Independent filmmakers in the UK: turning your passion project into a career

Turning your passion for filmmaking into a career requires creative development and core business skills. Jacob Lane shares the essential steps like honing your craft, budgeting, securing financing and networking to build a sustainable career.

Independent filmmakers in the UK: turning your passion project into a career

From the London Film Academy to the British Film Institute (BFI), the UK is home to a thriving professional filmmaking scene. If you love cinematography, you’re in good company! However, even with so many opportunities for education and distribution, turning a passion for filmmaking into a viable career isn’t always easy.

That being said, a little research can go a long way. In this article, we’ll take a look at how you can set up an independent film business, looking at both the creative and logistical aspects. Let’s dive straight into it.

Develop your cinematography skills

Your films will only ever be as good as the skills you possess. Developing your creativity and technical confidence is a smart way to boost your chances of turning filmmaking into a career.

This doesn’t necessarily mean enrolling in a film school or taking a university course. You can develop your skills independently by:

  • Taking online courses (like those on MasterClass or the Film Oxford course)

  • Signing up for free SHIFT production courses

  • Working with new film cameras and lighting setups

  • Watching films from around the world to gain creative inspiration

  • Learning about emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI) and visual effects (VFX) software

  • Attending workshops to improve your screenplays

In most cases, the best thing you can do for your filmmaking career is get out there and make films. Even if the first few aren’t ready to market yet, you’ll be learning and developing crucial cinematography skills that’ll set the foundations for your future endeavours.

Set up your filmmaking business

While much of filmmaking is creative, you also need to get to grips with how to run a business. This includes following UK laws around earning an income as a freelance filmmaker. For example, you’ll need to learn how to register a business with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). As an independent filmmaker, you’ll likely be required to register as a sole trader. This also means filling out a yearly self-assessment and paying income tax and national insurance (NI) based on your income.

Not sure how to run a business? We recommend speaking to a professional like an accountant, business advisor, or somebody you know who already runs their own filmmaking business.

Create a budget for your films

Another aspect of turning a passion into a career is budgeting. You need to create a budget to see your project through from start to finish. A thoroughly planned budget makes it far likelier that you’ll be able to fund your film and, in turn, make a profit from it.

This includes breaking down costs for:

  • Equipment

  • Staff

  • Location and set hiring

  • Clothing and props

  • On-site catering

  • Travel costs

Several examples of British coins and paper money(Credit: Stefan Schweihofer/Pixabay)

Securing financing

If you’re struggling to fund your filmmaking career, there are alternatives for financing. Do note that these often require an existing portfolio and a clear outline of the project you’re looking to finance.

Some financing options to explore include:

  • Grants

  • Crowdfunding

  • Sponsorships

  • Private investors

Become an expert networker

Networking helps you tap into a world of useful professionals in relevant industries. Connect with other filmmakers who can help you develop your skills, writers with exciting screenplays, and producers who might be interested in helping with your film idea. It’s also a smart way to meet potential financiers, securing all-important funding for your career.

To start networking, we recommend attending:

  • Film festivals

  • Industry events (like premieres and independent cinema events)

  • Film workshops

  • Relevant talks

Before heading to these events, have an elevator pitch ready to go. This a quick statement (no more than a few sentences) that sums up your film idea or your business proposal. Be sure to include what makes your idea unique and enticing, hooking in potentially useful connections.

Understand how to market and distribute a film

You could have the most beautiful film in existence but, if you don’t know how to properly market and distribute it, it’ll remain a file on your computer.

A brilliant way to kickstart your marketing strategy is to create an online presence as a filmmaker. This can include a social media profile and a website dedicated to your filmmaking journey, on which you post updates and behind-the-scenes content to drum up interest in your career. Once your film is made, use these platforms to share trailers and promotional content.

You should also consider submitting to film festivals. Even small, local events can help you gain attention and put you in front of useful connections. Be sure to attend Q&A sessions after your screening to increase the reach and impact of your project.

There are direct distribution channels, too, that place your film in front of your audience. Platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Patreon are all great options for budding filmmakers.

A woman eats popcorn in her cinema seat(Credit: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/Pixabay)

How do films make money?

There are a number of ways you can start earning money from your films, including:

  • Selling the rights to a studio or distributor

  • Securing a release in an independent cinema to generate money from tickets

  • Hosting private viewings

  • Crowdfunding

  • Earning money from video-sharing platforms, like YouTube (income from views and advertising partnerships) and Patreon (pay-to-view content)

As your career takes off, you might also make money from deals with streaming platforms, securing larger theatrical releases, and selling merchandise.

Final thoughts

Learning how to become a filmmaker as a full-time career takes both creativity and business know-how. We hope this article has given you plenty of insight and inspiration to get started, helping you find your feet as you turn your passion project into a career.

For more advice on breaking into the arts industry, as well as the latest culture, politics, and society news, keep up with Voice magazine.

Header Image Credit: Chris Yang

Author

Jacob Lane

Jacob Lane

Jacob Lane, a creative writer based in London, is deeply passionate about the arts. He enjoys sharing advice and educating others on burning topics in the industry. He loves horror movies, theatre, and fashion.

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