Hey there, Indie Faithful.
So, I guess I should start by introducing myself. Hi, my name’s Will, it’s nice to meet you. I’m a college student who’s been lucky enough to work with IndieFlix this summer, as well as a few times earlier in the year as well (can you say spring break?). Unfortunately, the bright, sunny (not to mention absurdly hot) summer has just about run its course, and I have to leave my idyllic life of film and fun for the arctic tundra I call home for most of the year.
I’m not saying I’ll be gone forever, and knowing our CEO Scilla, she’ll probably have me doing something for IndieFlix at some point or another. But for now, I’m headed off on my own, and I figured I’d take advantage of my immanent departure by writing a really mean blog post about all the folks here.
Alright, not really. As it turns out, there’s not a lot I can say against these guys. They’re all great, and while I could probably spend a good while waxing complimentary about the five (or so) dedicated coworkers that make up team IndieFlix, I figure my last time would be better spent talking about the rest of my experiences here (sorry Ian).
Now, there’s one thing I’m pretty sure most of you’ve got on your minds: film, specifically good ole fashion indie flicks. As it turns out, when I first started this gig, I knew practically nothing about the mainstream film industry, let alone indie films. Compared to some of the people (resident film savant Mike comes to mind), I still know practically nothing, but I think I’m starting to get the hang of things.
I’ve learned there are many good independent films out there, and many, many more bad ones. Fortunately for all of you, we don’t let any of the latter onto our site, so don’t worry about that bit too much. The second bit is this: the most talented filmmaker in the world, with the best cast in the world and the best equipment in the world making the greatest movie in the world with the best script in the world can all still come to naught, unless they have two important things. And wouldn’t you know, I’m about to tell you what those things are.
First, you need distribution. Now, this part can be tricky, but it’s not too hard to find if you know where to look (insert indieflix homepage link here? Kidding; the point of this isn’t advertising, I promise). Again, that part we can take care of. But the second thing you need, that’s the really tough one. Simply enough, you need people.
I’m not talking about cinephiles or auteurs, art students or the friends and family of the director. I’m talking about you, the average folk (unless of course you’re actually one of the aforementioned groups, but then…well…screw it, I’m talking about you too). Embarking on a journey to watch independent film can be a scary thing. It’s sort of like going into an unexplored jungle in search of ancient riches; there could be all the riches in the world in that jungle, but you won’t find them unless you have a map or a guide (and you don’t want to be eaten by tigers either).
I know! I’ve been there! That’s me! Or, was me, more specifically. This isn’t an IndieFlix plug, or an advertisement. I haven’t gotten any instructions as to what I should write about, my boss-superior-people have no idea what I’m working on. They told me to write something, and I figured if I could send out one message, this one would be it:
Independent film is great, even if it is a little daunting. Maps can be badly drawn, and without a guide you’re pretty much on your own, but unless you give it a shot, you’re not going to get anywhere. Sure, it takes a little practice, and you’ll wind up with some stuff you’re not too fond of before you perfect your personal system, but isn’t everything like that?
Well, I meant to end this far-too-longwinded post with an inspirational quotation I’m pretty sure is out there, about losing every time you don’t something or other, but perhaps unsurprisingly I wasn’t able to locate it. It was probably by Abraham Lincoln. Or Muhammed Ali. Maybe Gandalf.
So, thanks for your time. Hopefully it was worth your while.
Cheers,
W
Tags: back to school, college, employee, IndieFlix, summer, will pigott
