The Topic: Indie Filmmaking

If you've read my bio, you can probably guess the topic of choice for me this semester.

It's balloons.

Actually, it's indie filmmaking. I was going to choose working at a movie theater, but that could devolve into a semester-long gripe session about payroll cuts and corporate wondering why revenue is down and not blame the mediocre movies being released, but rather management for not flagging people in off the road to spend a fortune for Ice Age 9: It's Icier.

I've been inhabiting the world of independent filmmaking for almost 20 years. I've written full-length for producers who suddenly lose my phone number. I've dealt with the intricacies of casting, the banality of the submission process and every form of production. I've had scripts optioned and then forgotten. I'm painting a bleak picture of the industry here, but it's not all bad.

You get the chance to work with passionate people who love the craft. You stay up all night talking about moments in movies that you truly love and want to mimic. You connect with other like-minded filmmakers on a level not many can understand. You get to tell your story!

Indie filmmaking is tough, but extremely rewarding when you succeed.

I'd like to share that in this class.