmakers around the world continue to produce high-quality productions that grab the attention of millions of viewers. If your dream is to be one of those filmmakers, we have six tips to help you get started in the independent film world.

Spend More Time Perfecting the Script

As an independent filmmaker, you don’t have the same budget that a high-end Hollywood production has. Even if the script isn’t anything spectacular in those films, they can turn the movie into an award winner through special effects and the cast.

Unfortunately, you likely don’t have the same budget. So, how can you make your film just as good with less money? By focusing on your script. Draw the viewers in by telling a story in a way that keeps everyone hooked until the end.

Get Creative With the Poster

Each film has a poster used for advertisement. Allow yourself to get creative with your advertising by using graphic design online software to make your edits. Many online options are free to use or cost very little money. You can create an award-winning poster on a small budget.

Be Realistic With Your Filming Approach

The budget for independent films is typically tight, which means you don’t have a lot of time to spare. Because of this, you must be realistic with your filming approach. The longer you rent equipment and have to pay staff, the more expensive your film gets. Focus on a filming technique that you’re comfortable with to get the job done.

Create an Itinerary

The last thing you need is for your two-week project to take two months because there wasn’t a concrete filming plan. Before you begin production, create an itinerary of the filming days. Clearly state what needs to get done at what time of day and who is involved in those scenes. Doing this will help keep the whole crew organized and on task and avoid going months past your due date.

Take Multiple Shots

Don’t be afraid to take multiple shots of the same thing. The last thing you need is to find out in editing that the shot you thought was perfect, there was something in the background that shouldn’t be there. Then, you need to gather everyone again to repeat the scene.

Instead, do multiple takes. When it comes time to editing, you’ll be thankful that you did.

Stay Focused on the Project

If there’s anything to take away as a beginner filmmaker, it’s to stay 100 percent focused on the project at hand. Getting distracted by other tasks, going out for drinks at the end of the day, or taking time off in the middle of shooting will only cause you to fall behind.

It’s in the best interest of the film for you, the filmmaker, to stay in the right mindset the entire time. As tempting as it is to celebrate the end of a long day, wait until you’ve wrapped up all of the filmings for the celebrations to begin.

Creating independent films isn’t always easy, but it can be very rewarding. Stay focused, dedicated and organized, and you’ll be on the right path to creating a successful film.