Don't be an indie film bullshit emitter

Ryan Coseboom from the darkly delicious new band Stripmall Architecture had some insightful feedback on my last post (Royalty-free music for indie films).

Ryan felt it was disingenuous for DIY filmmakers to promise "exposure" to indie bands in exchange for using their music. Better to just say, in his words, "I'm no more successful than you are, which is why I can't pay you for this."

For him, that honesty was more likely to enlist his support.

He's right about that and I stand corrected. And there's a larger point to be made about hyping your project too much.

It's a common belief that we're giving bands a wide audience through our films, but let's face the truth of it: the audience numbers are small for most DIY films and really -- how many people who see the film will ask for the name of the band from scene 36?

Spouting a bullshit fountain of ersatz sunshine about a project is one of my big pet peeves. Indie filmmakers carrying buckets of steam for their vaporware films are some of the worst offenders. It's why I have such distaste for the Standard Indiewood Procedure of talking up a film like it's the next Big Thing.

Let's not fall into that trap.

Be honest. No need to hype up something that isn't there or isn't likely for your DIY film. More often than not, you'll look like a fool and to some, a genuine liar.

Just call it what it is -- by making a feature film you're already doing the impossible. The 500 screen opening weekend is less likely than getting hit by lightening. Just stay with what is real (the film itself, as-is) and you'd be surprised how many people will step up.

There's a quiet confidence in honest humility.

As DIY filmmakers unencumbered by the suits and sharks, we have an authenticity and artistic freedom that Hollywood "creatives" only dream about. That's attractive enough for other indie artists to contribute -- be them musicians, graphic designers, actors, DPs, set designers, or anyone else -- who all deserve respect for the work they provide.

In short, we're all in it together, so there's there's no need to talk like you're handing out ponies and rainbows.

Comments

[Lee Vervoort]

I couldn't agree more. No one has heard about my film, because I haven't shoved it in their faces.

[Connor Lehane]

alright I need to know if it is possible to sell your music to indie filmmakers to make some small pay?

[Bad Vegan]

Conner: It's possible, but not likely. Most DIY filmmakers can't afford it and "indywood" movies (that have budgets in the low millions and get distribution via Landmark Cinema and similar art-house theaters) are generally targeting signed musicians. Anyone who is hoping to make money off the indie/DIY film community has to get their head examined.

Most us aren't DIY because we love it above all else -- we're DIY because we have no money.

That's not a good target audience for any business venture.

Good luck out there, regardless.