Independent Filmmaking
Make independent films
Independent filmmaking has an artistic credibility lacking in more commercial filmmaking, including critically acclaimed big-budget films. The downside to independent filmmaking is that you have a very limited budget. The upside is that you are not accountable to producers and financial backers protecting their investments. Whether you plan a career as an independent filmmaker or you are just paying your dues until you make it big, this is likely the most creative freedom you will ever have.
Independent Digital Filmmaking
It was independents who pioneered digital filmmaking long before it was fashionable, mostly because it was cheap and easy to manipulate in the editing room. Independent digital films are still the easiest way to get your feet wet in the film industry. The costs of digital filmmaking are much lower than traditional methods, both in terms of equipment and materials and in terms of post-production costs. The technical skills required to shoot, process and edit digital footage are also easier, making it a good choice for beginning filmmakers.
Independent Filmmaking Training
Independent film directors and producers don’t appear in a vacuum, though; most of them seek out independent filmmaking training. There are many online courses that cover the basics of independent filmmaking, including how to approach screenwriting, cinematography, direction, editing and producing.
Though there are resources out there to help you in the independent filmmaking field, much of the free advice you receive is worth what you paid for it: absolutely nothing. For the best results, you should seek out a film school that can focus on independent filmmaking training. You should not think that just because you have attended a college or university-level filmmaking program that you’ve “sold out” your independent filmmaking credibility; thinking like that is counter-productive in the long run.
Independent Filmmaking Schools
Independent filmmaking is not as easy as some of the blogs and websites might have you think, and if you want to be taken seriously as a new name in independent film, you should consider one of the following schools:
- New York University
- University of Southern California
- University of California – Los Angeles
- Loyola Marymount University
- American Film Institute
- Chapman University
- California Institute for the Arts
- Columbia University in New York City
- University of Texas – Austin
- School of the Arts Institute of Chicago
- Northwestern University in Illinois
- Florida State University
All of these schools are consistently ranked very high in U.S News & World Report and The Princeton Review as excellent schools for aspiring film producers. Studying in this type of program is an excellent way to acquire the tools you will need to be successful in independent filmmaking.
A critical step in independent filmmaking training is to go out and try your hand at the techniques you learn during all phases of your education. There is no “right” time to do what you love, and if you love independent filmmaking, then you need to practice your craft even while you are in school. This will allow you to solidify what you’ve learned as well as maintain your creative spirit. On top of that, it’s just plain fun and can lead to making friends which can help your independent filmmaking career later on down the line.
