Starting off as an Independent Film Producer is an exciting journey to embark upon, but at the same time it brings along a plethora of challenges too. As an Independent Producer, you will be turning ideas into stories, stories into finished films, and everything in between — including arranging and managing of funds, film promotions and distribution, and overseeing each aspect throughout the filmmaking process. Our Advanced Certificate Programme in Filmmaking at WWI Extension focuses on developing your creative skills, technical knowledge, and overall understanding of the entire Filmmaking process to help you pursue your passion with ease.

How to become an Independent Film Producer? -1. Get a Filmmaking Certification

Filmmaking involves a culmination of not just the creative prowess but also the technical expertise. Having a professional certification in Filmmaking will not only give you added credibility and a competitive edge but will also help you expand your network in the industry and grow overall as a filmmaker. Learn more about why our online filmmaking course is ideal for you.

2. Start looking for Production Assistant roles

The best way to kick-start your filmmaking career is by working with like-minded individuals. As a Production Assistant, you will be assisting the senior-level producers around the set, running errands, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Being on the sets with experienced people from the industry will give you a chance to observe their advanced knowledge of filmmaking techniques and production style.

3. Get relevant work experience

Getting a hand-on experience on sets is the best way to take the first step as an Independent Film Producer. The network made and knowledge garnered from your earlier work experiences will come handy during your first independent project as a Producer.

4. Consume trending, and critically acclaimed content

It is important for an Independent Film Producer to keep an eye on industry trends, as well as get a deeper understanding of work that has been appreciated by audiences and critics in the past. Consuming relevant content will expand your knowledge of the industry and how different filmmaker's work. If you’re looking for movies to begin with, check our short film recommendations for every aspiring filmmaker.

5. Find your filmmaking style

Filmmaking styles are recognizable film techniques used by filmmakers to add specific value to their work. It can include all aspects in making a film ranging from sound, editing, dialogues to the filmmaker’s attitude. As an Independent Film Producer, it is essential for you to find your distinctive filmmaking style that will help you voice out your idea in a more concise manner, hence making the film entirely yours!

6. Study other filmmakers and their styles

Once you have decided on your filmmaking style, check out different filmmakers that have or had a vision similar to yours and study them. Watching their work and learning about their unique filmmaking style will help you manifest yours. Check out the filmmakers that inspire us the most with their unique filmmaking styles.

7. Hone your craft and skills

Communication is one of the key skills that any producer must have. Even a small communication error can lead to adverse results. Collaboration, decisiveness, and creativity are few other traits of a good filmmaker that an Independent Film Producer must regularly practice.

8. Create your own short films

Creating your own short films will help you get a better understanding of all aspects of Filmmaking from the beginning till the end. If you want to step in the industry, find a story you love, or even write it yourself if you can and start producing. Your first project need not necessarily have high budgets, and the hands-on experience you will gain will be beneficial for your career. You can make use of online platforms or film festivals to submit your short film.

9. Develop your interpersonal skills

As a Film Producers you must interact with pretty much everyone involved in the filmmaking process, right from the Director to the crewmembers. Developing your interpersonal skills will help you maintain stronger relationships as you communicate and collaborate with others better.

Other Related Blogs