How To Unleash Your Creative Vision With a Limited Crew

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From my earliest encounters with cinema during childhood, I developed a strong bond with the medium. However, it was a defining moment when I watched “Raiders of the Lost Ark” that made me realize my aspiration to become a filmmaker. Yet, my path wasn’t entirely straightforward. While gazing at the screen and witnessing Harrison Ford portray the iconic Indiana Jones, I couldn’t help but think, “The movie revolves around him… he’s the hero responsible for creating the film.”

Influenced by this perception, I initially resolved to pursue acting, believing that actors were the ones who truly “made” movies.

The Decision To Make My Movie, My Way

After a few experiences working as an actor in television and film, I came to a significant realization – being in front of the camera wasn’t fulfilling my creative desires. The desire to shape the camera angles, alter dialogues, change scene arrangements, and even compose the film’s score, made me understand that film is not solely an actor’s domain.

With this realization, I reached a pivotal moment in my career, where I decided it was time to take charge and create my own films. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.

To aspiring filmmakers, I offer a simple yet powerful piece of advice: Make your movie.

I woke up one day with a firm determination to craft my own film, not swayed by other producers’ or directors’ ideas, but driven by my own creative vision. Although I received numerous scripts and movie pitches, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t truly doing what I wanted to do. So, I took the leap and decided to create something entirely of my own making.

The real challenge in filmmaking lies in defining what you truly want to bring to life on screen. What is your intention? What story do you want to tell?

After clarifying your vision, the next hurdle is financing your project. You have to decide whether you’ll follow the traditional route of “Borrow from Peter to pay Paul” or invest in it independently.

Remember, taking the reins and venturing into your own filmmaking journey may be daunting, but the reward of bringing your ideas to life on the big screen makes it all worthwhile. So, don’t be afraid to embrace your creative ambition and make your mark in the world of cinema.

When embarking on the journey of making a film, there are several important aspects to consider, but two key components stand out as essential from the very beginning: What story are you going to tell, and how will you finance it? These fundamentals lay the groundwork for the entire project. In my case, I knew that I wanted to create something meaningful, a story that held a personal connection. As I crafted the narrative, I also ensured it had commercial appeal, making it more attractive for potential investors.

Fortunately, my experience as an actor had allowed me to establish connections with various filmmakers over the years. I reached out to one of them, with whom I had previously worked, and invited him to join my film project. Having someone with directing experience on board proved immensely valuable, particularly because I would be spending nearly all my time in front of the camera.

With the first 50/60 pages of the script written in a mere three days, the production kicked off swiftly. While my co-director eventually moved on to work on other movies, I continued to make progress, sometimes with a small crew, handling various aspects of the filmmaking process alongside the cast.

To aspiring artists who dream of making a film, my advice is simple: Don’t hesitate, just go for it! Take the plunge, start shooting, and learn as you go. Acquire the necessary equipment and master its usage. Embrace the ethos of “learning how to do everything,” a philosophy attributed to Roger Corman, which holds immense value in the film industry.

By familiarizing yourself with every aspect of filmmaking, two significant advantages arise:

1. You gain the ability to handle tasks on your own, empowering you to be self-reliant.
2. You can discern whether others are genuinely committed to their roles or merely putting in half-hearted efforts, as you know the intricacies and challenges of each job.

Moreover, having firsthand experience of the difficulties involved allows you to appreciate the hard work of those who excel in their roles while also identifying those who may be cutting corners.

So, embrace the spirit of learning and doing, and let your passion drive you to create your film masterpiece without delay.

Walk it like you talk it

During the production of my film, I took on a multitude of roles and responsibilities. Not only did I handle writing, producing, directing, and acting, but I also engaged in scouting locations, SFX makeup, prop design and construction, and costume design. Additionally, I served as an uncredited first unit camera operator, creating miniature models and handling special effects. On top of that, I coordinated and performed a significant stunt, a cliff jump and river run, and even occasionally served as the on-set cook.

Once we entered post-production, I had the support of a Visual FX artist who was credited as the VFX supervisor, working on approximately six shots, and a foley artist. However, I personally managed the rest of the post-production process, including VFX, coloring, editing, sound design, mixing, and every other aspect required to complete the film. I dedicated an extra four weeks to redoing the foley because I wanted to ensure perfection.

Even after post-production, I handled all the artwork, trailers, promotions, and the delivery to distributors single-handedly. My philosophy is that if it’s your project, you must protect it every step of the way until it reaches the theaters, and even then, keep a watchful eye on it.

One vital lesson I learned was to avoid relying on favors. Despite some instances where I received “favorable” offers, they often backfired and caused complications. Instead, I encourage filmmakers to pay upfront for services rendered and avoid the potential fallout of unpaid favors.

Furthermore, do not hesitate to part ways with anyone on the project who shows signs of trouble or is not meeting expectations. Whether it’s a crew member, cast member, or anyone else, it is crucial to address issues promptly to maintain a positive and efficient production environment. Firing someone may seem difficult, but it’s better to act decisively than let a toxic presence impact the entire project.

In conclusion, here are the key takeaways:

1. Define what you want to create and how you’ll finance it.
2. Don’t procrastinate; start making your movie without delay.
3. Be ready to handle various aspects yourself if needed.
4. Avoid relying on favors; pay for services upfront.
5. Don’t hesitate to remove toxic or underperforming individuals from the project.

By adhering to these principles, you can navigate the filmmaking process more smoothly and increase the chances of creating a successful and satisfying film.

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