For aspiring filmmakers, independent films have given them a great deal of inspiration. The idea of being able to tell a story free from major studio restraints is amazing. You can make it a reality, provided you’re willing to put in the time necessary. Here are four tips for making a movie worthy of Sundance.
Have a Good Script
Whether it’s a script you write yourself or one you pick up, you need to make sure it’s quality. No matter how good your skills are as a filmmaker, it won’t matter if the script is shoddy. Look at it and see what can and should be changed. There will need to be some revisions, but it will be worth it. You should also make sure your script is filmable. If you commit to something that you can’t deliver on, it could lead to real problems.
Cast Properly
Actors bring characters to life. People who you imagine in books and scripts become flesh and blood thanks to actors. For your film, you need to make sure that you’re selecting your actors well. While there will be many strong actors to choose from, you need to think about your characters. What qualities does an actor need in order to pull them off? During auditions, you need to pay close attention and be as patient as possible. The right actors might not come immediately, but they will eventually.
Use Technology
Independent films aren’t typically special effects extravaganzas, but you can still use technology to your benefit. In post-production, software can be a huge asset for things like color grading. You can look into taking online classes that deal with these tools. You don’t need to be a wizard, but it can definitely help. After all, you want to prove your professionalism.
Be Involved
When making a movie, you want to put your heart into it. Every aspect of the production should factor in your opinion. You should give advice to your actors and make executive decisions about how to film. You should also consider other people’s inputs, but at the end of the day, it’s your movie. You don’t want to compromise your vision.
Making an independent film is an unbelievably rewarding experience. With it, you get the opportunity to tell a story of your own. You want to make sure that you are prepared for a challenging but rewarding journey.