The Film Community
There are many ways to make it in the film business. Most of the general public assumes
that the film business is the actors and directors; the people you see on magazine covers.
The film community is small but it also includes all the people working behind the camera
to make the people in front of the camera look good. They are the grips, gaffers, camera
operators, line producers, script supervisor, hair and makeup and on and on and on. The
list is endless. You can have 5 people working on your crew or on a big picture, hundreds,
and sometime thousands.
In a one-person scene, you could have 20 people behind the camera. That's why film is the
ultimate group project. It's the only art form done by a committee of people.
Independent filmmaking.
Nowadays independent filmmaking can mean two things; an independent production made away
from the studios or a production made away from the studios but with the studios money.
A week ago, I attended a premiere in San Francisco for an independent film made and produced
in San Francisco. This project was produced, directed, and written by ONE person.
Yes, one person. I wouldn't recommend wearing so many hats on one project but it's another
way of getting your work out to the world.
This auteur tried the studio and Hollywood system and didn't care for it. Instead of
whining about it, he went to San Francisco and made the movie he always wanted to make.
Granted it took him SEVEN years and a few thousands of dollars, but that's the sacrifice
you have to make.
This movie can't be compare to a Hollywood picture but from a movie-making standpoint, it
was a job well done. That night in San Francisco, the theatre was packed and everyone was
there to celebrate the hard work and sweat that went into the movie.
Seven years for that one night. That's the drive of a filmmaker.
Pros and Cons of Independent film
There are many advantages to making your own film. The obvious one is the creative freedom
it affords you and the obvious downfall is the budget.
Yes, money can be obtained from other places; friends and family, investors, and anyone who
wants to invest in your movie. Most likely, a very dangerous investment, you put your own
cash into the project and bank on selling the film. The chance of getting a distribution
company to pick up your movie and sell it for you is like winning the lottery.
Regardless of the odds, people still go out and make their movie. Edward Burns and Stanley
Kubrick are a few who took the plunge.
Career update
No responses so far from 48 agent mailings and 20 audition letters. It's been two months
and not one audition.
If you had to list all the ways to get into Hollywood and rate the most difficult, acting
would be number 1. Directing would be second and writing third.
More on that next tim. until then, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Written by Charlie Cheng
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