There's lots of advice out there for screenwriters and independent filmmakers. Film schools the world over are chipping in too.The question is - which of it is of any use? Who do you trust?
I grew up on a hundred acre dairy farm just north of Toronto and have had no formal film school training at all. I never went to film school. What would make anyone trust me with filmmaking advice? Perhaps my roots is the perfect reason to trust me. Or maybe not. I will let you decide, and I am totally OK either way the penny drops.
One thing that has stood me in good stead over my stint at Raindance Film Festival is my farm boy training to look for patterns: patterns of animal behavior and patterns of nature. These patterns often come in pairs too.
Here is a pairing I have noticed: filmmaking and marketing.
My guess is that three quarters of the films and filmmakers at this year's Raindance use marketing as part of their strategic filmmaking plans, and often from script stage. But that doesn't mean that they know what they are doing will work.
What does it take to become a good filmmaker or screenwriter with good marketing savvy? How can you invest into yourself to become the sort of filmmaker that your peers look up to and seek you out for advice? Here's the dirty little secret: It all starts before you touch a camera or keyboard.
These habits will work for you in every situation you find yourself in: crewing on a big budget film or self shooting your own movie.
But listen up: big changes like this won't happen over night. You need to develop these habits and make them good and strong. And like us farm boys, remember that the sooner you start, the sooner you will start harvesting, the sooner you will become a truly successful filmmaker.
Habits of Successful Filmmakers
1. Read the trades
If you want to create work that resonates with your audience you need to know what is going on in your industry. It's not good enough to read, you need to pore, scour, scrutinise and search for news and trends in the film industry. After a while you will be able to start placing film industry news into context of relevant trends. You can also get really good at extrapolating the future based on historical facts. For example, what can we learn about video piracy and self distribution from Napster? Have a look at the fabulous documentary Downloaded by, yes That Alex Winter.
Here is a nifty time-saving trick I learned a fortnight ago: keep all your favourite blogs, hashtag keywords and websites all in one place using an app like feedly.
2. Use it or lose it.
One of the first film persons I met was Dov Simens of 2 Day Film School fame. Although he is neither a screenwriter or director, he writes every single day. He doesn't write twelve page articles that are finely polished, or a script a day - all he does is flex his mind muscles - a bit like going to the health club.
If this becomes a daily habit you will be amazed at how many ideas come through the actual act of writing like this article, for example).
3) Curate Content (When It Makes Sense)
There are tons of people curating content these days. In fact, it's something anyone can do: create an index of other people's content and then splat it online with some of your own thoughts and reactions.
Successful filmmaker know it takes a lot more than just regurgitating the obvious. You need to formulate an opinion and become a trusted expert in your field.
Now that you are trolling the internet for relevant industry news on a daily basis, get into the habit of giving the followers on your social networks the benefit of your experience and wisdom you have gained. There's an added benefit too - people will start to view you as an expert!
We spend a lot of time curating contents and publishing it on the @Raindance Twitter account. You can follow us and pick up tips for your own profiles.
4) Network Network Network
Successful filmmakers know that their achievements and success is due in part to those who have taught and inspired them.
Here's how filmmakers become successful filmmakers: They accept the fact that there is more to learn than they already know. They accept that there are always new ideas and new ways at looking at things.
Get the networking habit. There are countless opportunities. Spend some time on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to check out who the thought leaders are in your industry and follow them. Learn how successful filmmakers manage their online reputation.
Ease into face to face networking and get good at it even if it means meeting your mates at the pub. Face to face networking is a wonderful way to expand your circle of influence.
5) Question Everything
Successful filmmakers are curious by nature. They have to be, for each film is a complex new puzzle that needs to be fitted together carefully. Filmmakers also learn to question the knowledge they already have. It is this curiosity that makes successful filmmakers interesting. It's the way they approach age-old problems with new solutions. This is what gets filmmakers on the radar.
