Three Reasons Why Involving More People in Film Creation Matters

The Nature of Creativity: A Solo Pursuit?

In most creative endeavors—whether it’s painting, crafting, or writing—collaboration tends to play a minimal role. Film creation, however, stands out as a rare exception; it is inherently a collaborative art form.

That said, it’s important to avoid the misconception that mimicking professional filmmaking techniques is always ideal.

The Myth of “Professional-Only” Filmmaking

Until recently, amateur filmmaking was largely perceived as a mere imitation of professional methods. Beginner filmmaking guides often state that “a team of at least 10 staff members is essential for any shoot,” creating the unrealistic notion that individuals can’t make films on their own.

However, even a blockbuster like The Terminator had scenes shot guerrilla-style with just:

• Arnold Schwarzenegger (actor)
• James Cameron (director)
• A camera operator
• A lighting technician

This lean, four-person approach resembled small indie efforts more than studio productions!

The Benefits of Smaller Teams

Over time, I’ve refined methods to complete films with the smallest possible crews. With fewer people involved, scheduling becomes easier and production periods shorten.

For instance, I’ve completed projects with only two actors and no additional crew. My current go-to model is often just the performer and me as a combined director/camera operator.

This approach offers clear advantages:

• Simplified scheduling → Faster completion
• Lower costs → Budget-friendly filmmaking

While some argue for “spending more time and money for better results,” I prioritize quantity. In my experience, creating three films in one year leads to far more skill growth and stronger results than investing the same time in a single project.

A Broader View: After the Film’s Completion

Films, even non-commercial ones, are meant to be seen by as many people as possible. Unlike personal diaries, films thrive on being shared.

Yet, despite the promise of the Internet’s global reach, the reality is quite different. In today’s oversaturated market of YouTube creators, the chance of strangers voluntarily watching your work is almost zero.

People are naturally self-focused and unlikely to engage with something unrelated to their lives unless it offers a compelling reason.

Turning Audiences into Participants

The simplest way to spark interest is to transform viewers into stakeholders. How? By involving them in your film as:

• Actors (even for small, effortless parts)
• Location providers (e.g., using their home, vehicle, or workplace)
• Prop or costume contributors

The key is to minimize their burden while ensuring their contribution is visible on screen.

Why This Works

People inherently care most about themselves. For instance, in group photos, don’t you find yourself looking for your own face first?

This “stakeholder strategy” leverages that behavior. Even a few seconds of personal involvement transforms your film into something special—their film.

As a result, they’re more likely to promote the film to others. Imagine them saying:

• “That’s my workplace in this scene.”
• “I lent that costume for this shoot.”

Building Momentum

Consider a local bar you frequent. Casting the bartender or regulars in your next project might encourage their network to watch. Over time, this could evolve into a recurring tradition: film screenings at that very bar. You might even sell DVDs to raise funds for future projects!

Conclusion

Films can certainly be completed solo or with small teams, but involving more people offers:

1. Access to extras, locations, and props
2. A built-in network of promoters
3. Additional support for funding efforts

By broadening your circle of collaborators, you can ensure your film reaches wider audiences and becomes more memorable for everyone involved.