Film producer, technologist and entrepreneur Jake Seal is a prominent figure in the British entertainment industry. Jake has headed a team which has pioneered long-term archiving on celluloid film, developing a technique that is tamperproof, technology agnostic, requires only a light source and magnifying source to access, and lasts for 500 years, culminating in the creation of the only proven long-term archive solution. Jake Seal is also heavily involved in restoration, as well as research and development in scanning and processing technologies. This article will look at filmmaking, sharing tried-and-true strategies and tips to help aspiring filmmakers achieve success in the industry.
According to Jake Seal, one of the keys to success in the film industry is building a strong network of contacts. This involves not only cultivating relationships with other producers but also with actors, directors, writers and other key industry players. By networking effectively, filmmakers increase their chances of finding the right collaborators for their projects. In addition, networking also increases their likelihood of gaining access to major studios and distributors.
The filmmaking process starts with the script. A great screenplay has a solid beginning, middle and end, with the characters guiding the audience on an emotional journey. Audiences should be able to take something away from the film that they may not have experienced otherwise.
As Jake Seal points out, a critical aspect of producing films is taking calculated risks. He suggests that the risks and rewards of each project should be carefully evaluated, taking into account factors like budget, audience appeal and marketability. By taking calculated risks, filmmakers can reduce the risk of financial failure while increasing their chances of producing a hit movie.
Filmmaking is a team endeavour that requires the right crew, from pre-production through to editing and post-production. Great crew members are reliable and skilled, with a strong work ethic. For example, having a talented sound recordist and experienced director of photography who has worked on numerous sets can make all the difference in post-production processes, as well as making the whole filmmaking process far easier and smoother.
A common error among inexperienced filmmakers is failing to ensure that leading roles are professionally cast. Collecting demo reels and hosting regular casting sessions can help filmmakers to gauge how prospective cast members would respond to certain situations while simultaneously ensuring that the cast have a thorough understanding of their characters. Holding story run-throughs also enables filmmakers to assess how cast members engage with each other, as well as the roles they have been cast in.
The world’s most adept filmmakers tell a story through visual storytelling. All too often, inexperienced filmmakers fall into the trap of failing to ensure that they have a clear, structured and compelling story. While a boyfriend and girlfriend walking along the beach is a visual love letter, a story requires motivation, obstacles, conflict, drama and difficulties. Although dialogue is important, filmmakers should ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’, as this is far more impactful than actors simply delivering lines.
Special effects and advanced filmmaking techniques are extremely specialised fields that test the mettle of even the most experienced filmmakers. When it comes to using special effects such as green screen and CGI, filmmakers should focus on honing their production skills before expanding into the field.
Another important aspect of filmmaking success is keeping current with the latest industry developments and trends. Jake Seal stresses the importance of producers keeping abreast of new distribution channels and technologies, as well as maintaining an awareness of emerging themes and genres in popular culture. This enables filmmakers to make better-informed decisions about which projects to pursue and how best to market and distribute them.
