As a change of course from previous posts, I thought I might start sharing a producer "pro tip" for aspiring young filmmakers every time I write on this blog. Something useful and practical. A piece of advice I might give if I was teaching a college course or mentoring someone in the PGA. So with that said, here goes nothing...
Make the kind of content you would want to go see. Too many producers worry about "what's hot" or "what's now" or they try to chase distributors' fancies. The problem is that what's in right now might not be in a year or two from now when you're finally done your film and are ready to release it. Instead, focus on telling stories you would pay to see. The truth is that every genre and style has some audience out there for it. Obviously, some markets are more limited than others, and such realities may constrain things like overall budget, cast, marketing and the distribution strategy, but that doesn't change the fact that you should pursue a course that drives your passion and leaves you fulfilled. Because that passion and care and enthusiasm will show up on the screen just like the lack of it will. In this respect, you go into the endeavor as both artist and audience member, allowing you to do justice to both sides.
