How to Produce an Independent Film

There is a difference between producing an independent film and one for a studio. As a producer of an independent, you are traditionally much closer to the center of the hurricane from inception to completion. You are likely to have partners representing the money, and maybe even a studio that is planning to distribute your film--but you are the one responsible for the vision and organization. You hire the director and the crew (perhaps in consultation with the main financiers). When you enter production, the bonding company may function like a small studio and may provoke early conversations, but they are guaranteeing you can bring in the picture at the budget you and they have signed off on; they are not guaranteeing the quality of the film. As long as you fulfill your part of the bargain, the picture is still yours to complete and deliver.Certain successful Hollywood producers have this kind of autonomy even when working directly with studios. But the average producer has more autonomy working in the independent film community.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Find a terrific script. Is it ready to be read by others? Have it polished to your satisfaction. Take an option so the script is yours to sell (exclusively). Do not let it be shopped by any other entity (or the writer) while you are attempting to put the production together.

2. Find financing. These are the hardest two words in life. You are ahead of the game if you are connected to money, either inside or outside the film industry. Depending on the genre, you may want to attach A-list talent before you find your financing. (Horror films, science-fiction stories and raunchy comedies are not as reliant on star casting.)

3. Search for the right director. This is a very important decision, so take your time with it. Do your visions match? Is the director's vision better than yours? Can he make it a reality within the budget? Can he add something to the production plan? Can he work with actors? A low-budget production creates different assessment problems than a large-budget film. Often, you have to make a decision without a body of material to inform that decision. You have to be careful that you are not simply responding to a good talker.

4. Work hard to get distribution before you enter production. You don’t want to be searching after you finish the picture if you can help it. As exciting as festival screenings and audience-favorite awards are, you don’t want to rely on a bidding war to get your picture to audiences. Don’t be greedy. If you are offered a fair distribution deal before production starts or during post, take it.

5. Don’t be afraid of your own passion. Never assume that you can’t get top creative people to work on your independent film. Be bold. Dream big. Know who your core audience is; push their envelopes, mightily. Go to A-list actors (depending on the genre) or unknowns. You are not much helped by B-list stars unless your goal is to be sold directly to DVD, or to network or cable TV. If you want a theatrical release for your exceptional script, you have to get the best talent on your picture, including crew (DP/director) and key creative talent. You want experience and expertise. You want people who have been there, done that. But you want them to be passionate about their work on your film.