Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking Tom Schulman - Doubling Down on Independent Film from an Oscar Winning Writer!
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Jan 23, 2023 
In this engaging chat, Academy Award-winning writer and director Tom Schulman shares insights from his illustrious career, including classics like Dead Poets Society and the recent Double Down South. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from Hollywood to indie filmmaking, touching on the delicate balance between creative freedom and financial realities. With amusing anecdotes about rewrites, family frustrations, and the unpredictability of shooting schedules, Schulman reflects on the journey of navigating the film industry while maintaining artistic integrity.
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Inspiration Behind Double Down South
- Tom Schulman based Double Down South on his teenage experiences watching and playing Keno in a Nashville pool hall.
- The intense, risky game and a mysterious female player inspired the film's story and central character.
Benefits of Smaller Indie Films
- Smaller budget films with fewer casting demands offer more creative freedom and easier management.
- Single-location settings, like a rundown plantation house, assist in controlling complexity on indie sets.
Prioritize Directing Projects
- When directing, avoid getting heavily involved in rewrites that pull focus from the main project.
- Prioritize the film you are directing, as rewrites on other projects can be time-consuming and distracting.