You dream of making movies. Of telling stories that captivate audiences, spark emotions, and maybe even change the world. You see yourself on set, calling the shots, a creative force to be reckoned with.

But the reality is harsh: most filmmakers don’t make it. They burn bright for a few years, then fade away, defeated by the industry’s challenges. They end up doing something else, always wondering “what if?”

Why does this happen? What separates those who thrive from those who crash and burn? Having spent over 25 years navigating the film industry, I’ve seen countless talented people come and go. Here are the top reasons why filmmakers fail – and, more importantly, how you can beat the odds.

1. Burning Bridges Instead of Building Networks

Filmmaking is a collaborative art. Your network is your lifeline. Yet, many aspiring filmmakers sabotage themselves by:

• Thinking they know more than they do: Arrogance is a killer. Be humble, be open to learning, and listen to those with experience.
• Under-delivering and over-promising: Don’t make promises you can’t keep. It’s better to exceed expectations than to disappoint.
• Being difficult to work with: Nobody wants to hire someone who creates drama or is a pain to be around.

The Solution: Be the person everyone wants to work with. Be reliable, respectful, and solution-oriented. Build genuine relationships. People should be excited when you’re on set, not dreading your presence.

2. Not Understanding What Filmmaking Really Is

This is a big one. Many filmmakers approach projects with the wrong mindset. They think their job is to create a film that meets their standards of “good.” That’s a recipe for disaster.

Filmmaking, especially when you’re being paid, is a service. Your job is to create a tool that achieves a specific objective for your client. Does the film need to:

• Make the client look good?
• Sell a product?
• Educate an audience?

If you don’t understand the core purpose of the film, you’re flying blind. You might create something beautiful, but if it doesn’t achieve its intended goal, you’ve failed.

The Solution: Ask questions. Understand the client’s needs. Focus on creating a film that works, not just a film that looks pretty. Don’t overwhelm clients with film jargon or try to force your artistic vision on them without understanding their objectives.

The Bottom Line

The film industry is tough, but success is possible. By building strong networks and understanding the true purpose of filmmaking, you can avoid the common pitfalls that lead to failure and build a fulfilling, sustainable career.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Selling a television show is a multifaceted process that demands creativity, meticulous preparation, strategic networking, and a deep understanding of the television industry. Here’s an expanded guide, incorporating expert insights, to help you navigate this competitive landscape:

1. Develop Your Concept

• Core Idea: Your concept should be original, captivating, and aligned with current market trends. Analyze what’s successful in the television landscape, but strive to offer a fresh perspective or unique twist.
• Logline: Craft a concise, attention-grabbing logline that encapsulates the essence of your show in one or two sentences. It should highlight the central conflict, characters, and emotional core of your series.
• Title: Choose a title that not only reflects the show’s theme and tone but is also memorable and marketable.
• Genre: Determine the genre of your show and understand its conventions and audience expectations.

2. Prepare Your Materials

• Pilot Script: Writing a strong pilot script is crucial, especially for newcomers. The pilot should demonstrate your ability to execute the concept, introduce compelling characters, and set the tone for the series.
• Pitch Document: A well-structured pitch document should include:
  • Logline
  • Synopsis: A brief overview of the show’s premise and main storylines.
  • Character Descriptions: Detailed profiles of the main characters, highlighting their motivations, flaws, and potential for growth.
  • Tone and Style: Describe the overall aesthetic and feel of your show, referencing similar works if necessary.
  • Episode Outlines: Summaries of potential episodes to showcase the show’s longevity and storytelling possibilities.

• TV Pitch (Verbal Pitch):
  • Focus: The pitch should primarily cover what the show is about, the characters, the main plot points of the pilot, and the direction of the next few seasons.
  • Length: Keep the verbal pitch concise, aiming for about 8-10 minutes.
  • Character-Driven: Emphasize the characters and their potential for growth and change over multiple seasons.
  • Season Arcs: Provide an overview of where the relationships go, focusing on character development rather than detailed plot points.
• Show Bible: Contrary to common misconceptions, the show bible is typically developed after the show has been ordered. It serves as a comprehensive guide for writers, ensuring continuity in character development, storylines, and the overall world of the show.
• Visuals: A pitch deck or sizzle reel can significantly enhance your presentation by visually conveying the show’s atmosphere, style, and target audience.

3. Secure Representation

• Agents and Entertainment Lawyers: Representation is invaluable. Agents and lawyers have established relationships with production companies and networks, and can advocate for your project.
• Why Representation Matters: Many networks and production companies only accept submissions from represented writers. Agents also negotiate contracts and provide guidance throughout the development process.

