Crew
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.
Maximizing Film Exhibition Quality at Festivals
Prep work and communication with festival staff can ensure a top notch film debut.
December 21st, 2010 | Kelly Gallagher
Finally, your work screens at a festival. But the sound is off and it looks terrible. Kelly Gallagher asks festival programmers and filmmakers how to increase exhibition quality at festivals. In addition to post-production, improve your audience's experience through preparation and developing rapport with festival staff.
Many filmmakers forget that there are plenty of final touches to be made after the last edit is approved and digital formatting requirements are met for festival submissions. Even after festival acceptances flood your in-box, there are ways to maintain creative control over your film's exhibition.
Film Journal: Navigating the Uncertainty of Post-Production
Valerie Weiss finds that trial and error can be scary when editing, adding animation, and mixing sound, but it can also bring the filmmaker’s vision, finally, to life.
November 30th, 2010 | Valerie Weiss
Filmmaker Valerie Weiss shares her experiences financing, planning, and producing her independent feature film, Losing Control, through a behind-the-scenes series. In this installment, Weiss writes about how she chose and collaborated with her editor, colorist, sound mixer, and others involved with the tricky but rewarding post process.
In my last film journal, I talked about the production of my feature independent film, Losing Control, a quirky, romantic comedy about a female scientist who wants proof that her boyfriend is “the one.” I discussed the trials of production—locations falling through, lack of sleep, and stretching an already
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.
The Show Must Go Green
"Going green" might be en vogue—and environmentally responsible, of course—but what does sustainable filmmaking really entail?
August 4th, 2010 | Steven Abrams
Prompted by Miranda Bailey's recent documentary, Greenlit, The Independent's Steven Abrams asks two eco-experts for tips on simple, environmentally conscious filmmaking methods.
Miranda Bailey's recent film-within-a-film documentary, Greenlit, portrays the hopes and eventual challenges of making the production of The River Why "green." There's an initial hope that making the Why production eco-friendly is doable, and even money-saving.
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.
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