Makers | Our Story is a new documentary about the film business. The production team describes what motivated them and provide insight for those inspired to follow in their footsteps.
Introduction Our aim was to produce a truly inspiring and uplifting documentary. Makers shows the passion and commitment of a generation of new and existing filmmakers as they share their experiences working in a challenging industry. The documentary gives a rare insight into the work of the indie filmmakers who exist outside of the Hollywood studio syndicates, whose films are watched by millions of people all around the world. It tells the stories of new independent filmmakers trying to make it in the industry as well as the die hard, long suffering filmmakers and businesses that support the industry.
This is an inspirational outlook on the independent film industry
This is an inspirational outlook on the independent film industry that is uplifting and yet doesn't come without a heed of warning. You can see the energy, passion and commitment of these creative people who are making films no matter what the cost. They are easy to identify with, whether you are a filmmaker or not and seem to share a common set of values and beliefs that are potentially a lesson to us all. The message is clear - there is hope, if you have the determination and desire, the belief and a little bit of luck, maybe, you can make it in the industry. Are these people brave, commendable or delusional?
Are these people brave, commendable or delusional?
If you've ever watched a film in your life then you should see this documentary as it gives an insight into the kind of talented and dedicated people involved and the obstacles they face in getting their films made. Watch this documentary to get a little understanding of the blood, sweat & tears that go into creating films. Seeing your favourite movies on the big screen in a comfy multiplex cinema may never be the same again. This shows films and its filmmakers in a totally new light. The documentary highlights the life affirming journeys of filmmakers, where not all the streets are paved with gold, but even so, its lifestyle attracts many to its fame & fortunes.
The independent filmmakers' dream is a journey that needs to be told.
Independent Film
What makes an independent film, independent?
What makes an independent film, independent? Generally a film is considered independent if it doesn't have the backing of the studio corporations. The established names of the movie business produce movies within their own corporate divisions and distribute them through their subsidiaries all around the world. An independent film works in whole or in part outside of these structures with its own financing, production and local distributions. The differences aren't always as clear-cut as one might imagine, as filmmaking is such a collaborative effort bringing creative visions to fruition. An independent may be considered to have more creative freedom but along the way there will be compromises as well as connections between truly independent and studio films.
Networking & The Internet Independent filmmakers are like a subterranean community of creative individuals and collaborators striving towards a shared goal…to make films. The internet and social networking sites have aided filmmakers immensely as a quick, easy & cost effective resource to help filmmakers collaborate with each other and empowering individuals to not only make but also market and distribute their own films.
Digital technology In conjunction with the Internet and the social networking sites, the proliferation of digital technology and equipment has never made filmmaking so cost effective and easy to do. With the introduction of the Red camera and the development of the Canon DSLRs, digital technology is bridging the gap with film as a comparable aesthetic medium, creating the film look at a more affordable price for the man on the street. The likes of Arri & Sony have followed suit, introducing more technically advanced entry-level digital cameras.
Film Infrastructure The industry has a plethora of businesses providing a highly competitive infrastructure for film in the UK with production companies, post production houses, sales agents and distributors to help produce, fund, shoot, edit, market and distribute films whether they are short films, feature films, films for TV, the internet, mobile phone, DVD or cinema release. Breaking into this highly sort after fraternity will be hard enough, surviving is another matter altogether.
Film Festivals The film festival circuit is an incredibly important part of the filmmaker’s journey in getting your film seen in the market place and establishing yourself as a filmmaker. There are a growing number of festivals all over the world looking for film submissions from the larger, world famous Cannes and Venice to the lesser-known indie festivals such as Soho Shorts and Raindance. Competition is high. At the 2010 BFI London Film Festival over 4,000 entries were viewed, which were finally whittle down to a selection of 200 features and 120 shorts from over 60 different countries.
Film Funding Film funding in the UK has become a contentious subject for the industry with the recent abolishment of the government’s UK Film Council. Getting funding for your film is vitally important however you manage it, whether it is applying to film funds or self-financing. Film funds are often inundated with applications and filmmakers with a proven track record tend to be the more successful. In the UK & Europe film is subsidised by way of lottery funding, tax relief and DCMS grants, as they recognise the cultural and economic importance in being able to compete globally. The alternative is self financing, as in America, filmmakers are encouraged to go out and make their films, finance them themselves and if they are good enough then they will be picked up by the corporations.
UK Diversity & History The UK’s film diversity is immense covering all genres in comedy, action, thriller, horror, crime, romance, documentary, animation, musicals etc. etc. with hugely popular independent successes like The Full Monty, Slumdog Millionaire and The King’s Speech. These are just a few examples of the great film successes that have made it into the bastion of great British films along with the talent behind them including directors such as Ken Loach, Danny Boyle and Christopher Nolan or writers like JK Rowling and Richard Curtis. The relationship between independent filmmakers and studio films is a thriving one and our successes are something to be proud of and enjoyed including Hammer Horror, Monty Python, Bond, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter to name but a few.
Production Team Director: Amadin Ryan Writers: Amadin Ryan, Shibe Alawiye Stars: Johnny Lais, Karen Cunningham, Matthew Williamson, Nick Nevern, Nick Powell Contact Us: Film Distribution Agent: Mark Reid Email: renderyard@gmail.com Office: 0034 941 274 063 Mobile: 0044 (0)79631 42392 www.makersourstory.com www.renderyard.com
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