|
|
Independent Filmaker
Success Stories
The following is a small sampling of Independent Filmakers that became huge successes through their own independent films. Not everyone becomes successful, and those who do suceed rarely gain the celebrity status that these talented individuals have achieved. But it does happen...sometimes even a small movie can change your life.
Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino was working as a video store clerk when he sold the script for "True Romance" for $50,000. He decided to use this money to shoot his "Reservoir Dogs" script on 16mm with his friends staring in the lead roles. Harvey Keitel read his script and liked it enough to help raise funding, secure other talent, and act in the picture. "Reservoir Dogs" premiered at Sundance in 1992, and was picked up by Miramax. Quentin was finally on his way. He wrote the script for "Pulp Fiction" while traveling to film festivals around the country promoting the film.
"I don't think there's anything to be afraid of. Failure brings great rewards -- in the life of an artist." -Quentin Tarantino
Robert Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez made a 16mm short film titled "Bedhead" staring some of siblings. The film won many awards at the film festivals where it was shown. Robert subjected himself to medical testing in order to earn the $7,000 he used to make "El Mariachi" which he intended to sell to the Spanish language video market. He was signed by the powerful talent agency ICM, and signed a directing deal with Columbia while selling distribution rights to his film. Robert and his crew of friends and family have gone on to make even more successful movies in Hollywood.
"You can take writing classes, that's good, but don't bother to go to film school or you'll be making films like everybody else." -Robert Rodriguez
Peter Jackson
Peter Jackson, director of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, started out as an independent filmmaker producing a horror movie named "Bad Taste" that starred himself and his friends. The film took many years to produce because it was shot mainly on weekends while he worked for a newspaper. Shooting began in 1983, and the film was not completed and released until 1987. He went on to create unusual films like "Meet the Feebles" and "Dead Alive" before making his highly acclaimed film, "Heavenly Creatures". Today, Peter is a respected "Hollywood" director that continues to produce films in his native New Zealand.
"The advantage of working in New Zealand is the artistic freedom, even if it comes at the cost of having low budgets. Freedom is worth more than the money in Hollywood." -Peter Jackson
|
