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Becoming
Independent Author-Director

In the world of CG animation and special effects, as in live-action cinema, many author-directors work independently. This peculiarity has a strong influence on their activity. A journey far from a comfortable ride along a quiet river.

Parole de pro
Les films de l’ESMA ont un gros niveau technique. Toujours de belles surprises, avec des lignes éditiorales différentes : on va du simple cartoon millimétre jusqu’à de l’hyper réalisme.

Florian Landouzy
Co-fondateur et Responsable de l’Animation, Supamonks

PAROLE DE PRO

« On avait senti les années précédentes le niveau monter, mais cette année 2015, il y a beaucoup de films très beaux, surtout dans tout ce qui est réaliste »

Fédérico Costa
Directeur Artistique, Delapost

Study in France

Study in Montréal

THE MISSIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT AUTHOR-DIRECTOR

The profession of independent author-director is often a path image professionals take after a certain experience in various studios, sometimes in different positions, and when they have the desire, the ability to take things in hand through passion, resolution and professionalism.

One thing is clear : on the production of a commercial, a video clip or an animated short film, the independent author-director is the conductor.

Generally, he makes his first steps on short films, which he manages from A to Z : he deals with production and logistics issues, takes on scriptwriting and directing on his own, and even goes so far as to deal himself with certain aspects of post-production.
Despite this versatility, and the need (especially when budgets are tight) to multiply skills, he must be surrounded by at least a few people, especially when it comes to delegating more technical aspects.

HIS KNOW-HOW, HIS KNOWLEDGE

For independent workers, the sinews of war are finances. The author-director is often dependent on it. He will then have to rely on a well-stocked contact book to get closer to production companies, distributors or financial partners.

Sometimes, in the interest of freedom or by necessity, he may have to fly solo. He will then have to be very cunning, organized and economical, in order to find solutions to his problems, and to get by as best as he can. Here again, his contacts (riggers, animators, special effects specialists, editors…) will be of a great help in order to bring his projects to life.

Obviously, it is required to be very organized while taking on multiple tasks : imagine, design, communicate. Motivation and tenacity are required to have a chance of success.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In the absence of distributors, the author-director can now rely on the Internet media, distribution platforms, in order to distribute his creations. Festivals and other artistic programs are also a way to promote his work. Independent author-director is a profession where breaking into doors is an absolute must.

For independent author-director, activity and remuneration are subject to specific declarations, which allow the workers to be affiliated to the regime of self-employed artists in terms of social protection. Remuneration varies (fees, copyright, broadcasting rights, etc.).