Enzian Film Society

The film industry has a great amount of branches that allow it to stay on the top. There are all kinds of societies that vary in size. There are the big societies such as the Academy of Motion Picture and Arts Sciences (Oscar) that have a great impact on the industry; and smaller ones like the Enzian Film Society, which have other types of influence in the industry.

Although the Oscars are one of the most important recognition in the film industry, it is because of smaller societies like the Enzian Film Society that films are able to get exposure to the bigger names. The Enzian theater is located in Orlando, FL. This theater is host to a series of film festivals that include the KidFest, Brouhaha, Jewish, South Asian and the Florida Film Festival.

On their website, there is information about each one of these festivals from which I would like to highlight the Florida Film Festival. This festival has received visitations from great talent such as Glenn Close and John Voight and is an incredible way to expose new films.

This brings me to talk about the Enzian Film Society in more depth. This society is a great way for people to start networking with other interested fellow filmmakers and to explore all the different aspects of film. At the Enzian, there is food, drinks and movies. This little independent theater has the capability to attract all kinds of people with one same interest: films.

The goodies of being a member of this society are amazing, since you not only get to have discounted tickets, but free tickets to some screenings, free popcorn, a reserved table to have your food while you watch films, and specially the opportunity to purchase advanced tickets to the Florida Film Festival. Members also get recognition every year for participating and supporting on the festival.

It is very important for new coming filmmakers to take the steps necessary to get our names and our brand out there. If you become a person that can sell yourself and your talent, you are all set. All you need is to get out there and start talking to people. So do the homework and research what tools you have, what societies are nearby and join each and every one you can. Read about films as much as possible, watch them, and breathe them. This is the only way you are going to get wherever you need to be.

10 Steps to Make a Film

Making a film is a process that has many steps. Whether the script is 10 or 180 pages long, the basic steps are the same. The variation of steps is equivalent to the length of the script so: The longer the script, the more steps need to be taken to make it happen; and vice versa.

10 Basic steps to the completion of a film:

Story, script, finance/producers, pre-production, casting, marketing, production, post-production, Special effects and graphics, and distribution.

These steps have the following relationship:

Copyright Paula Navarro 2011

It is important to understand that there are steps that cannot be accomplished without the fulfillment of another. This can be called a dependent task. To find out more about constructing a network diagram click here. 

We have already discussed the story, so within this network diagram, there can easily be a separate one for each of the tasks. The story’s diagram would look the same but with the steps discussed about developing it.

In the future, I will break this down in increasing detail until we have the exact method for developing a film. Think of these graphics as a “To do list” where all the steps you need to take are drawn out. There are several ways you can organize your tasks, but knowing what to do is already half the battle, so never forget to plan what you are doing before executing your idea; otherwise, it is most likely to become your biggest nightmare.


If you do not plan, unexpected problems arise that are going to require you to come up with an unexpected solution. If you do plan ahead for possible errors, you can easily plan ahead for possible solutions and your work on the run will be much easier.  Project planning is one of the most important things you as a developer must understand. If you want to know more about how to make your project successful, read more about project management.

Remember that making a film requires your time and attention. Films have never been made by themselves. It takes hard work and perseverance to achieve your goals, and since you are already putting your effort into it, you might as well give it your best shot. So, start planning your great idea and if you follow the steps, it can become a reality. The next step will be writing the script.

Filmmakers United Film Contest Winner

Here is the winner for the filmmakers united contest. 

This is a very well made piece of art. Although there is not much of a story, this short shown not only a great production value, but a style that comes from the director. The direction of photography is gorgeous and the light was used well to portray a dramatic effect.

Overall, very well made short. Hopefully we will see more from director Graham McCowen.