Indie film is DEAD... Let's Fix It!

Indie Film is Dead! In this video we talk about the death of indie film or at least what people commonly consider to be indie filmmaking of the past and hopefully through this video we can discover a way forward that is both financially fulfilling as well as creatively satisfying. Indie filmmaking is a journey and everyone forges their own path, here at 922 Films we feel we are on to something by making a feature film on youtube and releasing it for free the Folk Filmmaking way. Lets build a community of indie filmmakers and connect on some of our social media platforms.

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[DanLotzJoelDik]

Am I an idiot? Is indie film alive and thriving? Or is the system broken and does it need to be fixed? Comment below!

[Joel-Haver]

Really well said Dan! I will say that, with the current monetization structures available in the free film sphere, we live in an age of supporting yourself off of short form content and doing no budget features for the love of it. Not only is it easier to build an audience with consistent shorts, but they’re more financially supported by the various platforms. The features I’ve released that are monetized have made next to nothing in comparison to my shorts. I encourage all no budget filmmakers to make shorts and lots of them (maybe even weekly), not only for these reasons but it’s also the fastest way to destroy the perfectionist that stops you from releasing stuff and hone your skills.

[ScottyDunn]

Great video Dan! We're in the middle of a new era. It's so new that a lot of filmmakers aren't seeing the opportunity in front of them... right here on Youtube. Great work man.

[JonathanEBoyd]

Very well articulated I think you're onto something .I think this is the most healthy & practical approach to indie filmmaking in this day and age

[AntoineMatuttis]

Really good video! Accurate descritpion of the indie part of our business

[beautyofcrypto]

typical formula that can work: film school, festivals, possible success; new formula: self taught, free content over tons of social platforms for everyone to find you/enjoy/discover you, possible success. Both formulas end at possible success. I think the second is the best option and good strategy.

[SFCFilms]

One of the solutions I see and I'm working towards is to create indie film distributions. I have created a streaming service for a niche market of positive space films, mainly due to my frustration of more and more depressing dystopian futuristic being made and decreasing inspiring positive futuristic films. I have discovered that there is a market, very small one, but I am doing my best to grow this niche market. Part of that is us indie filmmakers supporting each other, I believe cooperation is much much important as indie filmmakers than competition. I guess what I'm saying is that even though it seems a lot of doors are closing but a lot of doors are opening up. I don't know where my journey will end up but I'll give it a good go, and if I can inspire few more positive space filmmakers then I can die happy :)

[brendalotz]

remember when you interviewed to go to film school, and that professor hated your direct answer of where you thought the film industry would be one day - you said "people will be watching film from their homes more than at the theaters" and she got so pissed at you. She thought you were the moron, and she really was.

[joblanco]

As a professional photographer of 35 years, I had the production experience to embark on shooting an indie film with no money. I casted people committed to creating art on film(video) . I basically produced it all myself and relied of very little help except when it came to post. I did it for the love of art without any expectations of hitting it big or making a profit. I had no name actors and I myself am a no name director. I will tell you I am totally satisfied with just having finished my film and publishing on streaming platforms for people to see. Ultimately thats where I get my satisfaction when people watch.

[anthonyislas]

I think crowdsourcing is the future for Indie films now that we live in a time where we get free content on YouTube alone. But knowing from wisdom, nothing in this world is free, someone is always paying for it. In this case, YouTube is backed by corporations with the deepest pockets in exchange for ad placement, just like how television works. Only the format has changed. But with Kickstarter, it’s much more flexible and creative in what they have to offer, including being a producer. Plus you might even build sustainable connections in the future, since we’re tapped in the same niche.

[lowbudgetvisions]

Great video, Dan. Growing up and making my first movies in the '90s, I was very much in the thrall of the success stories of Smith, Rodriguez, et. al. By the time I got to film school the model that made their paths to success possible was already shifting. I thought I would go the route of making a short to submit to festivals, hopefully get in to one or two, then make more shorts, screen them at more festivals, etc. then make a feature and slowly build an audience that way. But I quickly found that route was not really in the cards. Making shorts on my own allowed me to keep working just for my own satisfaction.
To me, as someone who continues to make totally DIY/no-budget movies pretty much as I always have, it's great to be able to get the work out there this way and to be able to connect and share it with others doing the same thing. Plus, this way, you can do whatever you want and make the films you want to make.

[KayminFarmer]

Hit the nail on the head I think. I want to be one of those guys that submit shorts to festivals but I am so caught up just trying to make music and videos for the sake of it.
It just feels more productive at the moment. I feel like building a long term audiance on youtube is the future.
But then I feel like I am gonna try that for a few years.
But maybe one day after I have 1-2 features under my belt. The festival thing might be the go for me.
Like the whole benifit to being indie is we can literly make more content then hollywood in a year.
Like one man can make high tier content without legislation holding him back.
While the "big league" are working on one thing for 2 years.
We can literly make that much if we try. Which excites me to no end.

[musingsofrock]

I want to be a filmmaker too.. bro.. but today the barrier to entry is low. Everybody with an iphone is a filmmaker! lol As you said, I wouldn't know what to do with the film once I finish it. If I put it up on YT, you are going to get like 100 views in 1 year for something completely unknown.

[dyerhaus]

I think all in all it depends on what your goal as a filmmaker really is. I don't know if I'm a typical indie filmmaker as I'm not making films to make money. I make films because I want to tell stories and (hopefully) entertain people with those stories. My films are low-to-no budget, and are usually short films. I promote my work to my friends, family, and coworkers, as well as social media… but I don't do anything to monetize it. I don't care about that. My goal is to tell stories and entertain, and if I ever make money doing it, then that's just a bonus. The really good news with that mentality is that you never get bummed out if your film doesn't recoup your budget. It's just not a factor!

[maxniehaus]

This video was really a eye opener for me me and my friends are planning on making apocalypse fan film any advice from the ledgend🤘😄again great video

[ryanjames]

Your YouTube channel is the best !! Well said Dan !!!

[Twostudio]

I agree with everyone's comments, but I think it's important to support each other's work. Even if I'm not a fan someone I know might love it and that's just as important to me

[FilmshooterOH]

Great insights for the small indie producer. It really is a numbers game if you want be successful in that world on a long period of time. I subbed your channel.

My only negative comment is that pulsating light behind you is really distracting.

[popflicktionedits]

Just wondering, when can we see an update on The Folk Filmmakers?

[LotzRemodeling]

I think the folk filmmaker movement/idea gives you more freedom