Thanks for visiting my blog.
I am a scottish based filmmaker. I am currently in post production with my 2nd feature “Mission X”. If you want to know more about me, visit my website page here Or read more below.
I have my main blog at http://indiemoviemaker.wordpress.com
Thanks for visiting my blog
David
MY FIRST FILM
I wrote, directed and acted in a small £300,000 movie in the states several years back. A comedy caper set in LA and Las Vegas. I didn’t like the film, mainly because there was too many cooks on board the project, so I never really got what I wanted. It was a small film but it still done well for the producers and financiers, so I got other offers.
I never pushed hard for another film for several reasons. I also wanted to become a better script writer. You can have all the money, stars, marketing, best shoot kit in the world, but if you don’t have good scripts, concepts, you have nothing. I didn’t want to add to the mass of crap films out there. I was prepared to study and wait.
THE FILM “BUSINESS”
I also wanted to learn more about the business side of things, so I could earn from my own work. Digital technology in production has been here for several years, but distribution was always the problem. We still have a way to go until it’s a seamless path from “creation to consumer”, but the infrastructure is good enough for filmmakers to get their work direct to consumers. So I recently started to move again.
The whole point of doing micro budget features is to show your potential, which in turn can attract budgets. But you also need some revenue from your films, so that you can continue to operate. I found it really surreal to agree to hand over all the rights, and revenue returns from my first film to producers and distributors. Especially after I done most of the work. Until recently, filmmakers didn’t have many options if you wanted your film made and distributed.
DIY MOVIE MAKING
I never wanted to make any more films until I could also sell and control my work too. I have recently started to move again because the internet has made this possible in many ways. Filmmakers don’t have any more excuses not to make films. The infrastructure is now there to make, viral market, and self distrubute. I am confident I can prove that indie filmmaking in production and distribution can work. This blog will chart my whole journey
INDIE FLICK TIPS 
I wish you the best of luck with your endeavours!
I am a screenwriter that just terminated representation by the number one agency in Canada because agents here are reactive and not proactive. American agents in Hollywood package scripts with directors/actor and actually attempt to sell it to producers and studio. I am now negotiating representation in Los Angeles.
Two of my scripts have been optioned but I found the deals, negotiated payments and terms with the help of my lawyer. I have one of the best entertainment lawyers in Canada, which is a bonus. I am located in Vancouver, BC or as it is called – Hollywood North.
In between writing spec screenplays, I am now writing a very low budget thriller script to produce and direct myself. Thanks for your inspiration and blunt attitude about DIY film making.
What is your opinion on making short films?
Cheers!
Sandford Tuey
http://www.Playdigm.com
A Shift in Entertainment
Hi Sandford,
Thanks very much for your kind comments. Really appreciate.
Sounds like you are making it happen yourself, which is great. I think the best thing to do is make your own micro budget work, going side by side with conventional path too. At least that way you know you are making it happen. If the other route comes up, then obviously a bonus too. And I have found the industry is FAR more intertested me now, than before.
As for short films. They work for some people in terms of getting features going. Personally, they are not for me in terms of kick starting a career. Why? The biggest hurdle I have found is the life of regular jobs, and this life. A micro budget movie lets me show my potential vision for bigger budgets, but the diy revenue that is coming back (Mailing list orders) means that I will probably be in a position to develop the next one, rather than work in an office. It might even finance it. If I did a short, I would just be out of pocket.
I have people I know that spend their lives and their money going around the world with shorts, when they could have made a movie with that. Saying this, look at the distict 9 director. Thats what I love about this business, nothing is set in stone about how to do it.
Thanks
David