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What The Hell Is Development?
The development phase of independent filmmaking sucks. It’s hard work and many brain hours spent iterating. Throwing bad ideas out with the trash, as quickly as they come.
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The development phase of independent filmmaking sucks. It’s hard work and many brain hours spent iterating. Throwing bad ideas out with the trash, as quickly as they come.
WHY IT MATTERS...
The development phase of independent filmmaking is the shaping phase. Filmmakers work to carve their projects into a fully-realized story, complete with a solid script and a clear plan for production.
ZOOM OUT...
During the development phase of filmmaking, filmmakers must:
Come up with a concept
Translate the concept into a script
Build budgets and schedules to secure funding
Attach collaborators
ZOOM IN...
Concepts can be challenging. They require filmmakers to not only come up with a unique and engaging story but also to figure out how to translate that story into a visual medium. Once a concept has been decided on, the next step is to write a script. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the story and the skill of the writer.
Once the script is complete, the next step is to secure funding for the film. This can be a difficult process, as independent filmmakers often have to rely on a combination of private investors, grants, and crowdfunding to finance their projects. However, with the rise of platforms like Kickstarter, Seed & Spark, and Wefunder, it has become easier for independent filmmakers to secure funding from a wider audience.
Once funding is secured, the next step is to assemble a team to bring the film to life. This includes hiring actors, a director, a cinematographer, and other key crew members. The casting process can cause headaches. Independent filmmakers often have to work with smaller budgets and may not have the same resources as major studios.
THE BIG PICTURE…
Ultimately, the development phase of independent filmmaking is a crucial process that requires a combination of creativity, hard work, and perseverance. While the road to making an independent film can be difficult, the reward of bringing a unique and original story to the screen makes it all worth it.