How I Made 52 Films in 3 Years

HOW I MADE

52 FILMS IN 3 YEARS

BLAKE RIDDER

Copyright © 2023 Blake Ridder

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

First Edition, April 2023

This is a work of non-fiction. The views expressed herein are the author's own and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

FILM FOLLIES

The Seed of Inspiration

Your First is Always Your Worst

Challenges and Obstacles

Finding My Voice

The Importance of Feedback

CHAPTER 2

SHIPWRECK TO SMOOTH SAILING

The Fear of Failure

The Power of Perseverance

Coping With Rejection

Turning Failure Into Success

CHAPTER 3

EVERYBODY NEEDS A LOUIS JAMES

You Can’t Do It Alone

Identifying The Gaps

Building a Team

CHAPTER 4

PACK THE HOUSE

Consistent Identity

Building a Fanbase

The Power of Social Media

Long Term Audience

CHAPTER 5

ROLLING REELS & WALLETS

Start With Your Own Money

Collaborations

Crowdfunding and Fan Support

Private Investors

Budgeting

CHAPTER 6

CASTING CHRONICLES

You Are The Star

It’s All About Family

How Do I Find My Actors

Diverse Casting

CHAPTER 7

FRAMES & FABLES

Taking On Different Roles

Choose a Genre

Find Inspirations

Good Storytelling

Capturing The Moment

CHAPTER 8

ORCHESTRATING EMOTIONS

How I Became a Film Director

Communications

Improvisation

CHAPTER 9

TIME HACKS

Deciding What Matters Most

Planning For Success

Time Management On Set

Post-Production Workflow

CHAPTER 10

CINEMATIC TOOLBOX

Cameras

Everything Else

Buying VS Renting

CHAPTER 11

PERSONAL HARMONY

Mental Health

Work-Life Balance

Stress Management

CHAPTER 12

BEYOND THE SILVER SCREEN

Defining Success

100 Films in 6 Years

FILMOGRAPHY

FOREWORD

Well, the ‘Ridder Machine’ has done it again. I thought he was taking a few weeks off but he was actually writing a book about his filmmaking journey! All jokes aside, that’s what I have admired about Blake since the day I met him. He’s a man of action with big dreams and an impenetrable determination to match.

I read this book faster than Tom Cruise can run in a movie and was transported back to fond memories of triumphs we shared together alongside the difficulties. It’s funny how it’s the difficulties that conjure up the greater feelings of achievement and success. Any filmmaker of any experience, background or age will take away priceless lessons from Blakes accompanied with a good dose of his unique humour and outlook on life. This is something you don’t often get from someone at Blake’s rung on the ladder. Most filmmakers write a book once they are mega stars to cash in whereas Blake has done the inverse. He’s written a book at this early stage in his career to share his own highs and lows to inspire those who feel like lonely outcasts in a hyper competitive, noisy industry.

Since the day I met him right up until the moment I am writing this foreword he has worked like a mad scientist in his filmmaking lab. Constantly coming up with ideas and plans to execute them. I don’t often admit this but I owe a lot of my own success both in my professional and personal life to Blake. Through a shared passion of big movie dreams and sheer determination we have found ourselves in a place where we get to spend our days mostly doing what we love. I’m even more excited about the adventures that lie ahead.

We differ in many ways but our shared passion and drive keeps us moving forward because - (let’s see if you get the reference) - that’s how winning is done!

Thank you Blake for tolerating the crazed producer, actor, filmmaker friend I can be at times and a huge congratulations on your book. As we’ve always said if one person likes it then thousands will.. and I loved it!

Louis James

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Writing this book has been a journey of discovery, reflection, and growth, and I am deeply grateful to the many people who have supported me along the way.

First and foremost, I want to thank my mum and dad for their constant presence, encouragement, and unwavering support. Your belief in my abilities and commitment to watching every film I've made has meant the world to me.

I am deeply grateful to Jim Drummond, a truly exceptional individual whose generosity and support have been instrumental in shaping my life. Thank you for believing in my potential and opening the door to new opportunities.

My appreciation extends to Louis James, who has not only become an integral part of this book but also a mentor, friend, business partner, and outstanding actor and producer. Your belief in me during times when no one else would has been invaluable.

A special mention goes to Sarah Alexandra Marks, whose remarkable talent has graced many of my films. Your incredible performances have made me proud to share my work with others.

To Kai, the first person to recognise my work and the catalyst for expanding my network, I am grateful for your support and guidance in all things camera-related throughout my filmmaking journey.

I want to express my gratitude to Alps Lifee for your significant contributions during the early stages of my career, helping me become the filmmaker I am today.

