Only in the independent film genre do stars have the freedom to write, produce, direct, and star in their own films. Tarantino, Corrine, and Anders have all made it big making their own kinds of movies. With these steps, you can, too.
Difficulty Level: Hard Time Required: 5 Years
Here's How:
- Live in a city with a strong indie movie scene. Austin, San Francisco, London, and Seattle are good choices. You'll just be another pretty face in New York or Los Angeles.
- Offer to work in movies for free. Even though you're not getting paid, learn your lines and always act like a professional.
- Make lots of friends who want to make movies. You can use each other in your films, so if one of you makes it big, you all will.
- If acting isn't your strong suit, stay behind the camera. Stick to writing screenplays (see the how to list), producing, and directing.
- Gain inspiration from reading the biographies of your favorite indie film stars. Did you know that a 16-year-old Tim Roth allegedly wet his pants from stage fright before going onstage for a production of Dracula?
- Don't take any bad reviews too personally. Most critics don't know how to properly evaluate independent films.
- Learn the lingo. Perfect your pronunciation of such words like "pathos, film noir chiaroscuro, and oeuvre." Use them during your interviews.
- Finally, no matter how desperate you get, choose your projects wisely. Once you go Hollywood, it's hard to go back. Just ask Ashley Judd.
- To intensify your performance, date a variety of people from each of your
projects or develop a drug habit or eating disorder. This seems to be a catalyst
for many fine performances.
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