In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about the differences between creating a film for a theatrical run and creating a film or series for an SVOD.
About the MAKE IT Podcast The MAKE IT podcast is a platform for the voice of independent filmmaker. We offer a variety of educational, aspirational, and entertaining content that promotes the success of creatives across the filmmaking community and the film industry. Our Filmmaker Conversations with industry professionals are dedicated to sharing the advice, knowledge, and insights of experienced filmmakers while exploring what it truly means to be an independent creative in the highly competitive world of filmmaking. Each filmmaker conversation is backed by thoughtful research that allows us to uncover the raw, authentic truths behind each filmmaker's journey. Through our Indie Talks, we share our thoughts and perspectives on navigating independent film from the perspective of Advisory and Executive Producers. We discuss topics that are relevant to filmmakers across a wide spectrum of filmmaking perspectives, and we do our best to uncover hidden truths and new developments in the film industry. Our goal is to help filmmakers avoid the pitfalls and obstacles on the business side of film so that their filmmaking creativity can thrive. Our Industry Insights provide bite-sized actionable advice that filmmaking professionals and creatives of all kinds can use to keep their heads up as they continue their filmmaking journeys. With advice sourced from the filmmaking community, we build upon the wisdom of our filmmaking guests to provide our audience with truly aspirational and inspirational content. The Mistakes in the Making series gives our filmmaking friends an opportunity to speak directly to our filmmaking audience to share a specific lesson they've learned through a mistake they've made. We are firm believers that mistakes can be the gateway to success when we open our hearts and minds to learning from them, sharing them, and using them to Be Better. The Film Investment series is a conversational series of 52 episodes geared towards the would-be film investor. Each episode, facilitated via a friendly conversation between hosts and friends Christopher Barkley and Jason McConnell, highlights a unique aspect of the film investment process. In addition to being a great resource for film investors, it serves as a reference for filmmakers regarding the many considerations that must be made when seeking film investment.
Updated: Jul 21, 2021
"You have to be prepared for when the luck comes your way."
- Ted Welch, Actor
Ted Welch got a lucky break when he scored a part in The Help. This is something he openly admits because he truly believes that's the way the film industry works: that everyone who makes it, gets a lucky break somewhere along the way. He also believes that luck is only one part of the equation. As he says, "You have to be prepared for when the luck comes your way."
As a filmmaker, preparation comes in many different forms. Let's take a moment to expand on a few that Ted shared with us:
Get in a Class
Continuous learning is a cornerstone of preparation and there is an abundance of training opportunities out there. Classroom training is based on structure and guided learning that can help you focus on key best practices through education, repetition, and personalized instructional feedback. No matter your role on set or behind the scenes, it's important to keep up your formal education. After all, if you're not getting better, you're falling behind.
Work the Muscle
Classroom training can provide opportunities for practical application in a controlled setting, but filmmaking (especially indie filmmaking) isn't always so neat and tidy. Preparation comes with real world application, so get out there and make something. As Ted recommends, scrape a few dollars together, call some good friends, and spend a weekend creating. The act of creating gives you opportunities to succeed and to fail; either way, it gives you opportunities to learn. Just like going to the gym, the best way to work the muscle is to put it under stress, with measured repetition, using the guidance you receive from your trainer. Get in the reps and the growth is sure to come.
Prep for Auditions
Many actors refer to their "lucky break" as being cast for a specific part at some point in their careers. So, as an actor, "luck" can simply come in the form of being prepared for that one specific audition. But, since you don't know which audition that could be, you have to be prepared for all of them. One key thing to consider when preparing for an audition is that you are not there to impress anyone; instead, you are there to be the character. If you focus on being the character, the desire to impress and the fear of failure begins to fade away. This will allow you to focus your energy on your preparation. To "be" the character means understanding the character and embodying who they are in the context of the script. To do this, you need to 1) read the script (not just your lines); 2) understand your character's relationship to others in the story; and 3) look the part. If you come prepared as the character, and not simply an actor playing a part, luck just may find you.
We're always grateful for the insights from our filmmaking friends and the advice from Ted Welch is no exception. In addition to just being an all around great guy, Ted was the co-writer and leading man in our film Adult Interference which now available on Amazon Prime and many other streaming services. Ted truly embodies the character of Bo Treadwell in his ode to 90s culture and the buddy comedies of the day. We highly recommend that you give it a watch as we're sure you won't be disappointed.
As always,
Be Better. Be Creative. Be Engaged.
Updated: May 3, 2022
"Never underestimate the importance of a good attitude...It's part of a skillset that's really important."
- Kali Bailey, Writer/Director
Kali is one of those people that you're just drawn to work with. You may have never seen her work nor heard how talented she is, but if you're in a room with her, I can guarantee you'll want to work with her. It's not because her name is in lights on billboards and marquis across town, it's because she exudes positivity and her personality is magnetic.
As she says, "It's part of a skillset." Skillsets differ from characteristics in that they are not inherently part of our personalities but they are learned behaviors perfected through practice. So how does one learn to have a good attitude? Well, here are three ways to get you moving in the right direction:
Choose the Right Mindset
There are two primary types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. A fixed mindset is set in what is. It's set in a illustration of reality drawn by past successes and past failures. It believes that there can be nothing more than what already is. A growth mindset, on the other hand, believes in the possible. It believes that there is more to do, more to learn, and more to accomplish. In believing that there is more, a growth mindset strives for more. This mindset sets the foundation for a good attitude because it embodies the spirit of hope and, where there is hope, there is happiness.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is thankful appreciation for what you have and for what you receive. It is the practice of finding and expressing fulfillment in your daily life despite whatever it is you may lack. When you practice gratitude, your focus remains on how to get the best out of what you have thereby enabling you to make the most of any situation. To practice gratitude, you can simply say out loud what you are grateful for. It doesn't have to be an exhaustive list, but it does have to be a meaningful one.
Craft a Positive Self-Image
Robert Kiyosaki (of Rich Dad, Poor Dad fame) was quoted as saying, "It's not what you say out of your mouth that determines your life; it's what you whisper to yourself that has the most power!" Your self-talk is like the soundtrack to your life. It echoes how you feel about yourself and how you expect others to feel about you as well. If that self-talk is negative, you'll feel as if you're undeserving. This will keep you from asking for or receiving the help you need to be successful. If your self-talk is positive, you'll know that you are deserving of any and every positive thing that comes your way. You'll ask for help when needed and take it when offered. Crafting a positive self-image is all about giving yourself positive affirmation. This means openly acknowledging your strengths as well as your worth.
Now, when it comes to making a name for yourself in this industry, you'll have to be sure to follow up that good attitude with a great work ethic and talent to match. But, as Kali says, "Never underestimate the importance of a good attitude" because it may be all you need to get your foot in the door.
If you're interested in learning more about Kali, check out her website at www.kalibailey.com or listen to our interview with her on the MAKE IT podcast. We'd also like to invite you to watch her latest film project A Week Away which is now playing on Netflix.
As Always,
Be Better. Be Creative. Be Engaged.
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