Finding Your Audience (The Filmmaker and Criticism)

Why make films?  Why do filmmakers put in the hours (or months or years) creating a motion picture?  Is it ultimately for self-satisfaction — or for an audience to enjoy?  The answer could be a little of both, but everyone agrees that it is tough to hear criticism of one’s work.  That is unless you’ve got a strong backbone — which I’m told you’re supposed to have (and many filmmakers do).

Getting reviews from critics and the like can be a wonderful thing….it can also be the worst thing.  In the ideal world it would be incredible if everyone loved my films, but the reality is…that will never happen.  Ever.

Film is art.  Art generates gut reactions and opinions.  This world contains so many viewpoints that it is literally impossible to “please everyone” — but should you?  Does your film have to make everyone happy?  Studios would argue “yes” so they can make the most bang for the buck.  But are indie filmmakers in the same boat?  Do we alienate audiences — or lose potential viewers (which we desperately need) — with smaller, more personal stories?  Is this a good or bad thing?

I’m slowly learning to accept that some people will love my films while others will not.  A fellow filmmaker friend mentioned to me that if someone likes your film or hates it — at least it’s making them feel something and you’re getting a reaction.  The worst film is the one that sparks nothing either way.  In fact she said, “if someone hates your film….that’s great!!”

So where does this leave me now?  With NEW YORK LATELY I tried to balance a bit of both, using test screenings to make it as accessible as possible for an audience (even at the indie level) while balancing my artistic integrity.  What came out of that is a film that I’m extremely proud of — but feel it doesn’t truly represent me as an artist.  This could be partly due to that compromise (artist vs. audience) — or the fact that I’ve simply grown from that entire experience.

For my next feature WHAT’S UP LOVELY, I have approached it in an entirely different way (based on my previous filmmaking experiences).  I’m slowly learning now that ultimately you have to make a film that you’re happy with.  At the indie level — where you have no studio intervention — you should make the film you want to make without apologies.  Make it as personal as you want.  Because at the end of the day, you’ll only have yourself to answer to should the film be a success or failure — however you define those words.

I do have to admit that I still am conducting test screenings for LOVELY, but using the feedback in an entirely different way.  I will be sharing more details about this process on NEW BREED — a collective blog centered on the DIY filmmaking movement.

On a personal note, I must admit that it’s an amazing feeling when a person (a complete stranger) is affected or moved by your film — and they tell you this.  After a recent festival screening of NY LATELY, a woman came up to me to say how much she had enjoyed the movie and wished it were playing in Chicago (she flew in for the festival) so she could invite her “Film of the Month” club to see it.  That was pretty damn cool.

All these thoughts lead to one main question: How do you find your audience so they can find you?