Getting on-boarded with a film is the easiest way to get started. Many people who are making documentaries on their own have done so by doing some sort of freelance work.
If you are someone who enjoys writing and is good at using words, you will be better positioned to get started making your own short films. You might have seen our previous blog about an in-depth post about how to make a documentary. There is also the great short film workshop series we run here and you can sign up for a few courses over the coming months.
A new challenge in getting started and getting on-boarded with a film is becoming aware of the kind of work your potential employers will require. For any new media creator, going to film school is not very practical. This is especially true in the digital media world. I’m not suggesting you drop out and be an amateur filmmaker on your own for some time. However, the amount of money you need to make your first film is quite substantial, and this will be a challenge to get through. Even if you don’t have a degree, you should still have some familiarity with at least basic online skills like editing and website design.
What is the best way to find clients?
I think it makes a lot of sense to think about finding clients before you start making your film. Finding the right clients will take a lot of time, but it is important to get into your research right from the beginning. Searching for prospective clients on LinkedIn and Twitter is probably the best way to start if you are looking to raise money for a film.
What about distribution?
There are many different platforms and methods you can use to get your film out there. There are so many different film distribution companies now, you need to look at which ones to get involved with. You can also consider starting your own distribution company and getting clients through that route.
Getting clients is just as important as producing a film. Finding a qualified film production company will help you find the right audience for your film to reach. It also sets you up with the resources required to get your film off the ground. A lot of the money you will need depends on how much time you put into your film, and so it’s up to you to figure out how much time you will need to spend on your film.
When do I be taking my film to festivals?
You can try to get film festivals to make the selection process easier, but I would
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