Why Most Filmmakers Never Make a Second Feature

You made your first feature film. Now what?

According to research by film industry analyst Stephen Follows, only about 1 in 4 first-time feature directors makes a second film within five years.

So why do so many filmmakers struggle to get their second movie made?

In Episode 70 of Off The Lot, Anthony Epp breaks down the numbers behind filmmaking careers and explores why getting your film SEEN might be more important than getting it made.

Because the reality is that a great film nobody watches may do less for your career than a good film that finds an audience.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why so few first-time directors make a second feature
• The relationship between audience visibility and career longevity
• Why film festivals and distribution deals aren't enough
• How to build your first 1,000 engaged viewers
• Why marketing should begin before production
• Lessons from indie successes like Hundreds of Beavers and RocketJump
• Practical, low-budget strategies for getting your film in front of audiences

We also look at what Canadian independent filmmakers can do differently to build audiences and create sustainable careers outside the studio system.

THE BIG QUESTION: If you've made a feature film, how many ratings or reviews does it have? And what's actually worked to get people watching?

Tell us in the comments. We'd love to hear your experience.

Off The Lot is the podcast for filmmakers building careers outside the studio system.

Hosted by Ken Kabatoff and Anthony Epp.

For questions, stories, or inquiries: podcast.offthelot@gmail.com