Advised insights from distinguished movie directors: their recommendations unveiled
Making your debut film is as much about nailing the creative vision as it is about smart planning. Whether you're knee-deep in a documentarian journey, crafting a fictional short, or experimenting with a hybrid genre, the trek from concept to final cut is no walk in the park. It calls for creativity, clarity, and a healthy dose of resourcefulness.
We've caught up with filmmakers, directors, and visual storytellers who've been there and back. Together, they're spilling the beans on everything from shaping a story and scoring funding to planning the shoot, mastering editing, and getting your work out into the world.
Are you ready to plunge into the magical world of filmmaking? Don't forget to drop by our guides on the best video editing software and best laptops for video editing to gear up.
01. Don't neglect previz
Press Play on Matt Norman, a filmmaker and the founder of Wingman Pictures (Check out Matt's showreel here)
Storyboarding and previsualization (previs) are non-negotiable stages in the filmmaking process. They are the converted script into visual form, giving every crew member a universal understanding of the film's vibe, pace, composition, and camera movements.
A well-crafted storyboard or previs sequence isn't merely about planning shots, but also about ensuring everyone - from the DP to the gaffer and production designer - comprehends the visual language and spatial logic of each scene. This clear communication minimizes miscommunication on set and accelerates decision-making during production.
Matt Norman, the writer, director, and producer of the 2008 acclaimed documentary Salute, distributed globally by Paramount, Transmission, and Warner Bros, weighs in. Re-released theatrically in Italy in 2024, Salute was named one of Redbull's Top 9 Sports Documentaries of all time. The film is now available to stream on Amazon Prime and broadcasting worldwide on TV and VOD.
Beyond communication, previs is a game-changer for efficiency. It lets you eliminate unnecessary coverage, cuts down on reshoots, and streamlines your shooting days. You'll breeze onto the set with a brilliant game plan, knowing exactly what to shoot, how to shoot it, and why. The time and money savings afforded by this preparedness are second to none.
Another perk? Previs builds creative confidence. Whether you're pitching to financiers or artsy collaborators, a detailed visual plan communicates professionalism and vision. It demonstrates that you're not merely winging things; you're executing a well-thought-out strategy that's sure to catch the eye of investors and collaborators alike.
Moreover, previs allows you to identify potential issues early, such as continuity challenges, blocking, camera logistics, or spatial dynamics. Solving these problems in pre-production, rather than mid-shoot, minimizes stress and offers additional creative leeway.
If you're serious about making your film a reality, investing time in previs is an absolute must.
Filmmakers wanting to up their previs game should check out Previs Pro. This all-encompassing, user-friendly, and professional-grade solution boasts powerful AI features that streamline scene building and camera work. Its polished, industry-standard layouts make it perfect for pitching and production prep alike, and its single environment means you can handle everything - from character blocking to lighting design - in one place.
02. Make every shot count
Press Play on Dominic Danson, a filmmaker and the founder of Twelve Noon Films
When you're filming with a limited budget, every decision on set matters. I've found that preemptive planning is the key. I'm not just talking about your trusty shot list but drilling down deep into what each scene should communicate and trimming the fat to focus solely on the essentials. If a shot's not working hard enough narratively or visually, cut it. Each shot you drop translates to time and money saved on set.
One strategy I recommend is consolidating locations. Think creatively about how one space can be repurposed or shot from a unique angle to serve multiple scenes. This space-saving trick reduces travel, eases crew fatigue, and maintains a lean schedule.
A storyteller by trade with a passion for conversation, Dominic Danson boasts over 20 years of experience. As the Creative Director at Twelve Noon Films, he helms major projects and hosts the talk show "Forty Minutes With," in which he probes diverse and inspiring individuals. He's scored awards for cinematography, editing, and journalism.
This cost-saving philosophy applies to gear, too. Select the right tools for the job at hand, and don't go overboard with the latest and greatest. I'm still on the hunt for the ultimate run-and-gun flight kit that contains camera, lenses, lighting, and sound essentials. Paring your setup down to the basics helps you maintain a laser focus on the content you're delivering, and it ensures you're not shooting a scene just because you can.
