Making Movies on Minimal (or No) Finances with Emmanuel Li

Creating films and music videos isn't just about racking up streams or pleasing the masses; it's an art form that needs expression. This week, we chatted with Emmanuel Li, a talented dynamo who wears many hats—writing, directing, cinematography, acting—and has a wealth of insights on making amazing films.

After crafting a couple of films with friends in his teenage years, Emmanuel went on to co-found Big Tent Films, and his passion for creativity took him to film festivals, music videos for various artists, and more.

Fancy yourself as a future filmmaker? Here's what you need to know.

Express more than just the lyrics

In Emmanuel's opinion, your film or music video should say more than just the lyrics. For example, having an artist sing about a blue sky and showing a blue sky on screen might be a bit redundant for viewers. Instead, delve deeper into the meaning of the song, and find the underlying story that unfolds throughout.

Infuse your film with a unique narrative that takes viewers on a journey to explore a new world. Pay attention to production design—it plays a crucial role.

The process

First, conceptualize the film you want to create. Bounce ideas off the artist you're working with and find themes and concepts that resonate with the song's story or mood.

Next, find a dedicated team of producers, cinematographers, production designers, and others to help bring your vision to life. Remember, collaboration is key!

Once you've got your idea, start planning the logistics. Scout for locations, find stores with costumes and materials you're looking for, and gather everything you need before you start shooting. Don't worry if things aren't super official—Emmanuel and his pals just rode bikes around town to see what they could find.

Now you can start shooting! There's no one-size-fits-all process, so don't stress if this isn't exactly how you'd approach it.

DIY doesn't mean lazy

High budgets can certainly elevate a project, but you can find inspiration in the constraints of a low budget or even no budget at all. Emmanuel has created numerous films with zero cost and is now working with artists such as Declan McKenna, dodie, and even Jedward.

Think creatively and make the most of your resources—you can create stunning visuals that will impress audiences.

Once your music video or film is complete, it's time to get it out into the world. Social media is a huge way to do this, but don't forget about press. Look for indie magazines and publications that can write about you, expanding your reach. Also, consider submitting to film festivals, which sometimes accept music videos as well as films.

Tips for aspiring filmmakers

Be inspired by what you have: Instead of focusing on what you don't have, find inspiration from the things you have access to right now.
Focus on production value: Production value is essential for world-building. Embrace creativity and invest in production design to create visually interesting narratives.
Get a dedicated team: Collaboration is crucial to a successful film project, so surround yourself with passionate individuals who can help bring your vision to life.
Plan ahead: Before you get into the production side of things, make sure to plan every aspect of your film. From storyboarding to location scouting, thorough preparation pays off in the long run.
Use social media: Build anticipation and excitement for your film or music video by posting teasers, story promotions, and more on social media.
Learn from rejections: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from artists you work with (even if they're tough). Constructive criticism can help you refine your skills and grow as a filmmaker.
Keep the passion: Filmmaking is a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs. Stay committed to your craft and creativity, and see every setback as a learning opportunity.

Filmmaking and music videos are incredible tools for elevating your music and persona as an artist overall. And making them is even more fun! Join us in person for another Music Industry Mondays for the latest industry insights—check out our events page here.

Emmanuel Li, a filmmaker, advises that a film or music video should express more than just the lyrics by delving deeper into the meaning of the song and finding the underlying story that unfolds throughout.
To create a film or music video, first, conceptualize the project, bounce ideas off the artist, and find a dedicated team to help bring the vision to life. Then, start planning logistics, such as scouting locations and finding costumes.
High budgets can elevate a project, but creativity and resourcefulness can also create stunning visuals, as demonstrated by Emmanuel's work with various artists, including Declan McKenna, dodie, and Jedward.
Once the project is complete, share it with the world through social media, press, and film festivals. Additionally, keep learning from rejections, focusing on production value, collaborating with passionate individuals, and maintaining passion for the craft throughout the process.

Making Movies on Minimal (or No) Finances with Emmanuel Li