Coming of Age in Film

Women In the Independent Film Industry

As more and more women enter the film industry as screenwriters, producers, directors, production assistants including lighting , sound and makeup professionals as well as acting professionals, the significance this has on the industry continues to take shape.  Having more women in the film industry is important for a number of reasons including 1) achieving a diverse perspective, 2) changing the narrative of female characters, 3) exposing the flaws in male dominated industry.  

The independent film industry is growing and as it expands in size and exposure is beginning to get the respect it deserves.

Independent Filmmakers Need More Recognition 

With more and more films currently being created by independent  filmmakers, the industry has become influenced by entrepreneurs who are free from the corporate constraints set by large organizations mostly controlled by Hollywood.  These entrepreneurs in many ways are natural born storytellers.  

The Creative World of an Independent Film Producer

Independent filmmakers strive to create authentic and unique films that strike a cord with the viewing public. In many instances their creative efforts are grass roots in nature and involve only a limited budget.  These entrepreneurs are free to pursue diversity and equity as they produce independent content. 

The digital era of the recent past has made making films more affordable.  The availability of high definition digital cameras and computer programs that help with editing have helped to streamline production.  The wider areas of distribution available to independent film makers include the on-line platforms as well as the ever growing film festivals and the acceptance at some mainstream cinemas.  In some states like New Jersey there are significant tax advantages to producing and filming in this state. 

Many of these entrepreneurs, in telling their own story, are reacting to short falls in the corporate world. These entrepreneurs provide for a more open environment, enabling professionals who might have difficulty pursuing their chosen careers to find ways to make a living in the industry. 

To be an independently owned business in today’s work environment is a challenge especially when the owner needs to be focused both on running a small business and maintaining a creative environment. 

Making a Name In the Film Industry 

Daryn Davidson, a woman business owner and entrepreneur, runs an independent film company called Bold Media Films.  She recently stated when I did a Zoom interview with her on May 15, 2024:  “Our focus is always on two things: the creative field and the small business field.” 

I first met Daryn at the NJ Film School in New Providence New Jersey as she was one of the instructors teaching there.  Every person taking  the classes that NJ Film School had to offer during their course of study had Daryn for their teacher.

Bold Media Films is always looking for opportunities to promote their business. As an entrepreneur, Davidson, along with her business partner Bill Wilusz, strives to provide an alternative platform geared to independent contractors. Their goal is to grow into a full service production company. Their growth is natural and organic, according to Davidson.  Davidson further said: “We do not use advertising companies or email blasts.  We attend events and other industry symposiums in order to spread the word of our company and tell our story. “ 

According to Davidson: “The original marketing effort was to tell their story face to face (word of mouth) and market through social media and the web.”   Davidson highlighted that in developing marketing material they developed “key words.”  She emphasized the use of “bold and fresh perspectives.”   The Company's mission in Davidson’s words: “is to deliver excellence by consistently infusing projects with creativity, passion, and a sense of joy.”   Davidson feels that in her industry one needs to “film what makes you happy and the work will come to you.”

Bold Media Films

Bold Media Films: Filmmaking Service Provider

Bold Media Films (@boldmediafilms) • Instagram photos and videos

Bold Media Films has begun to be recognized in the independent film industry. Davidson stated,“we are so excited to receive email inquiries about doing new business, working on a project or reviewing a script for a new film production.” 

Another area that has evolved for Davidson is a direct result of  her marketing effects on social media and on the web.  She stated that it is so important to have people have nice things to say about your company. Having a positive image is so important as people choose to work with those they like.  

The jobs are in many cases in tight quarters and there is  a lot of stress involved in meeting deadlines and staying on budget. Davidson stated that “getting positive feedback helps with promoting your business and in getting new assignments.''  

When Davidson was asked about running a company in the state of New Jersey, she commented, “you receive some advantages upfront as a woman owned business, like government grants and corporate incentives, but in the end it is still a business with all of the challenges of running it successfully.”  She went on  further to describe the recent benefit of running a business in New Jersey.  New Jersey has in recent times started to bolster the film industry. “The focus has been on providing tax incentives for companies from New York City and California to bring their projects of film production to this state”, according to Davidson.  

Bold Media Films aligns with many types of creators, communicators and affiliates. Davidson went on to mention one such affiliate, the LGBQ community.  

According to Davidson:  “When a group from the LGBQ community came to us with a project we were more than happy to align with them in working on their idea.”

Davidson uses word of mouth and social media to promote her film production company. Davidson is still relatively mainstream in her approach to marketing.  She uses Google search and social media.  She, however, does not use advertising.  Davidson is still in the early stage of owning her own business. 

In summary, Independent films rely on vision and story telling as opposed to endless budgets and special effects.  Independent film makers are free to explore unique themes, experiment with narrative structures, and showcase voices that are often underrepresented in mainstream cinema.