The Choice to Create the Film You Want to See: Finding the Joy of Creativity in DIY Filmmaking

Why Indie Films Embody Pure Creation

DIY films, or indie movies, are, as the name implies, made “independently.” Unlike commercial productions, they aren’t created to satisfy financial goals or align with producers’ demands.

That said, completing a film that only you find entertaining means the tremendous effort you’ve invested goes to waste.

A Two-Part Objective

First and foremost, the goal is to complete a film you—your first audience—truly want to see. Though you’ll naturally notice the flaws more than anyone else and may struggle to view it objectively, you should aim to create something you’d love if you weren’t the one who made it.

The second goal is to show it to family, friends, or other third parties, and to make it as enjoyable for them as possible.

However, competing with professionally crafted entertainment is no small task. Regular viewers are accustomed to high-quality TV dramas and films. While they might casually critique aspects like weak scripts, odd direction, or lackluster acting, those productions far surpass what most amateur filmmakers can achieve. Completing your first DIY project makes this reality abundantly clear.

The Practical Challenges

Modern shooting and editing equipment has significantly closed the gap between amateurs and professionals. Still, professional productions enjoy vastly superior budgets and highly skilled crews, making it nearly impossible for an amateur work to match their technical quality.

Simply wanting to watch something entertaining? Turning on the TV would suffice.

For someone to choose your film over pre-recorded shows or mainstream dramas, your work must have a unique appeal that offers something those other options lack.

How to Stand Out

A key way to create this unique appeal is by incorporating elements and perspectives unfamiliar to mainstream audiences.

Interestingly, commercial TV dramas today are heavily constrained. Due to their broad audiences, even minor details can attract complaints, forcing creators to adopt multiple layers of caution and safety measures.

In contrast, DIY filmmakers operate with far fewer limitations—so long as their work abides by the law. No sponsors are pressuring you to add mass-appeal elements. You have complete creative freedom.

Let’s say your interests include:

• Period dramas.
• UFOs.
• The paranormal.

You could craft a story about “a duo of secret agents investigating mysterious incidents in Edo-era towns, recording their findings, and subtly covering up the truth to keep it hidden from the public eye.”

Such a niche concept would never make it past the pitch stage for a TV drama, but completing it as a DIY film ensures it stands out as something unique—something “never before seen on television.”

This differentiation alone motivates audiences to watch. Strong originality keeps your work from being directly compared to high-budget, professional productions. Freshness naturally captivates, making the experience more engaging.

Embrace What You Love

To truly shine, pack your film with elements you’re passionate about. Even if it feels a little “overstuffed,” that enthusiasm often translates to more fun.

Stripping your work down for clarity and balance might create a polished product, but it risks feeling lackluster. Audiences are accustomed to such “well-rounded” content on TV; it’s not inherently exciting.

When your work reflects your own unique interests, people who share those passions will delight in it—and might even become fans.

Even those unfamiliar with your subject matter will sense the energy and sincerity behind your choices. That raw enthusiasm gives your work a captivating charm.

A Personal Anecdote

When I made my first film at around 20 years old, I assumed it might be my last. So, I crammed in every element I loved:

• Hiroshi Kawaguchi Adventure Team.
• Lost-world ruins.
• Dinosaurs.
• Bruce Lee-style action.

The result, while undeniably amateurish in execution, exuded more charm than a more “tasteful” but restrained project would have.

Your Reasons for Creating

Everyone has different reasons for making films. Some wish to emulate the movies and TV dramas they love—and there’s nothing wrong with that. Recreating those works can be deeply enjoyable.

But the joy of filmmaking as a hobby goes far beyond parody or replication. While homages can be satisfying for a time, they’re limited by their derivative nature.

In contrast, a film built around what you love and know, experimenting with combinations and perspectives, can achieve a level of originality rarely seen in commercial productions—along with its own compelling charm.

So, what are your favorite elements?