Blog 18: Third Answer

What is most essential to creating a profitable independent film?

Answer #3: In order to compose a profitable independent film, one must take the initiative necessary to leverage relationships with fellow filmmakers.

• Strategic collaborations don't compromise the vision
• Not all film crews get along harmoniously
• The department at which a crew member finds themselves carrying out tasks with the most favorable results is unique to them

Research sources I used: 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 33.

The most optimal filmmaking mindset might not be present in every crew member, therefore production managers must instinctively choose crew members for the greater good of the project.

Blog 10: Senior Project: The Holiday

1. Over break, I allowed myself to rest and get my mind off of the bombardment of schoolwork. But for my senior project, however, I brainstormed a few additional fields of film I could research that I've overlooked: animation, camera operation, accounting, wardrobe, hair and makeup, stunts, and special effects. With regard to independent film, some of these will be much more finite as opposed to feature films.
2. What I learned from this is that film departments will be much more diverse and broad for feature films. For example, wardrobe, hair and makeup, and even special effects (physical) could all be lumped into one department for a low-budget independent film, but for a feature film, they are all their own respective departments. There is no source for this, it's just an analytical interpretation based on logic and common sense. Evidence: independent films typically have much smaller budgets. As a result, there will be less crew members and subsequently these crew members will have to work in teams that cover several departments, lumped together and chosen at the discretion of the directors/supervisors.
3. If I were going to do a 10 question interview on questions related to answers of my EQ, I would consider talking to independent filmmakers who've produced a good variety of films each with their individual qualities, preferably some that have done significantly well. 

Blog 9: EQ

1. I have reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.
2. Why the EQs did or didn't meet the rule of three criteria:

a. Yes, since the question is open-ended and requires some sort of education in the field to answer.
b. No, the meaning of the question is not straightforward, however it can be revised and still yield the same answer.
c. Yes, since the question addresses technique and practical application.
d. No, since the question is not open-ended and lacks depth.

     3. Which features best contribute to progress and advancement of an independent film?

Research and Working EQ

1) My working EQ is: "What is the most essential aspect in regard to the creation of a successful independent film?"

2) Some possible answers to my working EQ are:

• To show dedication in exposing a controversial social issue through the use of thought-provoking material, in addition to a unique story and/or characters. 
• To maximize profits by getting a film with a gimmicky idiosyncrasy retained in a film festival.
• To leverage relationships with fellow filmmakers in order to create strategic collaborations that don't compromise the vision.

3) The most important source that I have used that has helped me come up with an answer to my working EQ has been my source #19 in my WB; It is the second scholarly source that I have used, and the author is astonishingly verbose in concisely describing the topic in the greatest of detail. All of my other sources have gradually acquainted me further to the topic.

5) I've decided to have 2 mentors: my aunt and my uncle. They are both independent filmmakers that live together, and work in different departments. My aunt works as a writer and in the art department, while my uncle mostly directs and produces. Having 2 mentors that work in separate departments of independent film should help me broaden my area of expertise on the topic of independent film.

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

The Pentagon:

1. Positive Statement: As a result of what I have completed so far, I have undoubtedly learned a great deal of information on how to advance, create, and manage an independent film.
2. EQ Content: My 4th source in my working bibliography has helped improve my understanding of my topic, since it details and analyzes how a film is financed, which is essentially how most define an independent film.
3. So far in the senior project, everything has worked sufficiently well. The research checks haven't been too frequent to keep up with (although good sources will gradually become harder to find as the year progresses), and the designated time to take cornell notes on Fridays is relieving. Additionally, the class blog is incredibly helpful for us to keep up on assignments.
4. Like I said, quality research will become harder to find as the year progresses. Although the research checks have not been too frequent yet, we will soon have to dig through the internet and spend hours upon hours hoping to find quality sources and trying not to stumble on an article that we already found.
5. Finding Value:

• A potential question I would like to study this year is: What is the most essential aspect in regard to the creation of a successful independent film?
• For my mentorship, I will help my mentors on the set whenever they need help, and I will keep up with film festival research that they need me to assist with.