4. Pitching Your Idea

• Target the Right Networks/Platforms:
  • Identify networks or streaming platforms that align with your show’s genre, target audience, and brand.
  • Customize your pitch to suit the specific preferences and programming needs of each network.
• Timing:
  • Traditional Networks: Historically, the period from late summer to fall was ideal for pitching to traditional networks.
  • Streaming Services: With the rise of streaming services, pitching has become more of a year-round process.
• Presentation Skills:
  • Rehearse: Practice your pitch extensively to ensure it is engaging, confident, and within the allotted time.
  • Anticipate Questions: Prepare for potential questions and concerns from executives, and be ready to address them thoughtfully.
  • Conversational Approach: Aim to transition from a pitch to a conversation where executives ask questions and engage with you about the show.
• Pitch Grid: Be prepared for a pitch grid, where you might have to pitch to multiple networks in a short period, sometimes consecutively.
• Visual Aids: Consider bringing visual aids like tone boards or character boards to make the pitch more engaging and provide a focal point for the executives.

5. Collaborate with Production Companies

• Why Production Companies?: Production companies can provide invaluable support in refining your concept, developing additional materials, and securing an option agreement.
• Refining Your Pitch: Work closely with producers to hone your pitch, as they often have extensive experience in selling shows and can provide critical feedback.
• Sizzle Reels and Proof-of-Concept: Production companies may help create a sizzle reel or proof-of-concept tape to further showcase your show’s potential.

6. Leverage Online Platforms

• Build an Online Presence: Use social media, websites, or web series to showcase your work and attract attention from industry professionals.
• Engage with Your Audience: Building a following online can demonstrate the potential audience for your show and increase its appeal to networks and platforms.

7. Negotiate Contracts

• Legal Representation: If a network expresses interest in your show, work with an experienced entertainment lawyer to negotiate the terms of the deal.
• Creative Rights and Compensation: Ensure that the contract protects your creative rights and provides fair compensation for your work.

Additional Insights

• Evolving Industry Landscape: Be aware that the television industry is constantly evolving. With the rise of streaming services and changing audience preferences, it’s essential to stay informed about current trends and adapt your approach accordingly.
• The Importance of Relationships: Building relationships with industry professionals is crucial. Attend industry events, network with other writers and producers, and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support.
• Rewrite the Pilot: Be prepared for the network to want you to rewrite the entire pilot with their input.

Selling a TV show is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By combining creativity, preparation, and strategic networking, you can increase your chances of success in this competitive industry.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Launching your marketing efforts early can significantly influence your film’s success. By generating buzz during production, you create a loyal following and ensure that your audience is buzzing with excitement as the release date approaches. Here’s how to effectively market your film right from the outset:

Begin Marketing During Production
One of the most powerful strategies for indie filmmakers is to start their marketing campaigns while still in production. This proactive approach allows you to share behind-the-scenes content, teasers, and updates that actively engage potential viewers. Social media platforms are perfect for this, providing a direct line of communication with your audience. Regularly posting content keeps followers informed and builds anticipation for your film’s release.

Share Behind-the-Scenes Content
Behind-the-scenes footage offers a unique glimpse into the filmmaking process, making it relatable and engaging for audiences. Share candid moments from the set, interviews with cast and crew, and insights into your creative process. This transparency fosters a personal connection with viewers, encouraging them to invest in your project and follow along as it develops.

Utilize Teasers and Trailers
As production progresses, consider releasing short teasers or trailers that highlight key elements of your film. These visually appealing snippets should evoke curiosity about your story and characters. A well-crafted teaser can generate excitement and prompt viewers to share it within their networks, amplifying your reach.

Engage Directly with Fans
Building a loyal audience requires direct engagement. Take the time to respond to comments on social media, participate in discussions, and share user-generated content related to your film. This interaction fosters a sense of community and encourages followers to become advocates for your project, spreading the word organically.

Create Momentum Early
Starting your marketing efforts early creates momentum that can carry through to your film’s release. By consistently sharing content and engaging with fans, you lay the groundwork for a successful launch. When audiences feel involved in your film’s journey, they’re more likely to support it upon release—whether through ticket purchases or by sharing it with their networks.

Leverage Influencers and Collaborations
Consider collaborating with influencers or other filmmakers who share a similar audience. These partnerships can help expand your reach and introduce your film to new viewers. Influencers can create buzz by sharing their thoughts on your project or participating in promotional events, such as live Q&A sessions or social media takeovers.

Build an Email List
Creating an email list allows you to communicate directly with interested viewers. Use this list to send updates about production milestones, exclusive content, and important release information. An engaged email list can be a powerful tool for driving ticket sales or streaming views when your film is released.

Monitor Feedback and Adapt
As you share content and engage with your audience, pay attention to their feedback. Understanding what resonates with viewers can help you refine your marketing strategy. Be open to adapting your approach based on audience reactions; this flexibility enhances your connection with fans and improves overall engagement.

Seize the Opportunity: Start Early and Engage

Early marketing and buzz generation are essential components of a successful release strategy. By beginning your marketing efforts during production, sharing behind-the-scenes content, engaging directly with fans, and leveraging collaborations, you can build anticipation for your film long before its premiere. This proactive approach not only fosters a loyal audience but also increases your film’s chances of success when it’s time to hit the screen.

Remember, in indie filmmaking, every moment counts—start early to make the most of your opportunity!

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!