One technique successful filmmakers use is to continually question the status quo. Taking a contrarian view, or playing the devil's advocate allows you to start to think critically about the story you are trying to tell or the film you're trying to finance and produce.
Bollywood sells on the brand of an actor’s stardom. Yes, they’re mutually exclusive, but extremely necessary to survive in Bollywood. If you’re an actor, you don’t need any stardom. And if you’re a star, it doesn’t really matter if you can act.
There’s a horde of actors who play supporting roles to the protagonists, give the film a new lease of credibility and yet they go unnoticed. The stars walk away with the massive paycheck, and these actors slowly become ‘has-beens’. We compile a list of some of the most significant actors in mainstream Hindi films, who we hope eventually get their due in the future.
1. Radhika Apte
Famous for her sensational contribution to regional cinema (Bengali, Tamil, Marathi) she made a quiet, beautiful debut in Shor: In The City. After that, she followed it up with films like the critically-acclaimed Hunterrr and Badlapur. We hope to see many more brilliant performances before she is put down as an ‘art-house actress’.
She is the find of 2015. Making her debut opposite Ayushman Khurrana as the pleasantly plump Sandhya – she broke all stereotypes of what a mainstream Hindi film actress should look like to carry a ‘hit film’. Adequately supported by Ayushmann, Bhoomi won everyone’s hearts with her performance.
Manu made a splash in Bollywood with Dibakar Banerji’s Oye lucky lucky oye! as Abhay Deol’s sidekick ‘Bangali’. He also cracked us up with his bumbling performance in Phas Gaye Re Obama! We wish to see more of him.
You don’t really expect exciting antagonists from Yashraj. Pradeep Sarkar’sMardaani saw the rise of a particular young kid who is the head of a human-trafficking syndicate, engaging in a battle of wits with Rani Mukherjee – a police officer. Tahir Raj Bhasin impressed plenty of people with the way he held his own, and made a sinister character out of Walt.
A TV veteran and know for her work in Punjabi films, she grabbed the eye-balls with the racy Hate Story 2. However, she used her oomph and showcased some acting chops in Anurag Kashyap’s Ugly - we hope she arrives.
He got everyone’s attention with his line in the Tata Tea commercial – “If you’re not voting during elections, you’re sleeping.” He has played many many likeable roles in movies like Udaan, Kites, Go Goa Gone . He was easily the best thing about Aisha along with Amrita Puri and recently came into the spotlight withDetective Byomkesh Bakshy as Ajit. We sincerely hope he gets his due!
He’s been around for a long long time, and yet he made his first solid impact as an actor on me as the Abhay Deol’s elder brother in Socha Na Tha and then as snarling, greedy businessman in Rocket Singh. After that he’s again gone back to the father roles – when in fact he deserves more.
He was one of the primary reasons why Gulaal was a solid film. His electrifying presence in the first half of the film as the braveheart in the midst of college politics in the hinterlands of Rajasthan, turned many heads. He’s played few significant roles after that film, barring his portrayals of villains in South Indian films. Highly underrated.
He made a lasting impact as the senior salesman in Rocket Singh. Sadly no one’s really seen a lot of him after that movie, barring a few ads or some bank manager in some film. Only wish he would get more opportunities.
The psyched-out rich brat from Shaitan, or his Kannadiga portrayal in That Girl In Yellow Boots and now to Bhansali’s Ramleela and his latest outing, Hunterrr – Gulshan Devaiah has actually played it selective up till now – however, deserves more fame and spotlight.
It’s really sad that THIS guy is still on the list. He’s one of the most gifted actors who made a dent with their supporting roles in Pyaar ke Side Effects, Khosla ka Ghosla – and he’s had some terrific collaborations with Rajat Kapoor in the form of Mithya and Fatso! With the impending release of Titli - we hope he finally gets the applause he deserves so so so much.
Really well-known in the Bengali film industry, this man made a solid first impression in Khosla ka Ghosla as Boman Irani’s secretary. Ever since, he’s played bit-roles with high impact in No one killed Jessica, Special 26, Luv shuv tey Chicken Khurana and Ghanchakkar.
