The HORROR of QC: Lessons Learned from Indie Filmmaking

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Check out the exciting official teaser trailer for our six-episode limited series, TRYHARD COMPANY: THE CHRONICLES OF TANK! This project is the follow-up to the indie cult favorite film CRAWL OR DIE. TANK IS BACK!

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THE WAR FOR SURVIVAL HAS BEGUN: TANK Joins Forces with TRYHARD COMPANY in the Most Anticipated Sci-Fi Horror Series of the Year - TEASER TRAILER #1

Now, let's cut to the truth...

...and dive into some valuable lessons learned from my experience in indie filmmaking.

Indie Filmmaking Tips: Tech Specs That Can Kill Your Deal

As an indie filmmaker, I've gone through the Quality Control (QC) process with my projects. Looking back, there are certain things I wish I'd known beforehand. To help you avoid similar pitfalls, here's an overview of the QC process.

When distributing your movie, you'll undergo a QC process, typically done by a third-party service, which costs money. Each submission will likely get flagged for various issues, requiring you or someone else to fix or explain the problems before resubmitting. Sometimes, the distributor or aggregator may cover the cost, but ultimately, it comes out of your pocket.

In my experience, it's more cost-effective to address these issues yourself, rather than relying on the distributor. QC workflows can be notorious time vacuums, involving people and departments unfamiliar with creative workflows.

Platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and Netflix have strict technical requirements, with internal QC teams that scrutinize every frame of your video. To avoid costly reworks, it's essential to understand what the QC report will be looking for.

Watch these two videos to learn more about the QC process and how to prepare your project:

For a typical indie movie, expect to pay around $1,000-$5,000 for a QC report, depending on the service and complexity of your project. Here's a breakdown of the costs:

- General Range: $1,000-$5,000

- Reputable QC Houses/Services: Higher end of the range

- Factors Affecting Cost: Platform delivery, complexity of the film, and location of the QC service

Don't let the QC process intimidate you! Instead, let it empower you to take control of your project's technical aspects. Before you start filming, take the time to research and understand what's required for a smooth delivery.

Hit up Google, Safari, or your preferred search engine and look into quality control companies. Study what they look for, what they'll be scrutinizing, and what they need. Make a checklist and refer to it during filming.

Be proactive! If you're filming in a specific aspect ratio, anticipate potential issues and make notes. Ask yourself, 'How will I address this?' or 'What adjustments can I make to avoid flags?'

Stay positive, stay informed, and keep creating fearlessly! Remember, knowledge is power, and being prepared will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

For a six-episode series like ours, the cost will be higher. Stay tuned for updates on our QC journey!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you found these tips helpful! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on social media. Watch our official teaser trailer and support TRYHARD COMPANY: THE CHRONICLES OF TANK, the follow-up project to the indie cult favorite film CRAWL OR DIE. TANK IS BACK!

Create fearlessly,

Oklahoma Ward

THE WAR FOR SURVIVAL HAS BEGUN: TANK Joins Forces with TRYHARD COMPANY in the Most Anticipated Sci-Fi Horror Series of the Year