In the sixth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with award-winning indie director Timur Bootzin to talk about ditching the studio system and striking out on your own. Timur's films have collectively amassed over 18 million views on YouTube, but that's barely scratching the surface. He's also directed a music video for LA-based band V.O.T.G, been tapped to direct a documentary for the same, and launched his own podcast called 'The Inspiration of Now' that made me step up my game for this episode. He brings a really unique worldview to his films and the filmmaking process, and anybody looking to venture into the quagmire of indie-filmmaking would do well to listen.

Connect with Timur through his production company, Los Feliz Films - https://www.losfelizfilms.com, or IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9374174

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PART I: Timur's Story

• How a passion for cool cars turned into a thriving film career
• Why Timur's writing career was born from necessity

PART II: The Ins And Outs of Indie Production

• The only way to become a filmmaker is to just do it
• How to build your team
• Tips on maintaining authority when working with a more-experienced crew
• Don't cheap out on your food, don't cheap out on your sound

PART III: Writing For Your Own Projects

• Always ask yourself: why is this story?
• Why less is more when writing
• Why all writers should spend time on set

PART IV: Distributing & Marketing Your Film

• The wild story of how Hermanos went viral
• How to launch your film's award campaign
• NEVER submit your project until it's actually done
• Always re-read your emails before you send

RESOURCES:

• The Inspiration of Now (Timur's Podcast) - https://www.theinspirationofnow.com
• ProductionHub (to find crew) - https://www.productionhub.com
• From The Streets 2 The Set (casting agency for reformed convicts) - https://www.facebook.com/From-The-Streets-2-The-Set-413486015764133 

SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Don't aim for just survival