[Filmmakers' Grab Bag]

Advice from Distributors

Tony Safford, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions & Production at Twentieth Century Fox, has under his wing Fox Searchlight, a company that has been an industry beacon for the independent filmmaker. Their inaugural release, The Brothers McMullen, was made on a shoestring, got critical raves and excellent box office returns.

When asked what he looks for in an independent film, he said, “Something that will distinguish one film from all others, something that sparks us to respond with real interest.”

But Tony, what is that “spark” you speak of?

“Hell if I know, but here are some things to think about:

1. Be creative
2. Be smart
3. Listen to other filmmakers
4. Be open to criticism
5. Remember Renoir
6. Avoid gimmicks
7. Don’t be a smartass
8. Trust your instincts, not film executives
9. Stick to your guns
10. Forget Tarantino

Hope this helps. Good luck.”

Source: Exclusive to Indiefilms