How to find the best indie film director
By Lisa Montalto
Filmmakers today no longer have to pitch big film studios to get their projects made. Independent films have seen their audience grow dramatically with the introduction of streaming services such as NetFlix, Hulu, Prime Video, and others.
The term “indie film” is used for projects produced outside major film studios like Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, and 20th Century-Fox. These films have more creative freedom and can explore issues a studio might not. The one common misconception is that an indie film is low budget, but this is far from the truth. Some indie films have budgets as big as those produced at a major studio. Emerging screenwriters find this route more feasible since they have a much higher chance of getting their film made.
Indie films are now mainstream and can have a viewership equal to or higher than those produced by studios. Some indie films will have a theatrical release but others go straight for the streaming audience with even greater results.
The success of any film doesn’t rely on just one component of filmmaking. An amazing script with a not-so-amazing production company can fall short. And a top-notch production company without an equally experienced director could also not have the desired result. The director is one of the most important roles in a film’s success.
The film director gives us an artistic view of the film as they have experience in visualizing the script in a unique way. A director usually orders rewrites of certain aspects of the film that they know will play better visually to an audience. Directors know how to use lighting and frame shots to give the audience the most exciting experience.
Overseeing all aspects of the production, they make sure the film stays on schedule and on budget while collaborating with the cinematographer, sound, and music departments. The director is on set every day of production and works in post-production with the editors to ensure quality in the final cut.
This is why it is so important to select the right director for your project. This role can make or break your project, so you want someone with years of experience in your genre and type of film. It’s essential to check out their past work for the quality and integrity of the core message. Read reviews and learn what they are like to work with. The last thing you want is a primadonna director who does only what they want without consulting with your vision.
So, how do you find such a director? There are many ways to narrow down the list to ensure you get the best director for your project.
The first thing you should do is to watch films similar to yours and note the name of the director, then read their reviews. Attend film festivals to really immerse yourself in the process and meet directors on the spot.
Another great resource is browsing sites such as Mandy.com where production professionals, like directors, often go. Networking is also very important. Attending industry events will put you in touch with directors and other production personnel. Online networking on sites such as LinkedIn is also a fantastic way to narrow down a director choices.
When interviewing a potential director, there are specific questions to ask that will help with your decision. Questions such as …
● Which movies have influenced you the most?
● What made you want to become a director?
● How do you stay updated on new technologies in filmmaking?
● How do you stay true to the message in the script?
● How involved are you in the casting process and set design?
● Do you have a unique style that would work with my film?
● Which of your films are you most proud of?
● What type of equipment do you use?
Take note of the passion behind their responses and pay attention to how they speak. Is this someone you could work with, and would a film crew be responsive to their style?
There are no right or wrong answers, just answers you feel comfortable with. The bottom line is that you want to choose a knowledgeable, tech-savvy director with a great style that would work with your film. And above all, you want someone who you can easily work with.
Note from Michael McKown: I’m the co-founder and president of Ghostwriters Central, Inc. Author Lisa Montalto is a very fine script writer under contract to my company. We provide exceptional ghostwriting services to clients worldwide. Those services include screenwriting, script doctoring, fiction and non-fiction manuscript writing, speech writing of all kinds, and much more. We’ve been in business since 2002. My co-founder and former partner, Eric Shapiro, left the business in 2017 to pursue a career as a screenwriter and indie film director. You can find his info right here.