In this episode, Chris and Jason talk about the upsides and risks of investing in a slate versus a single film project and break down the meaning of a Pseudo-Indie Film.
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.
In this episode, Chris and Jason discuss "trust games"and why they are so invaluable to an investor's risk mitigation and deal flow.
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.
"Don’t expect people to be as excited about things and have the same passion that you have."
- Keith McDaniel, Director, Historian, Festival Director (Knoxville Film Festival)
As a filmmaker and historian, Keith McDaniel knows the long and often arduous path of bringing a film to life. There can be long days and even longer nights, but the hardest part can be dealing with the loneliness that you feel when those closest to you don't empathize and can't sympathize with your struggle.
The life of a filmmaker is about creating something that no one else has ever created before. It's about using moving pictures to educate and/or entertain while expressing one's own unique creative lens and skill. As a filmmaker, your passion for creative expression is the single most powerful driving force behind you. This force can be greater than the desire to make money, to assimilate into societal norms, and to walk the beaten path. This force acts contrary to the goals of most people around you who often seek stability over uncertainty, careers over passions, and the familiar over the unknown.
Without the benefit of a sympathetic ear or empathetic heart, you can feel alone even despite the naturally collaborative process that is filmmaking. After all, true loneliness isn't about not having someone by your side; it's about not having someone who's got your back.
Keith gives us some very important advice for dealing with this sense of loneliness as he advocates for acceptance. He simply invites us to accept that others won't feel the same way we do and to not place false expectations on those around us. With these simple words, he reminds us that the source of our loneliness may actually be an unfulfillable desire for support from those who cannot or will not provide it. By accepting this as our truth, we can seek fulfillment and support from those who understand and share our passions.
The bright side is that, though not everyone will share your passion, many will. In fact, there is an entire global community of filmmakers who share your love for filmmaking and understand the struggle in the process. This is the family that you can always turn to when things get tough. They have an endless amount of advice and lessons learned to call upon and, when you most need it, a shoulder to cry on and a helping hand to lift you up.
Filmmaking may feel lonely at times, but you can find solace in the fact that you are never. in fact, alone. Support will not always come from where you want it, but it's always there when you need it. Lean in to your filmmaking family when the going gets tough. Trust me, they'll always have your back.
As always,
Be Better. Be Creative. Be Engaged.
We're here for you too.
