A good sci-fi film can gain commercial and critical success.
Making an independent sci-fi movie is similar to making any other movie. The big difference is the budget is going to be considerably less than if it were a studio film. When most people think of sci-fi films, genre trademarks such as aliens, spaceships, otherworldly landscapes and special effects come to mind. But independent filmmaking is not about how much you spend, but how you spend it. A movie such as "District 9" was a high-budget independent sci-fi film that used effects creatively. Other award-winning smaller-scale independent sci-fi films, such as "Pumzi" and "Hunter Prey" prove it can be done.
Instructions
1. Write the script. Be inventive. Since it's not a big-budget Hollywood feature, find ways to make it look like one. Decide where to set it. Decide who the characters are. Most important, figure out what the story is and why anyone would watch it.
2. Attract a producer. Search the Hollywood Creative Directory or the Internet for producers specializing in independent film. If they will accept unsolicited material, send them your script. Also, attend pitch conferences and film markets where producers actively seek material. Once you interest a producer, they will assess your project's viability and budget the script so that you know exactly how much money is needed to make it.
3. Raise the financing. Show the script to as many investors as can help raise money for the project. Funding comes slowly, so patience is required at this stage.
4. Hire a crew. Once enough money is raised to start production, a crew needs to be organized. A line producer will plan and schedule the film. A director of photography will help the director develop the look of the film. A production designer is also important to a sci-fi film, along with an editor. If the budget allows, it would be good to hire a visual effects supervisor.
5. Hire a cast. The actors are the most visible part of the film. Since the project isn't relying entirely on special effects, unique casting is key.
6. Prep the movie. This is where every aspect of the production is planned out. An independent sci-fi movie will most likely be shot on HD video. Factor the amount of shots that will be needed per day, and if those shots are going to be supplemented with visual effects. Tailor the script to the shooting schedule.
7. Shoot the movie. The best rule of independent filmmaking is to stick to the script and stay within budget. If everything was done properly in preproduction, the shoot should be the easiest part of the process.
8. Post the movie. The editing is just one aspect of postproduction. The sound engineering is also very important in post. But the most crucial aspect when doing postproduction of a sci-fi film is the handling of the visual effects. Even on a small-budget sci-fi film, there will some effects that will need attention.
Tags: sci-fi film, independent sci-fi, visual effects, independent filmmaking, independent sci-fi movie