Filmmaking / Directing : Self-producing by Neo Bryce

My advice is - and I realize if you start production next week, some of my advice may not be in time for this feature - understand that you will never get this time back. That goes for the filming of it, so you better get what you need in principal photography. DON'T say, "We'll fix it in post." Even IF you have permits and signed contracts, shoot as if you are about to be kicked out at any moment. Get what you absolutely need first. Get enough coverage, but not too much. Have a REASONABLE SHOT LIST. Generally, the rule of thumb on a low-budget indie is your master and your two close-ups. Don't have an excessive shot list that you're not reasonably going to get to and the next thing you know you're in danger of not making your days and even getting the bare minimum. BUT, get exteriors and establishing shots and cut-aways. You're going to eventually want distribution on this feature and the best way to do that is get some recognizable names and faces for the poster, which should be a professional poster that at least, resembles a studio film with the correct positioning of credits and the correct font at the bottom. You should have a producer to help you through production, that has experience and a track record coming in on budget, with relationships to some actors' whose names - and faces - mean something to distribution. Who has relationships with said distributors and film festivals and even the media to get you some positive press and hopefully positive reviews. By the time you cast your film with non-recognizable names and faces, and shoot it, you will never get this time back. Make sure you have a top-notch D.P. One who has a top-notch camera. My advice is DON'T shoot it yourself. And, DON'T edit it yourself - hire an editor. And, DON'T produce it yourself. Have an experienced producer guide you to the Finish Line. Have a plan, targeting specific festivals that match your film, which should include local and second-tier festivals that can be a real help to grow your film's audience. Have specific distributors and specific windows of distribution targeted, as well as potential content aggregators. Again, so many indie filmmakers make these films with people you've never heard of - breaking all the rules - and then wonder WHY it's so hard to get distribution. But, it's not too late at this point. Because you see, you will never get this time back. Think about it, before principal photography. Hope this helps. Break Legs! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! ;)

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