USE DATA & STATISTICS TO BE A BETTER FILMMAKER with Stephen Follows
This week on the podcast I talk to educator, producer and film industry data researcher Stephen Follows about how you can use data & statistics to be a better filmmaker.
In How to Use Data and Statistics to Be a Better Filmmaker, I chatted with Stephen about the powerful insights film industry data offers, especially for indie filmmakers. We also discussed his recent Horror Movie Report, a detailed study of the horror genre that examines data on every horror movie ever made, covering development, production, distribution, and profitability.
Topics of conversation
I asked Stephen about how Indie filmmakers can use data to improve their movies and how they finance, produce and sell them. I asked about any surprises from the insights of his report, if film festivals are worth entering and we chatted about why i HATE the term ‘elevated horror’. Enjoy!
USING DATA TO BE A BETTER FILMMAKER
Stephen dives into his filmmaking journey, explaining how his passion for storytelling drew him to blend data, research, and creativity. Along the way, he reveals how indie filmmakers can use data to sharpen their approach, showing surprising ways statistics shape success—from picking the right genre to boosting audience engagement. He also discusses how following or breaking formulas affects a film’s reception. Finally, Stephen addresses the key question: how can indie filmmakers identify and grow their audience in today’s fast-evolving digital world?
Are film festivals worth it?
For anyone eyeing the film festival circuit, Stephen offers a balanced view on its real value, followed by a look at today’s best distribution platforms for indie filmmakers. Shifting to horror, he shares insights from recent data, tackles the debate over “elevated horror,” and explores casting strategies that boost impact. Stephen also reveals which horror subgenres perform best, giving valuable intel for filmmakers ready to dive into the genre.
Looking to the future – AI
As he looks to the future, Stephen delves into the current production slump and explores the potential of AI in creative fields, prompting listeners to reflect on what’s next for filmmaking. For those eager to stay ahead of industry trends, he also shares compelling reasons to subscribe and dive deeper into the podcast’s insights. Altogether, this episode blends inspiration with practical strategies, making it perfect for anyone passionate about indie filmmaking or curious about how data is reshaping the creative process.
Find out more about The Horror Report: https://stephenfollows.com/p/the-horror-movie-report
Looking to sell your Indie Movie – check out this recent episode:
Check out all the latest episodes: https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/people-in-the-know/
