Your Indie Film Will Fail Without This (And It's Not the Script)

A GREAT VIDEO TO WATCH NEXT:    • How to Make Profitable Low Budget Movies o...   00:00 Its always your fault - it's your baby 00:10 Introduction to Dewey Allen 00:32 Dewey's route into filmmaking 01:28 Deweys first feature film 02:23 Self taught - learning on the job 03:05 Deweys budget level 04:08 How long to shoot a film? 05:32 Shooting a film in 7 days - how? 06:27 How much does Dewey consider his audience? 07:17 Sticking to a genre 08:38 One for them one for me - Art vs Commerce 09:49 Tips for working with actors 11:53 What type of producer is Dewey? 12:40 What has been the toughest day on set? 14:46 Sales and Distribution 17:00 Best performing platforms? 17:28 Marketing your films 19:17 Marketing budget 20:50 Behind the scenes assets 21:23 What does Dewey wish he'd known when he started? 23:37 What's Deweys motto? Making an independent film is only HALF the job. What happens next can determine whether anyone ever sees it or whether you make your money back. On this episode of The Honest Filmmaker, I talk to independent filmmaker Dewey Allen about making films on tight budgets, shooting features in as little as six to eight days, and why marketing needs to be part of your plan from the very beginning. Dewey has built his filmmaking career by learning on the job, starting with a camera bought from a pawn shop and developing his skills through experience. His approach is practical, direct and full of lessons for filmmakers working outside the studio system. And he has a message that many indie filmmakers need to hear: your film is competing with thousands of other films and millions of other pieces of content. Simply making a good movie isn't enough. IN THIS EPISODE: How Dewey got started making independent films Learning filmmaking through trial and error Shooting a feature film in just six to eight days Why you should write your script around what you can afford to shoot The importance of building a contingency into your production budget Why marketing is just as important as making the film How Dewey plans marketing from the moment he conceives a project Why behind-the-scenes footage and promotional material matter How much he budgets for marketing — including a $60,000 film example What independent filmmakers need to understand about distribution contracts Why you should use an entertainment attorney to review your deal How to approach distributors and understand what they are responsible for The mistakes he made early in his career, including casting friends instead of professional actors How to keep a production safe, enjoyable and professional Dewey also explains why he doesn't want to be boxed into one genre, how he approaches working with actors and why he believes filmmakers need to take responsibility for marketing their own work. His motto? “We in motion.” Don't just talk about making films. Make them. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do independent filmmakers spend too much time making their films and not enough time planning how to sell them? Let us know in the comments. Check out Dewey's films on Tubi https://tubitv.com/person/450eb5/dewe... Watch the trailer for Side Piece - Full Body Massage:    • My Side Piece Full Body Massage - Trailer   #TheHonestFilmmaker #IndieFilm #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #FilmMarketing #FilmDistribution #IndependentFilmmaking #FilmmakingTips #LowBudgetFilm #FilmProducer #DeweyAllen If you're an indie filmmaker, subscribe to The Honest Filmmaker for candid conversations about making films, finding audiences, navigating distribution and building a sustainable career. Like the video and share it with a filmmaker who needs to hear this. REAL TALK FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS The Honest Filmmaker is your go-to resource for navigating the real-world challenges of micro-budget and indie filmmaking. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Jim Eaves, we delves into the nitty-gritty of independent film production. From securing funding and managing tight budgets to distribution strategies and building a sustainable career, this is unfiltered advice and practical tips from professionals who have been in your shoes. Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or an indie filmmaker determined to make your mark, The Honest Filmmaker equips you with the tools, insights, and honest guidance to thrive in the world of independent cinema. Find out more at: https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk