5 Entrepreneurial Tips for Filmmakers

What do entrepreneurs and filmmakers have in common? While it may seem like they have nothing in common, filmmakers are actually entrepreneurs in their own right. The Internet and the right entrepreneurial attitude can lead to plenty of opportunities for both filmmakers and entrepreneurs.

Filmmakers can get valuable tips from entrepreneurs, who are 'indie' in their own kind of way. Brent Simmons outlines in his blog four tips for indie entrepreneurs - all four of which can also help filmmakers succeed.

1. Have Faith

        This is a great tip for any person.  Things just don't fall your way sometimes. There will be hardships along the way. The key is to continue believing in your ideas and abilities. Be creative- use the Internet in new ways. Besides fundraising online, how can you get some publicity? Find ways to market your film and go viral. A positive attitude and creativity will eventually lead to success.

2. Work Hard

        Again, this is an important tip for anyone.  Keep your end goal in mind and continue working towards it. Hard work will pay off in the end.

3. Have Plans B, C, and D

        If a call-to-action e-mail isn't doing the trick, don't stop there. Spread your GoGoWidget around the Internet or try to partner up with an organization that has people who want to watch your film. Use social networks like MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter. There are plenty of resources on the Internet to get the word out. Use them.

4. Write a weblog

        Audiences want to know who is behind a project. A blog is a great way to attract fans who want to be in the know. You can use the ANNOUNCEMENTS section on your IndieGoGo Project Profile page as a blog. How's production going? What can fans do to help? Each announcement is e-mailed to your community (friends, contributors, endorsers, promoters). Once you connect with your fans, you can drive them to contribute money to your project on IndieGoGo.

These entrepreneurial tips can lead to great opportunities for all artists- from indie filmmakers to indie developers and entrepreneurs.

Comments

[Price Jaccobi]

Good tips.

Of the many I'd add is working with people that are self-motivated instead of people you have to convince and cajole to do stuff. Sounds simple but we often prefer to work with people who are at hand instead of the right people.

The book Good To Great goes into this in regards to business in general and I think it applies to filmmaking as well... people should manage themselves.
http://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Companies-Leap-Others/dp/0066620996