Think Bigger

By Cole McDonald

Think Bigger!

I’ve heard the “write a script with what you’ve got access to” thing alot. Even Robert Rodriguez, the role model for low-budget filmmakers everywhere says this. I think this is ok for your first couple of shorts, after that it’s your responsibility to start thinking bigger.

Every indie film I’ve seen (and made) has the same components. Two people trapped somewhere in an awkward situation talking… Generally across a table… No more! I will make the comparison that I see conversations between two people in big budget hollywood movies all the time. Somehow, they make it compelling. Some of it may be the level of acting, but I’ve seen some really amazing indie level actors that should be able to pull off this type of dialog. What is missing is the subtle camera movement, the background action, the people at neighboring tables, the carefully chosen wall art and set dressing around the people. Perhaps even the location should be changed to make a more lively scene. Read more

Make Your First Movie with $582 and, No Previous Experience

If you’ve never made a feature film before, then it probably seems impossible that someone with absolutely no experience of making a film, could make their very first feature film, without any training apart from the tutorial, that I’ve attached in this post and with a budget of $582… especially when I tell you, that the budget includes all the equipment you’re going to need to both shoot and edit your movie. Read more

Make Films, Not War

The last couple of days I’ve been distracted, because I’ve been engaged in a heated and protracted slanging match with a Hollywood screenwriter over at indieclub.com.

On the surface the argument has been centered around our different beliefs re: the role of script consultants in the micro-budget filmmaking development process. His take is that script consultants are bad for a screenwriter’s development, because they’re all frustrated, failed, writers trying to scam a quick buck from us… and that they force writers to give up their unique voice in favor of formulaic approaches.

My argument is what it’s always been, if you’ve no contacts in the industry who can steer you in the right direction, using a credible and professional script editor is a good idea… especially if you can find one who is able to nurture your development. Read more