Casting
Of-the-Moment Tips on Funding Indies, Social Media, Genre Films, TV Pitches and More
Katherine Brodsky distills what experts at the BNA Atlas International Film & TV Finance Summit had to say about how to get your indie film made and seen.
November 22nd, 2011 | Katherine Brodsky
"Self-distribution is not for the faint of heart," is just one of the most salient bits of commentary and advice The Independent's Katherine Brodsky overheard at the Annual BNA Atlas International Film & TV Finance Summit. Jodi Piekoff, Josh Braun, Warren Nimchuk, Ira Deutchman, Wilder Knight, Karrine Behr, Vinca Jarrett are mentioned.
The hot topic at this fall’s BNA Atlas International Film & TV Finance Summit, the 11th Annual in New York, was how to master the business side of film in order to even attempt the creative side. Discussions among those present, myself included, ranged from marketing to financing and distribution.
10 Filmmakers to Watch in 2011
The Independent's Nikki Chase lists the top 10 filmmakers we think you should watch this year.
May 17th, 2011 | Nikki Chase
From animation and shorts, to Web series, narrative features and documentaries, The Independent's 10 to Watch list brings you filmmakers from all backgrounds and genres, each of whom has one very important thing in common: Crazy-big talent.
It's time for our annual 10 Filmmakers to Watch list. We’ve pooled our resources and brainpower to get the scoop on who’s who this year.
Facebook Exclusive Content for 10 to Watch
Via Facebook, The Independent announces our 10 to Watch in 2011 with one filmmaker (and one piece of exclusive content) per day, from May 6th through the 15th.
May 6th, 2011
We'll be announcing our annual list of 10 of the most talented filmmakers we think you should keep your eye on by posting exclusive content daily on our Facebook page.
Editor's Note: This collaborative reporting effort was led by Nikki Chase, Maddy Kadish and Beth Brosnan.
Do Canadian Indies Depend on American Celebrity?
Getting your independent film seen often means packing it full of famous actors. At the Toronto International Film Festival, Katherine Brodsky discovered that to be especially true for films made in Canada.
September 21st, 2010 | Katherine Brodsky
At the close of the Toronto International Film Festival and after taking in most of the fest's new Canadian releases, Katherine Brodsky noticed a common import: American fame.
Barney's Version is a Canadian film with a lot of stars, especially American ones like Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman.
Film Journal: Survival Strategies During Production
While shooting Losing Control, director Valerie Weiss discovers that the right support system can trump location changes, technical difficulties, and anything unexpected.
April 7th, 2010 | Valerie Weiss
Lights fall and break, talent doesn't show, locations fall through. The process of making a film can be stressful. So, as director Valerie Weiss points out, it's helpful to surround yourself with a supportive family—both on-set and off.
In my last installment of my film journal, I wrote about the importance of pre-production for laying the groundwork for principal photography.
Film-Friendly State: Shooting in Illinois
Chicago has served as a backdrop for a number of films...but as Jennifer Sheffield found out, Illinois has a lot more to offer than just a pretty skyline.
February 22nd, 2010 | Jennifer A. Sheffield
In the third installment of The Independent's Film-Friendly State series, we explore the indie ins and outs of Illinois, including tax breaks, the infamous skyline, and why Central Illinois is the next cinematic hot spot -- no, really.
In her role as managing director of the Illinois Film Office, Betsy Steinberg spends a lot of time talking with filmmakers on both coasts and overseas. “In Chicago, and around the state, the abundance of looks is never-ending,” she says. “Every filmmaker says it is the most under-photgraphed place in the movies.”
Film-Friendly State: Shooting in Utah
The Independent's Angela Wu takes an in-depth look at why shooting your next film in the mountains might not be such a bad idea.
January 22nd, 2010 | Angela Wu
In the second installment of The Independent's new Film-Friendly States series, Angela Wu explores why, if you're an independent filmmaker, Utah offers much more than Sundance.
From New Hampshire’s “no filming permits” policy to Michigan’s 42 percent tax credit, states are fighting to stay competitive with low-cost international filming locations — and each other. For filmmakers, this means a slew of incentive programs that might make financing your next film a bit easier.
Film Journal: The Importance of Pre-Production
Pre-production is one of the most vital aspects of filmmaking. In the third installment of her journal, Valerie Weiss discusses how she laid the groundwork for a successful film.
January 5th, 2010 | Valerie Weiss
Filmmaker Valerie Weiss shares her experiences of financing, planning, and producing her first independent feature film Losing Control in this monthly film journal. In her third installment, Weiss writes about the trials and triumphs she experienced during pre-production.
In my first two installments of my Film Journal for The Independent, I wrote about the philosophy behind the $200,000 independent film. In this installment, I will talk about laying the groundwork to make our film at this budget, the period known as pre-production, and how the making of Losing Control reinforced the film's theme that faith is more valuable than proof.
30 Quintessential Books for Independent Filmmakers
The Independent examines the top 30 books every filmmaker should add to their library, and why.
October 6th, 2009 | Goldy Moldavsky
Ever wonder what, exactly, independent filmmakers – both aspiring and established – should be reading? Look no further than The Independent's 30 Quintessential Books for Independent Filmmakers. Here, we list the top must-owns, including Independent Feature Film Production, The Filmmaker's Handbook, Sidney Lumet's Making Movies, and From Reel to Deal.
Ever wonder what, exactly, independent filmmakers – both aspiring and established – should be reading?
How To Get a Hollywood Star for Your Independent Film
An interview with successful first-time director Shana Feste, whose film The Greatest screened at the 2009 dramatic film competition at Sundance.
July 20th, 2009 | Joi R. Wheatley
Filmmaker, Shana Feste opens up to The Independent about the journey that led her to make her first film The Greatest, how she got an all-star cast, and how it took 10 steps backward for her to take a giant leap forward. The film, which stars Susan Sarandon and Pierce Brosnan, screened in the dramatic competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival (view the premiere of the film here).
Sometimes you have to take 10 steps backward in order to move one giant step forward. That’s exactly what writer/director Shana Feste did with her directorial debut, The Greatest, a story that combines grief, pain, love and reveals the emotional suffering of a couple who tragically looses their teenage son in a car crash.
See all The Independent's