A 12-Step Plan to Produce Your Indie Film - Ep78

09/19/23 • 18 min

In this episode, Sue Collins takes you through a 12-step plan to produce an indie film. The inspiration for this episode came from a post on the @MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy Instagram page, which had a basic outline of the 12 steps. However, due to the limited space on Instagram, the post didn't expand on each step and so that's what Sue does in this episode. Overall, the 12 steps discussed in this episode provide a roadmap for turning an idea into a cinematic reality.
The steps and relevant podcast episodes that dive deeper into each step are:
1. Develop a Clear Concept:
- Ep42 Ingredients for a successful documentary film proposal Listen here
-Ep35 How to develop your documentary Part 1 Ideation Listen here

2. Thorough Research:
- Ep 41 How to master pre-interviews Listen here

3. Create a Detailed Plan:
-Ep 44 How to effectively plan out your films pre-production phase. Listen here
- Ep 36 How to develop your documentary part 2 is planning. Listen here

4. Build a Strong Team:
- Ep 56 How to assemble the best crew to make your documentary film. Listen here

5. Secure Funding:
- Ep 43 How to pitch your film. Listen here
- Ep 34 How do you get your film funded? The three questions you must know who to answer. Listen here

6. Production / Capture Footage:
- Ep 54 The 5 key types of shoots you’ll do during documentary film production. Listen here
- Ep 53 - Looking at the big picture. Listen here

7. Embrace Flexibility:
- Ep 67 Being adaptable is vital for indie filmmakers. Listen here

8. Focus on Storytelling:

9. Post Production:

10. Legal Considerations:
- Ep57 The importance of getting consent from your film participants. Listen here

11. Marketing and PR Strategy:
- Ep 69 is all about how to define the ideal audience for your film. Listen here
- Ep 68 ho two use publicity to promote your film. Listen

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2. Thorough Research:
- Ep 41 How to master pre-interviews Listen here

3. Create a Detailed Plan:
-Ep 44 How to effectively plan out your films pre-production phase. Listen here
- Ep 36 How to develop your documentary part 2 is planning. Listen here

4. Build a Strong Team:
- Ep 56 How to assemble the best crew to make your documentary film. Listen here

5. Secure Funding:
- Ep 43 How to pitch your film. Listen here
- Ep 34 How do you get your film funded? The three questions you must know who to answer. Listen here

6. Production / Capture Footage:
- Ep 54 The 5 key types of shoots you’ll do during documentary film production. Listen here
- Ep 53 - Looking at the big picture. Listen here

7. Embrace Flexibility:
- Ep 67 Being adaptable is vital for indie filmmakers. Listen here

8. Focus on Storytelling:

9. Post Production:

10. Legal Considerations:
- Ep57 The importance of getting consent from your film participants. Listen here

11. Marketing and PR Strategy:
- Ep 69 is all about how to define the ideal audience for your film. Listen here
- Ep 68 ho two use publicity to promote your film. Listen

Previous Episode

Beyond the Credits: Leveraging Your Documentary Film for Long-Term Impact Ep 77

This week on the Moonshine Moonshot podcast, host Sue Collins discusses the power of independent filmmaking and how it can be applied to various fields. Using a case study of a documentary called "Conquering Cancer," Sue encourages listeners to think beyond just creating a film and moving on to the next project. Instead, she advocates for hybrid distribution and maximizing the potential of each project. Filmmakers can avoid burnout and reach a wider audience by avoiding the constant cycle of starting from scratch. Your film doesn't have to be a one-and-done. It can be ongoing and help you build a genuinely sustainable career.
A must-listen for any aspiring filmmakers or media professional.

Next Episode

Finding Time to Pursue Your Filmmaking Dreams Ep79

Are you a filmmaker struggling to find your way? Join me for this episode as I discuss how to have a long-term career in the industry. Filmmaking has so many parts and I'm sharing what I've learned over the past 15 years in producing impact films that reach their intended audience and support real-world change.