The dilemma that the Majority of Independent Filmmakers face on a regular basis

One day you have an idea for an amazing film. You know it will change the world, shock society out of its slumber and in general, ROCK! What next? Well, hopefully you’re independently wealthy and can take the next two years off work to research, write, produce, and distribute your film. If you’re not independently wealthy and have to pay rent, student loans, and bills AND keep yourself fed every month, things get a bit more interesting.

This is the dilemma that the majority of independent filmmakers face on a regular basis. You just want to make your film but somehow need to make a living at the same time.

I don’t claim to have the solution to this conundrum yet but I’ve certainly been searching for it. Here is a quick list of the options I’ve identified so far.

1. Take a job in television. If you work for 6 months you should be able to save enough to take 3 months off paid work. 3 months isn’t enough time to get your film made but you should be able to get a solid chunk of the research and writing done. If you’re lucky you’ll get a couple of grant applications out the door before you have to return to work.

2. Get a good part time job and spend the rest of your time working on your film. This is a good option that will provide a lot of balance to your life. The downside is that it will take you twice as long to make your film if you can only work on it 2-3 days a week.

3. Move home to your parents house and live in their basement. They love it when you do that.

4. Try to convince an established company to take on your film and then approach the broadcasters. Together you could raise several hundred thousand dollars from the Broadcasters, Telefilm, and government tax breaks. It will be tricky for you to maintain creative control if you’re not an established filmmaker with a solid record. Also, there will be pressure at every stage of the process to make your film more appealing to the broadcaster and television audience. If you’re making something Radical and Mind-Bombish, it might end being….less radical, more commercial friendly.

5. Attend a market. Every year in Canada there are several ‘markets’ (i.e. Doc Talk in BC and Hot Docs in Toronto) in which filmmakers get to pitch broadcasters for funding and support. If you’ve got an amazing idea and unique access AND some skills, there is chance you will create a partnership which leads to your film getting made

6. Approach the NFB. If they decide to support you they will help you get your film made. The only downside is that they own your film afterwards. If it hits and sells a million copies your career has a big boost but you’re still a broke-ass.

7. Somehow convince your audience to pay for your film. Say you’re making a film about cat ladies; you might be able to get the SPCA to fund your film, that sort of thing. Hmmmm… Cat Ladies. That’s not a bad idea!

These seven options are just off the top of my head. A combination of any of them is possible. If you are a rookie filmmaker with a radical world changing idea I would be happy to look at your project and help you devise a unique strategy around it.

Personally, I'm focusing on independent distribution and audience generated fundraising. Over the next year I'm hoping to start my own small company and break the broke-ass cycle so that I can work on what I need to work on when I need to work on it.

Peace and Thanks to all

Adam

p.s. Next time. Protecting Your (unborn son's) Package!