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| Independent Feature Films
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Independent feature film making is a dynamic and exciting endeavor. With projects like "Memento" "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "The Others" turning heads at the box office, it is evident that there is still room out there for a great independent project.
But for every "Blair Witch" that breaks through, there are hundreds of Indy's that don't make it and disappear into obscurity. Not always for lack of talent, but for lack of proper planning. It takes a lot of time, a lot of money, and a lot of heart to make a film. So let's make a good one, and get it sold. |
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"Most independent feature films are doomed before they ever put film in the camera."
Edmund Baxter
President, Washington Picture Works
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| Award winning DP Rob Lyall with WPW's ARRI 35BL on the set of "The Least of These" |
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| Most independent feature films are doomed before they ever put film in the camera. That's right, doomed...by mistakes. And it's the same ones over and over and over again. The kind that make it near impossible to sell your film when it's done. Many are fundamental, but they slip through anyway. The list is too long for here, but consider this: Most independent features are driven by a producer/director who, through super-human individual effort, is trying to make a film.
If you are that person, it's time to stop...and get a little help. Between producing and directing, you will only be GREAT at one of those jobs. And whichever of the two you are not GREAT at will be your undoing...and you want to direct, right?
Fine, we'll produce.
Actually, the term we prefer is "Shepherding" projects. From the beginning to the very end. A business partner, down field blocker, navigator, confident, risk sharing, comrade-in-arms that will not allow you to fall. Ever.
If you visited our section on 35mm, you know that we have a pretty nice camera system. But it takes a lot more than just having a 35 camera to make a film.
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Develop a project strategy that maximizes your chances for success
Write the business plan. (Don't think you need one? You're already finished.)
Provide overall strategic guidance
Structure the financial and legal contracts
Provide constructive script feed back
Attract distribution
Provide constant assistance navigating the numerous business and creative aspects of feature film making
Assemble a crew of seasoned craft professionals instead of a bunch of hopeful want-to-be's
Provide a complete 35mm camera package
Provide comprehensive post production services
STRETCH your budget, and make sure the money "Hits the screen"
Provide the down field blocking for YOU to make YOUR film. |
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| Ed Baxter, President of "The Works". |
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| Click on poster for more information on "The Least of These" and Old Fashioned Pictures |
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Ed Baxter of Washington Picture Works, Inc. helped produce the 20 minute 35mm short film "The Least of These". Shot on location at the historic Tastee Diner in Laurel, Maryand over seven nights, this film has won over a dozen awards and has screened nationally and internationally.
Award recognition includes:
CINE Golden Eagle and Special Jury Award.
Crystal Heart Award, The Heartland Film Festival.
Houston Worlfdfest.
The Silver Chris Award, Columbus International Film Festival.
Best short, Best Cinematography, Best Actor Washington DC Peer awards, and many more.
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