Remaining original in today’s modern society is difficult! Coming up with a compelling story and unique visual style seems almost impossible at times. How about we have this farmboy that ends up saving the galaxy! Wait! No. Or, maybe a story about the inner workings of an Italian Mafia family! Wrong! Okay…Okay…Perhaps a story of two hitmen looking for a briefcase? Well, you get my point.

So how does an indie filmmaker with limited budget, limited equipment, and limited time make a story that is fresh and different and still connects to the audience? My advice is emulate and copy!

You may be asking yourself: "How is copying another filmmaker going to help me obtain a fresh style?" Well, look at any filmmaker that is successful in Hollywood today and you’ll find your answer. For example, What do you get when you mix surf music, 70’s exploitation films, and crime stories? A Tarantino film. What do you get when you mix Flash Gordon, WWII movies, Pirate movies, and Samurai films? Star Wars. You are beginning to see what I mean? The force is strong in this one!

Don’t get hung up on trying to be original, use what you know and play to your strengths. Unless you are very very good at emulating styles of other filmmakers you will most likely get it wrong anyway…It is out of these "mistakes" that a unique style will develop.

As a filmmaker, I draw most of my inspiration from 1960’s modern style, 50’s black and white films, and my absolute insatiable appetite for pop culture. By mixing the three, I am slowly developing my own style. Don’t be afraid if it doesn’t happen overnight. It won’t. But, be vigilant in seeking it and eventually you will find it! However, don’t let that style dictate all of your projects. Be courageous. Spy Kids and El Mariachi are quite different stylistically, and Rodriguez has done pretty good for himself!