Looking for the next big Hollywood blockbuster?

You're in the wrong place.
That is definitely NOT what we're about.

Major studios have been throwing tons of money into producing a single movie and then millions more into marketing and advertising these behemoths. It's been harder and harder for independent filmmakers to compete and get their projects funded.

However, fret not! As the world has changed, so has the process of independent filmmaking.  It's now possible to get grass roots funding through such sources as Indiegogo or Kickstarter. There are many options available to get props and costumes on a budget. CGI and special effects libraries also exist that can make your independent movie look more professional without breaking the bank.

A big way that indie movies save money is by skipping the theatrical release portion of the Hollywood process. Film festivals are still a great way to see independent cinematography on the big screen. They can help in judging  audience reactions as well as providing networking opportunities. The other advantage of film festivals is that they can get recognition in other distribution avenues. However, the idea that you need to get your movie in cinemas is simply not practical for the typical small filmmaker.

So, if movie theaters are not generally profitable for indie movies, what is working? Audiences now prefer to watch their movies, documentaries and TV shows in the comfort of their own home. Amazon Prime, for instance, has more regulations but can net larger profits. Other options  include Tubi or Vimeo. In this case, viewers see commercials and a small slice of that ad revenue is how the filmmakers get paid. DVD / Blu-ray is also an option but try to follow a "print on demand" model or you'll  find yourself sitting on hundreds of discs that you don't know what to do with.

Car Trek (Theatrical Company) is but one small business that has been involved in the production of lower budget indie movies using some of the approaches mentioned above.  Have we got rich doing this? Well, frankly no but we make enough to keep our head above water and fund the next project. We've had a lot of fun doing it though and that's what really counts.

Feel free to check out some of the fun projects we have been involved with. You can see production shots and read more about individual features and shorts. There are also links to some of the filmmaking resources we have found helpful in our journey. Sometimes, we showcase projects to raise money or awareness. If you have your own projects to share, let us know!

Regardless of your interest in independent cinema, don't ever give up on your dreams!