Surviving a Writers Strike as an Independent Filmmaker

The impact of the current Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has been obviously negative on the business prospects of Hollywood distributors, but less obvious (or reported) on the independent filmmakers in the industry.

Based loosely on the mood of executives at this year's Cannes Film Festival, indie filmmakers are in higher demand now IF they can sustain their projects throughout the disruptions the writers’ strike is causing.

A quote from Screen Daily claims that “there is a hunger for new voices” and buyers “are getting sick of uniform content.” Technically, this is good news for a genre of filmmakers that typically leans toward unconventional, experimentative storytelling.

The big HOWEVER is that indie directors usually have to go their own way to fund and distribute their films, because Hollywood doesn’t place huge bets on them. It’s worse for Black and African women independent filmmakers who receive a mere fraction of the slim piece of pie offered in this sector.

In an increasingly digital world, online platforms like YouTube and Kickstarter are democratizing access to audiences and investors, allowing filmmakers to bypass traditional distribution channels. 

The power of social media shouldn’t be underestimated. It definitely can generate audience engagement, create buzz, and attract a cult following. But to leverage this effectively, indie filmmakers need to become just as creative with their business strategy as they are with their cinematic work.

I hope that’s where Leading Like a Lady comes in as a helping hand. The video shared at the top of this article is an exclusive offer for anyone taking the entrepreneurial route to financing their film career.

Please share widely or take advantage of the offer if it’s pertinent to you.