It is extremely difficult to break into the filmmaking industry with major studios around the world. This is one reason why Indie filmmakers are setting the world on fire. If you are a budding producer or director who would like to get your foot in the proverbial door, it’s time to explore the wonderful world of Indies. It would be impossible to count the number of Indie productions that actually had a larger following than some of the high-dollar films coming out of Hollywood or New York, but in recent years, Indies have become quite popular because they seem to capture the grassroots of the audiences they cater to. Are you looking to make it in Indie film production? Here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Stay Current on Trending and Upcoming Indies
Perhaps the very first thing you should do is research coming Indie productions that are getting a lot of press. Often you will find that they release trailers even long before the final cut is made. Take the time to view as many as possible to see what is trending and how they approach the cinematography in keeping with the majors but on a much smaller budget.
One thing you will want is a computer with a powerful GPU because lags and drops in your viewing will spoil the effect. How can you get a feel for the upcoming Indies if your computer keeps lagging? Check out https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/faqs/intel/intel-graphics/ for the most current families of Intel Graphics Processing Units to ensure you have the speed and power needed for optimum viewing.
Attend Indie Conferences and Premiers
If at all possible, research where there will be Indie conferences and premiers you can attend. Not all are overseas in Bollywood, but you will find a great deal of excitement in the Indie market in Mumbai. That’s a given. In fact, why not take a trip to the place where the Indies first took off and made this a popular way of getting a start in the filmmaking industry? You could use a bit of time away and the food is beyond heavenly there, so don’t deprive yourself there either!
Seek Crowdfunding Sources
In the beginning, you might want to produce a short you can use as a way to showcase your work. This will come in handy when you are trying to find financial backers for your Indie production. Also, have a script ready for review when you begin searching for crowdfunding. There are many crowdfunding platforms, but you may have greater success with those dedicated to filmmaking.
Visit Venues Where Filmmakers Frequent
Although you may not find filmmakers outside Hollywood or New York, it pays to visit places where filmmakers frequent for that cocktail or a bit of networking. While you may not be comfortable walking up and introducing yourself to filmmakers you recognize, you can always eavesdrop a bit to hear what they are saying. It never hurts to get in on industry gossip. You might want to tell your server to send a round of drinks to their table. Chances are they will stop by to offer a word of thanks and that’s where you can introduce yourself and express your appreciation for their work. It never hurts to drop your name as often as possible. This may come in handy at some point in the future when you are seeking the attention of the major studios.
As with any art form, it does take years to perfect but with a diligent effort and a few tips, you really can get your foot in the door. Work hard and have patience. It’s the sure path to success.