Moreover, assemble a tight, focused crew with versatile skills. On smaller shoots, multitalented individuals who can jump between roles - say, someone who can grip and gaff - are golden. You don't need an enormous team, but you do need a talented one. The same goes for casting - sometimes, a smaller ensemble allows you to devote more time to each performance and reap better results.
Last but not least, don't skimp on the crew's grub. It may sound simple, but it can significantly boost morale and momentum on set. A well-fed, happy crew will give you their all, and that's worth its weight in gold - or at least in money saved!
03. Let the real world shape the story
Press Play on Alexandra Lacey, a filmmaker and the director of Netflix's The Twister: Caught in the Storm
When I'm developing a concept, everything starts with character. My process generally involves lengthy, research-heavy discussions with the people involved, focusing on their emotional beats, arcs, and moments of change. Once I grasp the shape of each person's journey, I determine how their stories fit together. This groundwork sets the foundation for individual scenes.
I've always seen the world through a visual lens, and I'm a visually minded thinker – even when I pen a script. Often, ideas strike me while I'm typing, but I'm also inspired by the everyday world around me. I draw inspiration from fairy tales, too. Picturing these stories helps me ensure there's enough tension, change, and resolution to keep an audience hooked.
Alexandra Lacey is a documentary filmmaker whose work is both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Her recent credits include 'Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me' (Netflix), 'The Fake Sheikh' (Amazon Prime), and 'Manson: The Lost Tapes' (FOX). Her directorial debut, The Twister, premiered on Netflix in 2025, topping global film charts.
One piece of advice I’d like to share with budding filmmakers: embrace a point of view. When crafting The Twister, we zeroed in on a town of 50,000 people, but we knew we couldn't tell everyone's story. We decided to narrate the story of the tornado through a group of teenagers. This narrowed focus lent emotional depth as a relatable coming-of-age tale. Don't overwhelm your audience; trust your lens and let your story shine.
My art direction background also means I'm always keeping budget constraints in mind. When putting together a scene, I ask myself: do I really need to shoot this on a boat, or can I get the same effect with a smaller-scale approach? Big-ticket items like boats, moving vehicles, live animals, or complex sets carry price tags and safety risks. Keep your dreams big, but be strategic about what you show on screen.
Since I work with documentaries, I don't script traditional dialogue. Instead, I develop an interview script for the contributors before filming starts, breaking down what I anticipate we may capture. I also craft a 'wish sync' - an ideal roster of soundbites. Post-interview, I reassemble the story with the best footage we got. It's an intriguing mixture of planning and spontaneity, but it works.
I wish I'd embraced screenwriting tools earlier on in my documentary journey. I didn't refer to film scripts at all in the early days. Now, I'm a devotee of screenwriting podcasts, avid reader of scripts, and treat every character in my films like they're part of a narrative. Because they are.
04. Get the right funding
Press Play on Victor Perez, a filmmaker and VFX supervisor
Funding a film can be as much of an art as making the film itself. The secret sauce is self-initiation. If you have a tale to tell, kickstart the storytelling process with whatever resources you have, even if it's just your phone. Filmmaking is all about navigating obstacles, and budget constraints are often the first one you'll face. Embrace them and make them work to your advantage.
Victor Perez is a globally-acclaimed VFX Supervisor, director, innovator, TED speaker, and award-winner. Over 28 years in the biz, he's lent his expertise to major Hollywood productions.
Every project is a lesson. When I made Another Love, I didn't have a studio or big production team backing me – just a crystal-clear vision and an unwavering crew. The secret is to design your project around your actual resources, not an idealized version.
Creativity often blooms under pressure. Consider combining traditional and modern funding methods - crowdfunding broadens your audience, and it helps raise funds, while collaborations with brands or tech companies can be valuable, especially if your story touches on innovation or social themes. Always have a strong pitch deck ready – something that goes beyond the budget and treatment to show why this story matters now and why you're the ideal storyteller.
05. Don't leave post till last
Press Play on Rob Hifle, Co-founder and Creative Director at Lux Aeterna
Don't leave post-production till the last minute. If there's one piece of advice I always offer to filmmakers, especially those working on indie projects, it's to think about your post-production needs right from the start.
