The Filmmaker's Notebook

Most people wait. They wait for the perfect opportunity. They wait for someone to tap them on the shoulder and say, “You’re ready.” They wait for validation from the industry gatekeepers. Crystal Lowe doesn’t wait. She makes things happen. She’s an actor-turned-director who went from starring in Hallmark films to directing them. And if you think it was because someone handed her a golden ticket, think again. She built her career through sheer determination, relentless learning, and a...

The indie film industry, much like any other, is a melting pot of diverse personalities and styles. Assembling the right team to bring your cinematic vision to life is crucial, but it can be challenging to sift through the noise of rumors, personal biases, and industry gossip. How do you find the right collaborators amidst this cacophony? In this article, we’ll explore: • Evaluating potential team members beyond hearsay • Balancing references with personal experience • Trusting your instincts...

February 2025 Newsletter From the Producers’ Chair Hello Reader, Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to start before you’re ready. The same mindset is driving The Quiet Canadians. We’ve set the course: our first stunt sequence will be shot this spring/summer! This is a parachuting sequence that will set the tone for the film’s high-stakes tension. Our full production is locked for October/November 2025. We’re pushing forward with funding, assembling our team, and crafting a lean,...

Hello Reader, Independent filmmaking is, let’s face it, a masterclass in chaos. You’re juggling creative decisions, financial constraints, and the ever-present specter of doubt. Some days, you’re Steven Spielberg (or insert your favourite director here); other days, you’re just praying the caterer doesn’t quit. But here’s the thing: the chaos can cloud your judgment. Enter Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow—and the idea that we have two thinking systems: one fast and intuitive, the...

David Lynch has left the building. For a generation of filmmakers—mine included—he wasn’t just an inspiration; he was a permission slip. A reminder that films didn’t have to be neat, tidy, or even fully comprehensible to leave a mark. In a world obsessed with formulas, Lynch was our patron saint of the strange. His work was a mosaic of contradictions: beautiful yet grotesque, tranquil yet unnerving, nonsensical yet profound. Watching a Lynch film was like being handed a map and realizing...

Hey Reader, Let’s talk about a skill that can elevate your film, save you thousands of dollars, and keep your sanity intact. No, it’s not cinematography or editing—it’s location scouting. January has been a blur of site visits, calls to property owners, and virtual deep dives on Google Earth. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Other than casting, location scouting might just be the most important "pre" pre-production activity you’ll ever do. We’ve touched on this before in Filmmaker’s...

January 2025 Newsletter From the Producers’ Chair Hello Reader, Toward the New Year As we step into a new year, we’re reminded of George Eliot’s three phrases: “The world is awful. The world is much better. The world can be much better.” It might seem paradoxical to hold these truths together, but it’s essential. To believe in progress, we have to embrace the complexity of the world as it is—acknowledging its flaws, celebrating its strides, and committing to what’s possible. This perspective...

Make Something, Anything: Your 2025 Creative Challenge It’s December 27th. The last few days of 2024. This is the week where time feels elastic. We look back on what we’ve accomplished and, often, what we haven’t. But this time isn’t just for reflection—it’s for decision. You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need a grand resolution. You don’t need to wait for January 1st to act. You just need to take a step. And if you’re a filmmaker—or someone feeling the pull to create—there’s only one...

Limited Copies of the Novels That Inspired The Quiet Canadians Dear Reader, As 2024 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for being part of this thrilling journey. Your support and enthusiasm for The Quiet Canadians are what make this all possible. To celebrate the season and the incredible stories we’re building, we’re excited to offer limited signed copies of both The Quiet Canadians and its sequel, Disguising the Lie. These gripping novels set the stage for the film...