I am sincerely grateful to Lucas A. Ferrara for believing in my work and vision. Your investment in my filmmaking journey has made a true difference and allowed me to explore new creative heights.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Don Anderson, whose faith in my abilities and financial support have been invaluable. Your backing has played a vital role in turning my filmmaking aspirations into reality.

To my good friend Rui Shang, who has watched me grow as an actor and filmmaker, I am grateful for your unwavering support and willingness to collaborate without complaint.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the filmmakers and storytellers who have inspired me throughout my career. Your work has demonstrated the power of cinema to move, entertain, and challenge us, and I am honoured to be part of this vibrant and ever-evolving community.

To everyone who has contributed to my journey, both on and off the screen, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This book is a tribute to your support, collaboration, and the shared love of filmmaking.

INTRODUCTION

Picture this: you're a budding filmmaker with a million ideas swirling around in your head, waiting for that spark to ignite your creative journey. You've got the passion, the drive, and the ambition, but you're not quite sure where to begin. Enter my story, an unassuming filmmaker who, in just 3 years, transformed those fleeting thoughts into 52 films (that’s 50 shorts and 2 feature films).

Welcome to How I Made 52 Films in 3 years, an account of my thrilling, unpredictable, and occasionally chaotic journey through the world of independent filmmaking. This book isn't your typical guide on filmmaking techniques; instead, it's a behind-the-scenes tour of my experiences, from the initial spark of inspiration to the triumphant completion of each project.

Over the past 3 years, I've navigated the treacherous waters of the film industry, learning invaluable lessons and encountering a colourful cast of characters along the way. Throughout these pages, I'll share the trials and triumphs I faced, imparting the wisdom I've gathered in hopes of inspiring you to embark on your own creative expedition.

So, what's the secret to making 52 films in such a short span of time? The answer lies within the pages of this book. I'll take you on a whirlwind tour of the filmmaking process, from assembling your dream team and securing funding to casting the perfect actors and mastering the art of storytelling. With each chapter, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that await you on your cinematic journey.

Settle into your favourite armchair, pour yourself a cuppa (or something stronger, if you prefer), and prepare to be regaled with tales from the frontlines of indie filmmaking. Remember, the world of cinema is brimming with opportunities, and it's eager to embrace your unique vision. With every turn of the page, you'll not only be thoroughly entertained but also inspired to explore the boundless possibilities of filmmaking, daring to craft stories that will captivate and enchant audiences across the globe. Let's begin, shall we?

CHAPTER 1

FILM FOLLIES

The Seed of Inspiration

Every story should start from the beginning, unless you’re Quentin Tarantino. How did you get into filmmaking? - this has got to be the most common question I ever get asked.

Becoming a filmmaker was never something that I had imagined for myself, but as the saying goes, life often has its own plans. I vividly remember my early years in England (after moving from China), at just nine years old, unable to speak a single word of the language. While my classmates headed home after school, I stayed behind for special lessons in English. But when the weekend arrived, I had a different kind of education in mind. Instead of poring over textbooks and grammar rules, I would lose myself in the world of films. Despite not fully understanding what was being said on screen, I was captivated by the visuals, the action, and the pure magic of it all.

One film that left an indelible mark on me was Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The CGI technology used in the film was unprecedented, and the sci-fi storyline was as cool as it was action-packed. I must have watched it a million times, each time understanding more than I had before. I was so enamoured with the film that I even made the theme song my go-to tune during music class at school.

As I reached the end of my school journey, I did briefly toy with the idea of becoming an actor. However, my shyness got the better of me, and I didn't pursue it any further. Instead, I opted for a career in digital marketing, where I could still exercise my creative muscles in a different way.

I climbed the ranks and landed the coveted position of marketing manager, and by 2015, I had made it to London for what many would consider a dream job in marketing. It was then that I thought I had reached the pinnacle of my career.

One day, on my way back home on the London Underground. As I sat there surrounded by dreary faces, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me. I had been living the life that most people would consider successful - a well-paying job in a bustling city, surrounded by all the conveniences of modern life. And yet, in that moment, I felt unfulfilled, like something was missing. As I looked around at the sea of tired commuters, I knew that I didn't want to end up like them - stuck in a cycle of monotony, living for the weekends and dreading the start of another work week. I wanted to find a purpose, to make a difference, to create something meaningful. And that's when I knew that I needed a change. I couldn't keep living my life on autopilot, going through the motions without any real sense of direction. It was time to take a leap of faith and pursue my true passion - acting.

In early 2017, I started my own YouTube channel. Armed with a Canon 50D and a desire to become a YouTuber, I began creating all sorts of content, from silly comedy skits to commentary on trending topics. Not only did this help me