Starting out as a TV actor, Massey made a smooth transition into films by playing a supporting role to Ranveer Singh’s character in Lootera . His performance was earnest, and he will next be seen in Zoya Akhtar’s next Dil Dhadakne Do. We wish him luck!
An extremely well-known face in the movies, and shockingly enough, hardly anyone even knows his name. He was that goofy taxi driver in Jab We Met , the idol seller in PK , the reporter in Paan Singh Tomar. Deserves so much more recognition!
The boy from Life of Pi made a huge impact with his heart-felt debut, and then followed it up by playing an integral part in the fourth season of Homeland. It’s strange, being a Delhi boy he hasn’t been approached or been seen in anything closer home.
He won over everyone with his sarcastic-yet noble middle class husband in English Vinglish. He’s a revered figure in the national theatre scene, and he’s also played several small roles in Kaminey, Lootera, The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Life of Pi. He belongs in the league of Irfan Khan and Nawazuddin Siddique.
He’s probably the most recognizable face in this whole list and yet he’s hardly made any fame in this acting profession. Outstanding performances in Black Friday, Jab We Met, Delhi 6, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag have ensured that he will live on in our consciousness forever! Also, it wouldn’t be so bad if we took our hat out for his stellar performances.
Made an impression with Yashraj’s Mujhse Fraandship Karoge and Mere Dad ki Maruti and after that really shone through in Karan Johar’s short in Bombay Talkies. This talented newcomer, who also happens to be Huma Qureshi’s brother, is in the fray for becoming the next big thing in Bollywood. We hope, he does.
19. Swara Bhaskar
She played significant parts in Anand L Rai’s Tanu weds Manu and Raanjahana.She has been making headway into the ad sector, endorsing brands like Dove, Sprite etc.
Known as the kid who strums ‘Give me some sunshine..’ in 3 Idiots, Ali Fazal has played many significant parts in films endorsed by big names including Shahrukh Khan and the Bhatts. He even did a small cameo in the seventh instalment of the Furious franchise.
That fat guy from Delhi Belly, with the tummy problems – or better known as the brother of UTV honcho Siddharth Roy Kapur and VJ-turned-actor Aditya Roy Kapur. He’s worked in a few indie films like Loins of Punjab Presents .
The antagonist in No One Killed Jessica, he did a splendid job as the despicable Manu Sharma. He followed it up with supporting roles in Raanjhana and Mere Brother ki Dulhan. So underrated.
The best thing about Aisha along with Anand Tiwari, she hasn’t got any major opportunities apart from Kai Po Chhe. She’s a fantastic actor and deserves so much more in terms of projects, fame and money.
Known as the Shahrukh Khan for the B-grade films, he’s more than a competent actor which he has proved in films like Sahib, Biwi aur Gangster and so many others.
Not many people might take him seriously for his looks, but it still remains a fact that he was the best thing about Delhi Belly and Dedh Ishqiya . He also plays an integral part in the most tender love story of the 2000s in Monsoon Wedding .
Stellar debut in Iqbal followed up with another brilliant performance in Dor saw him land a role alongside Shahrukh Khan in Om Shanti Om. And after that a few films with Sajid Khan, Farah Khan and Rohit Shetty spelled doom for his career. Deserves so much more!
Known for his stellar performances in Chandani Bar and Rang De Basanti - Kulkarni made a name for himself for the supporting roles and the antagonist. Still a major proponent of Marathi films – people should watch him unleash his brilliance in regional film Natrang.
Making his debut in a very unlikable role in Dibakar Banerji’s Love, Sex aur Dhokha – it took him just one scene in Talaash alongside Aamir Khan to prove his worth as an actor when he gets caught in the middle of a fight between his boss and his wife. With strong leading roles in Shahid , Queen and Citylights - he still hasn’t got his due as an actor.
