How I Made 6 Feature Films In 2 Years

In 2016, I began the crazy notion of directing and writing my feature films. In my first two years, I wrote a book that’s been published that I turned into a movie and I completed 6 feature films. All totally different genres. I met an incredible mentor who supports me in ways I never thought possible. I spoke on a directors panel at Cannes Film Festival and I have won various awards at various film festivals.

The reason I’m telling you this is not to brag. It’s because I want to show that anything is possible. My next book Filmmaking without Fear, is also completed. This book really explains the ins and outs of making a feature starting from having nothing to a completed project and from my personal experiences including the highs and the lows.

One of the main questions I get asked is “how did I do it?” And “how did you get distribution?” Both very valid questions. Actually directing the film can be the easiest part.

So I wanted to share a small bit of knowledge that can hopefully help you all become Filmmakers or Storytellers.

How Did I Do It?

1. I had no fear that’s how. I worked all hours possible on moving my dream forward.

2. I went ahead and did it even if people said things weren’t possible. I found a way of doing it. I wasn’t going to let anything stop me.

3. I started from the bottom and worked my way up. I’m not afraid of hard work, I’m not afraid of failure and I’m not afraid of making something that isn’t brilliant because I want to learn from those experiences. I can assure you, it will never be perfect. I crave learning. I love the fact that every single one of my films has taught me something new.

To Put it into 3 Easy Steps

1. I would say find a story you’re passionate about that you want to tell.
2. Work out the purpose of your film, is it to sell, make a short or just for you?
3. Then plan how to shoot it based on the purpose.

Surround yourself with other passionate people who have the same goal as you to tell a good story.The hardest element about making films is the post and prepping for distribution. To me this is all about relationships. I’ve discussed the film with distributors and sales agents before I’ve shot it incase there’s something that will prevent it from being of interest or able to sell. Then I keep them in the loop with everything that I do.

Seeing things through from beginning concept to the end is important. If you can’t complete it then what’s the point. People will remember you for completing and either selling it or taking it to festivals.

Never give up. Keep on going.

About Elizabeth Blake-Thomas

ELIZABETH BLAKE-THOMAS is a British award-winning storyteller and philanthropist based in Los Angeles, having recently directed her latest feature film during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just Swipe is a romcom starring Full House/Fuller House star Jodie Sweetin and is set to release in 2021. Elizabeth’s recent film Evie Rose, starring Oscar-nominated actress Terry Moore, premiered January 2021 on Amazon. Elizabeth is the founder and resident director of entertainment company Mother & Daughter Entertainment, whose motto is “Making Content That Matters”, putting focus on each project starting a conversation amongst viewers. An Official Ambassador of Awareness Ties for Human Trafficking, Elizabeth hopes to raise more awareness to the horrific nature of human trafficking and help put a stop to it. Her award-winning short film UNSEEN, which addresses the role technology plays in the facilitation of child trafficking, is being used to educate children on the dangers of lure tactics. Filmmaking Without Fear is a multi-medium resource by Elizabeth curated for indie filmmakers. Her FWF podcast is available on all streaming platforms, and the book of the same name is available on Amazon. A regular on panels at Sundance, Cannes and Toronto International Film Festival, Elizabeth mentors wherever possible, ensuring she sends the elevator back down to all other female storytellers.

Creator of the healing methodology Medicine with Words; learn to lead a more purposeful, peaceful life through guided studies of intention, reflection and deeper discoveries.

DIRECTING SHOWREEL

Book: Filmmaking Without Fear

Podcast:Filmmaking Without Fear

COMPANIES:

• Mother & Daughter Entertainment
• Medicine with Words

CONNECT:

• Stage 32
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Previous Stage 32 Blogs by Elizabeth:

How I (Safely) Shot a Rom-Com Feature During the Pandemic

Make Your Entertainment Career about the Journey, Not the Destination

https://www.stage32.com/blog/What-Road-Tripping-in-my-1969-VW-Bus-Taught-Me-About-Filmmaking

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