Filmmaking

So you’ve decided you want to make your own visual media or films. Well, now you have to decide what kind of filmmaker you are going to be. This is an introductory post and also appeals to home, small, and medium sized businesses who are considering making their own PSAs, Commercials and other promotional video.

There are three types of filmmakers:

1. Traditional
2. Independent (Hybrid)
3. Guerrilla

1. The Traditional Filmmaker – This is pretty straight forward. A Traditional filmmaker is one that makes films for major film studios.

2. Independent (Hybrid)- Independent filmmaking used to include all films created without financial assistance and distribution from major film studios. However, this is no longer the case. We see many independent filmmakers who obtain financing and/or distribution from major film studios and still consider themselves and their films independent. So its independent but not really. It’s independent with help. While in some cases you may still retain a lot of control over your project, you may still be subject to the will of those offering financing and/or distribution to some degree.

3. Guerrilla – This is my personal favorite. A Guerrilla filmmaker is one who creates visual media and/or films using ones own resources from concept to distribution and with or without large financial resources. How much better can it get? Some of the best films have come from Guerrilla filmmakers (also some of the worst but at least they are funny and still retain some entertainment value).

The Bad News:
There will be no posts on this site about how to be a Traditional or Independent filmmaker unless I turn into a Zombie and try to eat your brains or unless I suddenly become a Traditional or Independent filmmaker.

The Good News:
All of the filmmaking articles on this site are written to help you become the best Guerrilla filmmaker you can be. Some may even mistake you for a Traditional or Independent filmmaker. Fancy that!

Why I chose to be a Guerrilla Filmmaker over the other two types:
Isn’t it obvious? Complete creative control. Freedom. The chance to reach my full potential. These concepts are important in everything I do. So it is only natural that they are also important for my filmmaking. This is yet another time where one has to be self-aware. To be self-aware is to understand and make decisions about projects and career goals that reflect your personality and what works for you.

There are many processes involved in filmmaking and one of the biggest factors in being successful is time management. I’m a very “time aware” person. This is one of my personality traits. The thought of waiting on other people to make my ideas happen is out of the question for me. It is also important for me to produce visual media about subjects I can support. I refuse to participate in film projects covering subjects I don’t believe in or don’t wish to support. I really could go on and on but the bottom line about why I chose to become a Guerrilla Filmmaker is … complete freedom.

Guerrilla filmmaking requires your interaction in the filmmaking process from start to finish. It also doesn’t matter which role you decide to play. If you are going to be a Guerrilla filmmaker you may have several roles or just one. You may also have your own regular crew of any size (sometimes other guerrilla filmmakers, amateurs, and/or professionals), or choose a different crew per project. You would be involved in the following stages of the film production process:  1. Development, 2. Pre-Production, 3. Production, 4. Post-Production, and 5. Distribution.

If you are thinking, “Wow, that looks like a lot!”, think again. It really isn’t. I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m also skilled in the art of streamlining. I will teach you this art as well. This 5 step process of filmmaking can be streamlined with great efficiecy with a high quality end result (see case study post to follow).

For home, small, and medium sized businesses this also allows you to develop a small production department for your business to create your own promotional media at little cost to you. It opens up new ways for you to reach mass audiences and potential customers.

Take some time to think about whether or not guerrilla filmmaking is for you or if you’d be best suited for Traditional or Independent filmmaking (or using professional video services for your business needs). Also keep in mind that if you do good work Guerrilla style, it could also help you become a Traditional or Independent filmmaker or give you the ability to charge others for video production services. Think about it.