Know Your Filmmaking Goals Before You Yell ‘Action!’

Alright, future Spielberg, let’s have a heart-to-heart before you dive headfirst into making your masterpiece. Before you even think about calling ‘action,’ you need to ask yourself one crucial question: What’s the goal here? Because trust me, flying blind in filmmaking is a recipe for stress, confusion, and possibly crying in a dark editing room at 3 AM.

Define Your Version of Success (Because Hollywood Ain’t Handing Out Gold Stars)

Here’s the deal—success in filmmaking isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not just about nabbing that Oscar or selling out a packed theater. You’ve got to decide what success looks like for you. Knowing your goals from the start will keep you from wandering aimlessly like a lost extra on a massive set.

Maybe your dream isn’t about winning awards or raking in cash—maybe you just need to tell your story and see it through. If that’s the case, congrats, your priority is completion. That means your focus should be on efficiency, getting a solid team together, and keeping your sanity intact while you make this thing happen. The goal? A finished film, no matter what.

Are you using this project as your golden ticket into the industry? Then this film needs to scream “Look at me, I know how to make movies!” Your calling card film should be polished, packed with style, and showcase exactly what makes you stand out. Festivals, industry peeps, and potential collaborators should watch it and think, Damn, I want to work with this person.

Some filmmakers want to see their work up on the festival circuit, racking up awards like it’s a championship season. If that’s you, you need to plan for it. That means next-level cinematography, jaw-dropping performances, and themes that make audiences actually feel something. Research what festivals align with your film’s vibe, and don’t just submit blindly—there’s strategy involved if you want that laurel life.

Maybe you’re here for the business side of things. You want your film to sell, whether it’s to streaming platforms, distributors, or direct to consumers. If making a profit is the goal, then you need to treat your film like a product from the start. What genre sells? Who’s your audience? How are you marketing this thing before it’s even finished? Smart filmmakers know that making money in film isn’t magic—it’s strategy.

Guess what? You don’t have to pick just one. You might want to tell a personal story and make it a festival hit. Maybe you want critical acclaim but also need to break even financially. Whatever the case, knowing your goals upfront means you can make smarter choices, rather than scrambling to figure it out mid-shoot while your lead actor is demanding a gluten-free craft services table.

Once you’re clear on what success looks like, everything else falls into place. If you want festival buzz, don’t skimp on production quality. If you want financial return, think about your target market from day one. Knowing your goals will help you make decisions that actually get you where you want to go.

Filmmaking is a wild ride. But the best way to make sure you don’t end up lost in the chaos? Have a plan. Define your version of success early, and you’ll save yourself a ton of headaches down the line. Now go forth, make that movie, and crush it.