Sometimes You Just Have to Make the Film

Every so often I receive a message that reminds me why independent filmmaking still matters.

This week it came from writer, director and producer David Skynner. Rather than spending years waiting for permission, funding or the “right moment”, he’s simply gone out and made his feature film.

There’s something refreshing about that.

His film, Born in Fire, is being shot in Cornwall with just two people. David is writing, directing, acting and editing. His partner, Suzy, plays the lead. They’ve been filming for a month and already have over an hour of footage completed.

The story follows a woman who has lost everything and is surviving on an out-of-season holiday park. Haunted by grief and isolated from the world, she begins to experience something extraordinary in the Cornish landscape. David describes it as sitting somewhere between Repulsion and Enys Men, while remaining entirely its own film.

Whether the finished film becomes a festival favourite or not almost feels secondary to the lesson behind it.

Too many talented filmmakers spend years chasing development deals, grants, investors or the elusive green light. Those routes have their place, but they can also become reasons not to create.

The technology has never been more accessible. High-quality cameras are affordable. Editing software is within reach of almost everyone. Distribution is changing faster than ever. Audiences increasingly value authenticity over scale.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t money. It’s believing that you can begin.

David’s approach won’t suit every project. Some stories genuinely need large crews, substantial budgets and complex production. But many don’t. Some simply need a compelling idea, commitment and the determination to keep filming tomorrow.

As someone who champions independent creators, I think these are exactly the kinds of projects we should encourage. They remind us that filmmaking is ultimately about telling stories, not waiting for permission.

If you’re an independent filmmaker with a project already underway, or one you’ve been postponing while searching for the perfect circumstances, perhaps this is your reminder.

Start with what you have.

Support fellow filmmakers where you can.

Share their campaigns.

Watch their work.

Offer encouragement.

Our industry grows stronger when independent voices help each other reach the finish line.

David has launched a Kickstarter campaign to complete post-production, cover essential living costs during production and support festival submissions. If his project resonates with you, consider taking a look and, if you’re able, lending your support.

One filmmaker making one film won’t change the industry overnight.

But thousands of filmmakers deciding to stop waiting just might.

View his Kickstarter Page here.  This is a summary of the project, prior to launch.