Film

How to Make Your First Film a Success

Suppose you’re in the process of making your first ever film congratulations. You’ve realized your dream, and you are creating something fantastic, and you’re putting all of your efforts into something that will hopefully get out there into the world. One of the most important rites of passage for a new filmmaker is making that very first film. It’s where you learn all of the tricks of the trade; it’s a massive journey, and it will help you cut your teeth and learn what you accept about the process and what you don’t. 

Filmmaking isn’t easy, and it takes a lot of time, money, and effort to get where you need to be with it. First, you have to research anti-piracy software so that the film you put out there will not be stolen by those who don’t want to pay for it. As an independent filmmaker, you deserve to be paid for the effort and work you create, and that means ensuring it’s not stolen! It would help if you also had the tips below to ensure that you can navigate your way through creating that first film.

  1. Stop daydreaming. There is a certain level of daydreaming necessary when you’re a filmmaker, but you need to stop with the Hollywood delusions of grandeur. If your head is in the clouds, you can’t focus on what you need to learn as a newbie filmmaker. Your first film is your learner piece and yes, you can perfect it, but focus on the now and not the future while you are bringing your film to life.
  2. Look for funding. From crowdfunding to bootstrapping, your film is going to have a budget and you have to stick to it or find yourself out of pocket. Your film is going to need funding and for that, you need to be active everywhere you can so that people can see you and offer you what they can. When you reach your financial goal, make sure that you budget correctly.
  3. Start auditioning. To avoid spending more time and money than you intend to, make sure that you are auditioning the best people as quickly as you can. You need actors, not just people who can say a few lines. Get out there and find the actors looking for a new break, a step up and a chance to prove themselves, as they won’t be as expensive as the established actors out there.
  4. Learn how to create a cinematic experience. If you are creating a film, you can get even more imaginative with the right cinematic experience, and this includes visuals, music, locations and more. You may not have the budget for a green screen and tons of props but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make what you have got stand out. Find the best locations that are visually appealing and hire expert lighting techs to help you to maximize the space.
  5. Seek a compelling script. Lastly, you need to have scriptwriters who can give you an awesome story to engage the audience.

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Todd Smekens

Journalist, consultant, publisher, and servant-leader with a passion for truth-seeking. Enjoy motorcycling, meditation, and spending quality time with my daughter and rescue hound. Spiritually-centered first and foremost. Lived in multiple states within the USA and frequent traveler to the mountains.

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