Indie Film: Is film important?
Over 100 years after its invention, film is still one of the most powerful (if not the most powerful) ways to express a story. The old saying says “a picture equals a thousand words”. I think anyone who has some emotions running through their veins can tell you, moving images combined with great acting and sound and music can blow your mind.
However, money still rules this industry. That means the people with (or in charge of) money decide which stories are told and which are thrown into the trash.
So I ask this question: do we want to live in a world where only those who have wealth decide which stories are told?
Since I made Third Contact with no backing (and self-distributed with the incredible power of the crowd), I’ve had people say to me “You have the talent to work in the industry and get proper funding.”
Some of you will know my story. When I was told by the company which controls UK film production that my script compares to Memento, Blade Runner and The Usual Suspects but they wouldn’t invest in me, I began to wonder what exactly is going on.
The question I eventually asked myself was: why do I need these people’s permission to make a film? And, if you’re an aspiring filmmaker, I’d suggest you should ask yourself the same question. Especially if you are a woman.
And I’m not bitter about it, because my answer to that question led me to take my own path. It turned out to be a hugely liberating moment for me as a filmmaker. And I’m spreading the word to other filmmakers – if I can do it, you can.
That’s why I’m so passionate about The Mobile Motion Film Fest. We’re screening films which are shot on cameras you have in your pocket, often made with very little resources.
Neither the festival or filmmaking pay me enough money to live on. But I work on indie films because I’m dedicated to the idea of giving everyone a chance to tell their stories. If we give up this principle, the people who already have the money and power to decide which films get made win.
This is not an attack on the industry, successful indie filmmakers, or the rich and powerful. It’s simply that I believe everyone should get a chance.
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Yes! Nailed it Si. I agree with everything you wrote here, from Women In Film, much needed, to Tangerine and it is indeed a great fun, quality movie, of course I was wondering all the way throught it, how are they making this film on a phone? But Sean Baker proved it can be done.
Your movie Third Contact did fact, blow my mind when I saw it, especially knowing how you made it, on a camcorder, that’s why I believe, you can make Body & Soul a great, quality film. Made on a smartphone. The very best of luck my friend.
I’m with you.
thank you Mark! Great to have your support