Comments on: Some Sound Advice on Making an Independent Movie

By: Chuck Potter

Chuck Potter — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:08:00 +0000

Great information Tom! I understand the importance of not going into debt. I produced a documentary film about YouTube back in 2008 (“I Want My Three Minutes Back!”), and while my wife and I did not spend a fortune, we spent enough for all the necessary post production expenses (mainly legal, insurance, etc.) One thing I would also put out there is to make sure and budget for marketing. We did zero marketing, just hoping for buzz from the YT community, which was great at the start, but we could have made so much more in the beginning with a solid, funded marketing campaign.

Congratulations on the film!

By: Thomas Gomez Durham

Thomas Gomez Durham — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:15:00 +0000

Thanks for the kudos kenyee! I take full responsibility for any crappy scenes. FYI, my wife Ali co-produced the movie and has been in lots of stuff. She’s gotten pretty darn good reviews so far… But nobody is a bigger critic than herself! :) And… kids seem much less expensive than movies! If you like indie sci-fi… stay tuned on my blog… Something very cool coming.

By: Smart_Alex82

Smart_Alex82 — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:04:00 +0000

Well, you haven’t gotten the opportunities to be in Die Hard, or direct Bruce Willis either ;P.

By: kenyee

kenyee — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:19:00 +0000

Pretty impressive that he could do an indy sci-fi movie…I would have thought VFX costs would have killed it so that’s impressive that he it all himself.
Too bad that actress doesn’t seem that great at acting (he used his wife? :-O )
And having 4 kids isn’t a great thing to keep yourself out of debt either :-P

By: Jon Uhler

Jon Uhler — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:33:00 +0000

That is why it is called advice….and not a rule. There are many ways to skin a cat, and each way needs to suit the person in question.

By: Rebecca Britt

Rebecca Britt — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:38:00 +0000

I wouldn’t risk that with my family. :/

By: Mark Dub

Mark Dub — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:52:00 +0000

Hmmm.. Kevin Smith gave the opposite advice.

- Kevin Smith financed this movie by maxing out credit cards, selling a majority of his comic book collection and borrowing money from family and friends.

Not saying thats the way to go, but there are exceptions to the rule :)