Coming into the spotlight with a father routine in Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par - Vipin Sharma has played a few interesting characters after that in Paan Singh Tomar and Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana.
Popular as CID’s Abhijeet – he played the role of lifetime in Anurag Kashyap’sBlack Friday. As Badshah Khan, he owned the film as the misled fundamentalist manipulated to bomb the city of Bombay in ’93.
Catching everyone’s attention in Shor In The City – he earned a significant role in Dibakar Banerji’s Shanghai and International project Million Dollar Arm. Amazing actor deserves more work!
He’s been the untapped potential for far too long. Winning hearts as Dr Chadha in Vicky Donor – Annu Kapoor has been around for far too long without getting his due credit as an actor.
Making his debut in Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey – Amole Gupte played the role ofBhau with elan and the poise of a veteran. He followed it up with his own film called Stanley ka Dabba.
Another find by Vishal Bharadwaj – Deepak Dobriyal is one of the best things about Omkara. He has also played significant roles in Shaurya, Tanu Weds Manu.
He became a household name when he did his Apple Singh routine during the ’99 Cricket World Cup in England. He’s been around doing his bit in Rohit Shetty films and Rajat Kapoor films. He finally got a long-awaited role of a protagonist in last year’s Ankhon Dekhi.
Virtually unknown before his gig as Mahesh Uncle in Farhan Akhtar’s Dil Chahta Hai – he became popular after Madhur Bhandarkar’s Corporate. He’s directed a spate of well intentioned films, however, deserves so much more as an actor.
So might disagree about whether it would be right to call him ‘underrated’. Watch Black Friday and Shaurya and ask yourself again, does this man not deserve more?
Breaking out in Dibakar Banerji’s Oye Lucky Lucky Oye as Dolly, she came into her own in Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur as Najma Khatoon. She has a raw energy about herself that needs to be acknowledged before she’s long forgotten.
He’s done hero’s best friend routine and the film’s comic element only too many times. He’s a much better actor than the opportunities that have been presented to him.
Making a mark in a series of films in the late 90s alternate cinema like Deepa Mehta’s Fire and 1947: Earth. She got so fed up with the regular fare of Bollywood, she took a sabbatical and directed the hard-hitting Firaaq. It’s Bollywood’s loss that she isn’t doing films anymore.
It is difficult to stand out in a film like Ship of Theseus. The concept of the film is unlike anything that’s ever been made in India. And yet Neeraj Kabi does it with the elan of a seasoned warrior – deft, sharp, not eager to impress. He pushes up the credibility of Detective Byomkesh Bakshy by a notch.
Featuring regularly in all Priyadarshan movies for comic relief or the Gujarati-spouting uncle, Manoj Joshi has played his roles to perfection. Only recently, he owns each and every scene in Hasee Toh Phasee as the father of the bride.
This young heartthrob from South might have had his share of stardom, early on in his career. However, he’s a much more polished actor than the love stories he’s been known for – just watch that pre-intermission scene in Guru.
Bollywood’s take on Silence of the Lambs was only remotely watchable because of this man’s electrifying persona. No one can match his intensity as a villain!
Shot to fame as Rajguru in Rajkumar Santoshi’s The Legend of Bhagat Singh - he’s played significant supporting roles in Khakee and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the year.
Such a fine actor and yet needs to make a movie with Jacky Bhagnani to support himself these days. For those who haven’t seen Sehar or Jolly LLB – his performance lifts these mediocre films by a notch.
His discovery in Udaan was almost like a fairytale for any TV actor looking to make it in films. Starring as the abusive, alcoholic father in Jamshedpur – Ronit Roy steals every scene he’s in. Anyone think that was a fluke? Watch Ugly.
The original Byomkesh Bakshi – he played only one memorable role in Hindi films. In Vikram Bhatt’s Ghulam he plays the elder brother to Aamir Khan’s character and in one scene’s altercation, Kapoor shows his mettle as an actor. Terribly underutilised.
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