Indie Filmmakers: Writing Their Own Scripts or Hunting for Others?

Indie filmmaking is a unique journey, where the decision to write one's own script or to adapt from an existing story often defines the project's success. The path each filmmaker takes can vary widely, influenced by their creative vision, resources, and ambitions.

Self-Sufficient Indie Filmmakers

Some indie filmmakers are self-sufficient, adept at crafting their own stories and scripts. Among these notable auteurs are Jim Jarmusch, who has directed films like Stranger Than Paradise and Coffee and Cigarettes. Rian Johnson, the creator of Brick and Looper, also falls into this category. Richard Linklater's Waking Life and Boyhood are examples of films where the writer-director pair produced the script from scratch. Ryan Coogler, Sofia Coppola, and Woody Allen are others who are masterful in writing and directing their own material. These filmmakers have proven that having full creative control over a project can lead to unparalleling artistic expression and vision.

Directing from Someone Else's Story

There are also indie filmmakers who prefer to direct from someone else's story, thus gaining access to narratives that have already found an audience. Filmmakers such as Danny Boyle, with Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris's Little Miss Sunshine, and Wayne Wang's Smoke and A Thousand Years of Good Prayers exemplify this approach. In these cases, the filmmakers infuse their unique vision and style into stories that have already resonated with audiences, potentially broadening their appeal.

Strategies for Finding the Perfect Script

For those indie filmmakers who do look for scripts, there are strategies to make the search manageable. Writing your own script can be fun, but there is much to be said for leveraging the skills of professional writers. If you are open to adapting existing scripts, you can optimize your search by writing a clear outline of what you're looking for in a script and then closely evaluating a small pool of scripts that match your criteria. This can save time and resources, making the most of your limited budget and focus. The key is to wait until you have a concept that truly excites you, not just because it's easy, but because it has the potential to be a driving force behind the success of your film.

The Importance of Ownership and Vision

While it might be easier to direct someone else's story, many indie filmmakers still opt to write their own scripts because they believe in the power of their own vision. A script that you have helped create is a script that you own. This sense of ownership can lead to more passionate and dynamic film-making. Additionally, using a well-crafted script from an external writer can serve as a strong foundation, giving your film a more compelling and polished feel from the outset. Indie filmmakers must consider the balance between their creative vision and the external perspectives they might gain from adapting a story.

Ultimately, the choice between writing your own script or looking for an existing one comes down to personal preference, creative vision, and available resources. The smart indie filmmaker knows when to take the leap and when to collaborate, recognizing that both approaches have their merits and can lead to impactful and successful filmmaking.