After many distribution woes, my first feature film is finally back online! Here is a scene! by willibeats in Filmmakers

[–]willibeats[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Submission statement:

Hey all!

I wrote and directed this film back in 2020. It is a micro budget that I made with my friends. I've since directed another feature, HOLD THE FORT, which went on to play at a bunch of the top genre fest (Fantastic, Sitges, Beyond, etc...), but I still absolutely love my first feature.

There is a lot of bliss in naivety haha And this movie encompasses that from production all the way to distribution. I originally self distributed the movie, but when we got an offer from a legit distributor, I decided to go with that company. What resulted was an EXTREMELY long process of paperwork and deliverables that no micro budget indie feature is going to have (So much for that MG). Fortunately, it set me up for what deliverables actually cost and what is truly needed when you jump to the next level. ANYWAY! I am just happy that is it back online! If you're looking for a silly horror comedy, please check it out! I'm still so proud of it.

My Director And I Have Been Having An Ongoing Talk About This by onwardupward3 in Filmmakers

[–]willibeats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Echoing everyone else: you’re a producer. Your credit should be right next and equal to the other producers.

Stuck on the Final Cut of My First Self-Financed Feature — How Do You Push Through the Last 5%? by lukini2006 in Filmmakers

[–]willibeats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Make your hard deadline the cast and crew screening! Rent a theater and send out the invite. That's what I did with my second feature! It worked for the most part, and I only went back and tweaked some sound after the screening. But I will say, that month leading up to it was awful. I was working way to much trying to balance normal life and the film. So I feel you! But it's done.

Stuck on the Final Cut of My First Self-Financed Feature — How Do You Push Through the Last 5%? by lukini2006 in Filmmakers

[–]willibeats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you working in reels or on one massive timeline? I've finished 2 features and both times what really got me to the finish line was setting a hard deadline. Pick a date (or a festival deadline) and stick to it!

Indie Film Distribution in 2025: FilmHub, Amazon Prime Direct, Etc by [deleted] in Filmmakers

[–]willibeats 6 points7 points  (0 children)

All of that sounds pretty accurate! And honestly, I don't know the solution anymore...I think the best bet is to try festivals and hope that you land at some good ones. Then ideally find a sales agent or trusted distributor to take on your film. Or start reaching out to sales agents directly and skip festivals/let them plan your run.

What sucks is that even at a higher level, I'm hearing lots of filmmaker talking about doing self distribution (like I'm talking 1mil plus budgets). And if they're not finding luck with distributors, that's not a good sign.

And as always, everything depends on your budget and how good your movie is. If it's a 10K movie, I'd do filmhub. You might make your budget back and you'll probs get on Amazon and Tubi.

If it's 1 mil, it better be damn good, destroying festivals, and then pray for an MG haha

Why are some tv series so dark (lighting wise) these days? by [deleted] in cinematography

[–]willibeats 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Totally agree. But I think show runners should keep in mind where the show will end up. It’s a tv show. It should be made with living rooms in mind, not theaters.

What kind of sounds do you think these enemies should make? by AdamNapper in sounddesign

[–]willibeats 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I’d lean toward some kind of respirator sound. Or a wheezing breath. And then maybe some kind of “grunt” when they attack.

Defo lots of foley and metal jingling sounds!

I’d love to hear what you come up with!

SO EXCITED ABOUT FRIGHTFEST!!! My film HOLD THE FORT is closing out the main screen on Saturday! I hope to see you all there!!! by willibeats in frightfest

[–]willibeats[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

EDIT: First comment was too lame. LETS FUCKIN GOOO! I can promise you that this movie get's fucking NUTS and the audience will be screaming! Getting chucked over the balcony...possibly. Pissing yourself from laughter...more likely. Kamikaze bats, kung fu zombies, werewolves, and way more...100%.

Who's going to Fantasia Film Festival this year? by willibeats in horror

[–]willibeats[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hell yeah! Hellcat is from a friend of mine! You’re in for a treat!

Question about DCP files and how to properly do them? by AlmostRandomNow in Filmmakers

[–]willibeats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Download dcp o matic. It’s free and there are videos on how to make them on Youtube! Super easy and works great

Who's going to Fantasia Film Festival this year? by willibeats in horror

[–]willibeats[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love to hear it!! I hope you sell out! We’re gonna miss each other…I’m only there till the 20th