7 Challenges Facing Independent Filmmakers

Having attended so many film festivals have been very keen and observant. I have come to realize that many indie guys go through hell to produce a short. After sharing with so guys I learned a lot and I decided to air out their problems which included the following.

 1.  The digital revolution has flooded the market

Fact: Cheaper digital production methods have helped create more product than buyers. There are so many Cameras out there in the market but my advice is that don’t go for cheap cameras because the  Quality is the bottom line for your production.Drls are affordable and their quality is magnificent

Strategy: Make certain your movie is genre specific. Genre is the only way that a film buyer and the marketing manager of a distribution company can quickly visualize the movie poster, trailer and marketing campaign. Never forget that distributors buy genre, not drama.

2. Online distribution is becoming common place

Fact: Since the introduction You Tube it has become common place for everyone one to share their videos. It has also brought in the avenue for illegal online distribution which affects both film industry and the music industry.

Strategy: At this stage you need to develop a hybrid distribution channels and strategy that comprises traditional cinema/DVD/television releases with online distribution. For great HD Videos you should consider using Vimeo.

3. Hollywood is running out of Ideas.

Fact: The industry has been dominated by the same people and they are getting bankrupt of ideas.

Strategy: Successful filmmakers are visual storytellers using moving images to tell their stories. First of all you need is to come up with fresh ideas in order to compete with the mainstream integrate new techniques both in terms of storytelling and visualization will make your movie more stronger. For example you can come up with an App for your film.

4. Limited Distribution channels.

Fact: It’s one of the biggest problems facing many indie filmmakers. The mainstream uses production houses like SONY, IMAX, Paramount Pictures,Fox Theatres, Columbia Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Disney etc…The indie producers are left with a few chances like using online platform, and film festivals. It’s also a tricky affair because in many festivals you will be required to pay money for submitting your film for selection and also it might not be selected for screening.

Strategy: Smart filmmakers will learn how to come up with new ways of marketing and distribute their work. You can even do a campaign online and also approach successful producers and show them your work, if it’s good enough you will definitely get help.

5. Economic Quagmire

Fact: with recent economic stalemate in Europe and America it has translated into public sector budget cuts, dampening the government chances of using public money to fund films.

Strategy: Filmmaking should be commercially workable without the need for public funding, and film budgets need to stand the scrutiny of investors seeking cost-effective production, as well as a reasonable rate of return. It’s high time the industry had its own funding channels like finance trust, Banks giving loans to producers etc.

6. Lack of funding

Fact: Funding is hard to get and its one of those challenges facing many people out there. You might be having a good idea but to have someone believe and trust in the investment it’s very hard to find especially if it’s you first production.

Strategy: Until the script is fully developed, a movie should not be made.

7. Film producers need to be involved with social media.

Fact: Social media is here to stay and has become an important tool in our day today life. This has a vital significance to any underground video maker simply because you can use it to your advantage without having to spend a single penny to publicize you movie.

Strategy: The film industry will definitely embrace any filmmaker, photographer, writer, director or producer who has a strong vision and clearly defined social media strategy.

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