The Case for Treating Filmmaking Like Industrial Production

The Debate Over Auteurism in Filmmaking

There are creators who prioritize auteurism in their work—those unique traits, sensibilities, and intangible “flavors” that make a creator’s work distinctly theirs. While this is undoubtedly important, true auteurism doesn’t require deliberate emphasis. It should emerge naturally, even unconsciously, in the work itself.

Whether intentional or not, auteurism reveals itself in the final product. Therefore, I suggest setting aside concerns about “making it unique” and instead approaching filmmaking with the mindset of creating an industrial product.

Adopting Industrial Precision in Filmmaking

For example, consider the cinematography. Instead of crafting every shot with maximum originality and creativity, set clear foundational rules for framing, camera movement, and editing, then focus on efficient execution.

The same logic applies to acting. Rather than seeking emotionally charged, immersive performances, treat expressions, gestures, and line delivery as symbols. This involves creating a “symbolic system” where even actors with minimal experience can convey meaning effectively, reducing reliance on raw acting talent.

Filmmakers who cherish highly distinctive camerawork, or actors who take pride in deeply methodical performances, may resist such an approach. They might call it lifeless or unaesthetic. But there’s a larger, often overlooked truth:

Both cinematography and acting are add-ons—”plus-alpha” elements, akin to the wallpaper, curtains, or air fresheners in a house. While these decorative choices are delightful, they only matter if the house has a solid foundation and sturdy walls. Focusing on the decorations while neglecting the fundamentals is counterproductive.

The Danger of Prioritizing Add-Ons

Unfortunately, there are many creators—professionals included—who obsess over surface details while neglecting the core essentials. This often results in poor budget management and an underwhelming final product.

By adopting an industrial approach to filmmaking, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of structure. Stripping away plus-alpha elements like intricate directing or sophisticated acting lets you focus on the film’s basic architecture. This process highlights the need for a compelling story, one that holds interest even without embellishment.

The Illusion of Success Through Add-Ons

A charismatic performance by an actor can often mask weak storytelling, poorly written dialogue, or unnatural direction. While this can lead audiences to mistakenly believe the film is well-made, it risks leaving the creators blind to their own shortcomings.

Creators might convince themselves that their hastily-written script or uneven plot is better than it truly is, especially if critical circles praise overly dramatic or style-heavy work. However, unless the film resonates beyond niche audiences, it’s unlikely to gain broader appeal.

Ultimately, a genuinely compelling story should stand on its own—actors only need to deliver lines naturally, without relying on theatrical techniques that might distract from the narrative.

Prioritizing Completion Over Perfection

Making a film “like an industrial product” may feel unambitious to some, but my experience suggests otherwise. Inevitably, filmmakers will pour energy into the aspects they care about most. Striving for efficiency while consciously downplaying additional flourishes creates a balanced workflow, especially for those with limited experience or resources.

For indie filmmakers, pursuing too many add-ons often results in unfinished projects. The priority should always be completing the film. Add-ons, such as elaborate direction or stylistic experiments, consume precious time and energy.

As skills improve and workflows become more efficient, creators earn the “right” to devote extra effort to plus-alpha elements. Until then, focusing on the core narrative ensures a stronger foundation for future growth.

The Misconception About “Industrial” Filmmaking

Some may think treating filmmaking like industrial production will result in soulless, bland movies. On the contrary—minimizing reliance on add-ons forces creators to concentrate on crafting an engaging story from the ground up.

Mastering the art of solid, no-frills filmmaking is often the quickest path to creating high-quality, entertaining work.