Post-production is an integral part of the creative process, not a mere clean-up job at the end. From editorial workflows to VFX and final grade, decisions made during preproduction can make or break the post-production process. You might only have a few seconds of visual effects in your film, but if you haven't planned those shots carefully, it can result in an unnecessary drain of time and budget. Involving your post team early – whether that's your editor, VFX supervisor, or colorist – can prevent a host of creative and technical pitfalls.
Rob Hifle is the CEO and Creative Director of Lux Aeterna, a VFX studio specializing in cinematic VFX – working with clients such as BBC Studios, Netflix, and Silverback Films. The studio is currently in pre-production on their latest drama short RENO.
For indie filmmakers, efficiency is the name of the game. With limited resources, you need a smooth pipeline running from shoot to post. We've seen projects that are beautifully shot but struggle in post-production because the footage wasn't prepared for the final pipeline.
Small considerations like data wrangling, selecting the right codecs, or shooting with a final grade in mind can significantly elevate the finished product. North Shore Boy, for example, initially looked like a low-budget project, but through careful planning, we were able to achieve a stunning, polished result that impressed international audiences.
At the end of the day, treating post-production as part of the creative process – rather than a mere postscript – allows you to tell a stronger story.
06. How to get your film seen
Victor Perez, continued
Today, distribution has shifted beyond traditional avenues, and that's a significant advantage for emerging filmmakers. Platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Instagram have become legitimate channels for getting your work seen – especially when it comes to short-form or experimental content.
The objective isn't to premiere in cinemas or make the festival rounds, though those still hold value; it's about stirring conversation and connecting with audiences on their turf. Distribute your work widely, and watch the word-of-mouth buzz spread.
Curation remains crucial, though. Festivals, online showcases, and partnerships with platforms that champion indie voices can elevate your visibility. Engage with curators, journalists, educators, and influencers who might help share your work in classrooms, galleries, or industry events. And don't discount the value of merely sharing your work online.
Sometimes, the ideal opportunity falls in your lap – but only if you're visible.
07. How to build buzz for your film
Glenn Matchett, Managing Director at Grammatik
Marketing a film relies on using the right tools efficiently. Multichannel marketing is essential – not just to maximize reach but to create a consistent narrative around the project. Think of your film as a product – define your audience, clarify your positioning, and ensure your messaging is consistent across platforms.
Glenn is the Managing Director of Grammatik, a marketing and PR agency that specializes in supporting clients in the creative tech and enterprise sectors, including Autodesk, Epic Games, AWS, numerous VFX studios, and innovative tech tool companies. The agency has also assisted clients in promoting short films.
Start with a strong visual identity – a striking poster, carefully chosen stills, and a concise logline go a long way. A teaser trailer can help generate momentum, particularly when tailored for multiple formats – consider vertical cuts for Instagram Stories or YouTube Shorts. Each promotional asset should reinforce the tone and themes of the film.
Capitalize on various channels to target different parts of your audience. Instagram and TikTok are fantastic for visual content and short stories. LinkedIn may be underutilized in this context, but it's a valuable resource for showcasing the project to industry professionals and potential collaborators.
Established media outlets, film blogs, and genre-specific publications are always on the hunt for compelling stories, especially when there's a regional or cultural angle.
For more film-related content, check out our list of the best film posters of all time.
- The filmmaking process necessitates both storyboarding and previsualization (previs), as they help convey the visual language and spatial logic of each scene to every crew member.
- Effective previs not only aids in planning shots but also enhances efficiency by eliminating unnecessary coverage and reshoots.
- A well-prepared previs sequence communicates professionalism and vision when pitching ideas to financiers, collaborators, or audiences.
- Early identification and resolution of potential issues in pre-production, like continuity challenges or blocking, minimizes stress and offers additional creative leeway.
- Incorporating powerful AI features in previs software, such as Previs Pro, streamlines scene building and camera work for a smoother production process.
- Utilizing a small, tight crew with versatile skills ensures a lean budget and allows for a stronger focus on the crew's performance and the content delivered.
- Multichannel marketing is essential for maximizing reach and maintaining a consistent narrative around a film project.
- Building a strong visual identity through assets like a striking poster, concise logline, and teaser trailer strengthens a film's visibility to target audience and industry professionals.
