How I Made 6 Feature Films In 2 Years

How I Made 6 Feature Films In 2 Years

How I Made 6 Feature Films In 2 Years

In 2016, I began the crazy notion of directing and writing my feature films. In my first two years, I wrote a book that’s been published that I turned into a movie and I completed 6 feature films. All totally different genres. I met an incredible mentor who supports me in ways I never thought possible. I spoke on a director panel at the Cannes Film Festival and I have won various awards at various film festivals.

The reason I’m telling you this is not to brag. It’s because I want to show that anything is possible. My next book Filmmaking without Fear, is also completed. This book really explains the ins and outs of making a feature starting from having nothing to a completed project and from my personal experiences including the highs and the lows.

One of the main questions I get asked is “how did I do it?” And “how did you get distribution?” Both are very valid questions. Actually directing the film can be the easiest part.

So I wanted to share a small bit of knowledge that can hopefully help you all become Filmmakers or Storytellers.

How I Made 6 Feature Films In 2 Years

How Did I Do It?

1. I had no fear that’s how. I worked all hours possible on moving my dream forward.

2. I went ahead and did it even if people said things weren’t possible. I found a way of doing it. I wasn’t going to let anything stop me.

3. I started from the bottom and worked my way up. I’m not afraid of hard work, I’m not afraid of failure and I’m not afraid of making something that isn’t brilliant because I want to learn from those experiences. I can assure you, it will never be perfect. I crave learning. I love the fact that every single one of my films has taught me something new.

How I Made 6 Feature Films In 2 Years

To Put it into 3 Easy Steps

  1. I would say find a story you’re passionate about that you want to tell.
  2. Work out the purpose of your film, is it to sell, make a short or just for you?
  3. Then plan how to shoot it based on the purpose.

Surround yourself with other passionate people who have the same goal as you to tell a good story. The hardest element about making films is the post and prepping for distribution. To me, this is all about relationships. I’ve discussed the film with distributors and sales agents before I’ve shot it in case there’s something that will prevent it from being of interest or able to sell. Then I keep them in the loop with everything that I do.

Seeing things through from the beginning concept to the end is important. If you can’t complete it then what’s the point? People will remember you for completing and either selling it or taking it to festivals.

Never give up. Keep on going.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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About the Author

Storyteller Co-Founder - production company Mother & Daughter Entertainment Mind Coach & Healer - Medicine with Words

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15 Comments on Elizabeth Blake's Article

Jacques Philippe
Author, Camera Operator, Casting Assistant, Content Creator, Director, Director of Photography, Filmmaker, First Assistant Camera, Narrator, Production Assistant, Screenwriter, Videographer
Very Inspiring! Thanks for sharing your journey !
a year ago
Pamela Jaye Smith
Author, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Acting Teacher, Script Consultant, Story Analyst
Inspiring, Elizabeth. CONGRATULATIONS! I do like your advice about checking out the market first. Wishing you continuing good fortune with all your creative projects.
a year ago
Catherine Cole
Screenwriter
Thanks Elizabeth! I particularly appreciated how you kept your own journey simple and to the point. Framework so to speak. In my mind, that allows others reading this to take your guidelines and make the journey their own
a year ago
Sherri ZImmerman
Art Director, Author, Craft Services, Graphic Designer, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Translator
Thank you greatly! Taking notes... Elizabeth!
a year ago
Rachel Klein
Director
I was very excited to read this but what are actionable tips? How did you pay for the films? How did they do in distribution? These would be so helpful.
a year ago
Mike Boas
Animator, Editor, Screenwriter
Same questions here.
a year ago
Lee-ann Suddick
Author, Screenwriter
Thank you for sharing
a year ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Love this. So inspiring. And so much this.. "I went ahead and did it even if people said things weren’t possible." We run into negativity and forget that the decision to march forward is up to us.
a year ago
Barbara Dorsey
Producer, Content Creator
I loved everything about this. Thanks for sharing and hope to hear more about your journey!
a year ago
Vince Kumar
Producer, Director
Thank you, Elizabeth Blake
a year ago
Vince Kumar
Producer, Director
Extremely helpful.
a year ago
Vince Kumar
Producer, Director
Thank you, Elizabeth Blake
a year ago
Robin Gregory
Author, Screenwriter, Graphic Designer
So important to be reminded to stay the course. It's like we must persist in humility and passion, knocking on doors of opportunity until they open. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.
a year ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Congratulations on making six feature films in two years, Elizabeth! That’s really impressive! Great blog! One thing that stood out was “Work out the purpose of your film, is it to sell, make a short or just for you?” From a screenwriting standpoint, I need to know the purpose of a scene, line of dialogue, character, etc. Knowing the purposes makes writing the script so much easier. Hope you have an incredible 2024 full of success and accomplishments!
a year ago
Love it!
a year ago
Dalene Stuteville
Screenwriter, Director, Playwright, Producer, Musician, Financier
Amazing! Great job!
a year ago
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