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
(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:
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.
(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.
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