DO OR DIY: The Rise of Independent Cinema

Shoot first, ask questions later.

If you want to be a film maker, that has to be your mantra from day one according to the organisers of Kino, Sydney’s premier underground film festival.

Unlike other festivals Kino has no selection process. If you shoot it, they will show it, and generally in front of a sell-out audience of 160 people.

“We’re not out to decide what the best film is, [Kino’s] about putting people in a friendly environment that’s conducive to making films,” said Mathieu Ravier, Artistic Director of the festival.

“Not everyone’s an expert actor, director, or cinematographer. What Kino does is bring these people together… Nothing beats showing your film to 160 people who can come and congratulate you, and give you feedback.”

Kino is just one of many events taking place in Sydney’s emerging DIY cinema scene. Thanks to cheap equipment, and the internet, it’s easier than ever for amateur film makers to shoot, and share their cinematic visions.

Not everyone shares Mathieu’s quick draw attitude. Lisa Duff, a veteran producer, and teacher of Cinema at Eora TAFE in Redfern says aspiring filmmakers are best off working on a script until its ready to be filmed.

“A lot of people just jump in and then they wonder why it doesn’t fit together when they’re editing,” Ms Duff said.

“Make sure you’ve got a good story, make sure you’ve got a good script… and save your favours up for making one really good film.”

Tymon Langford, whose film iSpy recently took out the Best Drama award at Mobile Screenfest, disagrees.

“The main thing is just to get out there and shoot,” Tymon said.

The Screenfest challenged entrants to shoot an entire film using only their mobile phone, taking away the advantage traditionally afforded by high-end recording, and editing equipment.

“This is no excuse cinema, everyone can do it,” Tymon said. “The mobile phone is the people’s camera. It’s easy to use, and a lot less intimidating than a conventional camera.”

“The [DIY] film revolution means that it’s not just a bunch of people watching a film by somebody else, in a lot of cases the audience is becoming the film makers,” says Avi Ratnanesan, director of the Screenfest. “The rise of digital technology, and the mobile phone, is meaning young people can get out there and tell their stories how they see fit.”

A similar project has been launched by Movie Extra. The Movie Extra Webfest asks amateur film makers to shoot a 60 second trailer for a seven part web series, and submit it online. The best trailer will win $50,000 in order to produce the series.

But corporate sponsorship isn’t the only way independent film makers are funding their projects. FundBreak, a micro-funding service launched earlier this year, has already been funded several independent film projects – including a web series following one fan’s quest to meet Jackie Chan. Directors create a profile for their project, setting a target for how much funding they need. Fans of the project then pledge money towards it, small amounts, usually between $20-100.

“I just thought I’d give it a go, so I put the project up there, and sent out an email to see if people would throw in a few dollars,” says William Head, director of We Are Illuminated, a movie partially funded through FundBreak. William managed to raise $1305 through the service, more than enough to finish his project.

So, want to shoot your own independent flick? Stop reading this and start shooting.

Mathieu Ravier’s ideas on MAKING INDY FILMS

Shoot, Shoot, Shoot.

Don’t wait for funding. Don’t wait until you’ve got the perfect screenplay or that amazing piece of equipment.

While you’re waiting to make that masterpiece, just make films. Down and dirty, no budget, spontaneous film making is the best way to hone your skills, meet the right collaborators, and test your ideas on an audience.

Most phones shoot video, or at least have a stills function for stop motion. Every computer comes with free basic editing software, so don’t worry too much about the equipment, just find a good idea and go with it. At Kino we also lend cameras for people making films for Kino. Lack of equipment should never be an excuse!

Take risks. Shoot now, think later.

Lisa Duff’s tips on BREAKING INTO THE FILM INDUSTRY

The best thing to do is get work experience. Find people who you admire or who are doing what you’d really like to be doing. For example, if it’s documentary, find a documentary maker, and just pester them. Ask “Can I work for free for you?” in whatever department you want to work in.

I think for most people, that’s the best way because you meet people, and if you’re good they’ll give you more jobs. Courses are valuable but nothing replaces the experience you get on a set or working with experienced people.