INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCTION
A SET OF GUIDES FOR FILMMAKERS
An illustrated series
A library for independent filmmakers.
This series is about best practices in finding success: making independent films without compromise, without permission, and without losing yourself in the process. One craft, examined from different angles..
Planning for distribution from the beginning is the core to independent film success. It is about audience building, from day one.
At the beginning
Films don’t find audiences. Filmmaker find audiences for their films. The difference is striking in terms of successful sales and distribution. It is the key factor in bringing an indie film to market.
THE essential GUIDES.
01
Distribution
The release is part of the film. Own it entirely, from festival strategy to direct audience sales.
02
Budgeting
Before production begins, the numbers must make sense. This book starts where most filmmakers get stuck.
03
AI Tools
The tools have changed. The craft hasn’t. Learn which AI capabilities belong on your production.
04
Before You Make a Film
Read this one first. Everything a filmmaker needs to understand before calling action.
→
The full library
All four books, read together, form a complete curriculum for the independent filmmaker.
What this series does
FIND clarity IN the parts of filmmaking nobody talks about clearly.
Independent filmmaking is full of harsh realities. Nobody wants to talk about the failures, but that is where we learn the most. These books are realistic guides, derived from history and patterns in the market. References are made to successes and failures. Planning, setting goals, having the whole process mapped out… that is what makes a difference for a film’s success.
[ Series / concept video ]
Inside the books
The pages come to life.
01 / 03
The series
THERE ARE 4 STEPS TO FILMMAKING:
PRE-PRODUCTION, PRODUCTION, POST-PRODUCTION, AND DISTRIBUTION.
Book 2 Cover
01
· Available now
Distribution
Distribution planning starts in pre-production. For filmmakers who are already in progress, it is essential to catch-up before the film is completed. If the movie is already done, there is still a lot of work to do.
Book 2 Cover
02
· Coming next
Budgeting
Knowing how to read a budget, then how to create your own, is an essential skill for your team. This is about how to think about budgeting, as much as it is about making a complete financial projection.
Book 4 Cover
04
· In progress
First Steps
This guide is a primer for everyone who is planning to make a film. Setup for success from the beginning. This overview will give you an outline, so that you can always be working toward your goal.
Book 3 Cover
03
· In progress
AI Tools
AI shouldn’t write, direct or act in your film. So what can it do? AI tools can save time and money in research, organization, ad management, and visual effects. AI tools can offer a scale that low budgets couldn’t afford.
[ Author Photo ]
By SEAN AKERS
Sean Akers is a film producer who has worked on more than 20 films in the last 20 years.
Much of the industry is in disarray, with people identifying all of the problems and questions about the future of the business. Each question needs an answer. Each problem needs a solution. This series is built from practical knowledge and experience. It comes from exhaustive research, pattern seeking, and process building. Finding the common elements of successful films, Sean builds a step-by-step process for filmmakers.
LOS ANGELES / SYSTEMS FOR INDUSTRY LLC
The first book
Be the first to read
the series.
Written slowly, made with care. Signed by the author. Printed in a first edition. Leave your email and we will write when each book arrives.
[ Photo of the physical book ]
Newsletter