By Beka Ashley and Aran Gutierrez

Filmmaking is a constantly evolving art form, and it takes a lot of hard work, creativity, and determination to make a great movie. With so many filmmakers vying for attention in a crowded industry, standing out from the crowd can be challenging. But, anyone can make better movies with the right approach and expert advice. 

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro, tap. will provide you with resources to plan your film, secure financing, and connect with seasoned professionals. Here are five ways filmmakers can improve their craft, with insights and advice from one of the masters of modern filmmaking: Spike Lee. 

1. Filmmakers need to have a plan

A well-thought-out plan can help ensure production runs smoothly and efficiently. This includes creating a detailed shot list, scheduling rehearsals and shoots, and coordinating the various departments and crew members necessary to make a movie.

For instance, filmmaker Spike Lee says in his Masterclass for new directors: “If you don't have a cover set...for everyday shooting, you might find yourself needing to tell your film crew to go home." Filmmakers need a backup plan to prepare for the unexpected.

tap.’s Artiste Avail calendar feature helps ensure artists are on the same page as clients in terms of schedules and logistics and to eliminate any gray areas in production. This allows everything to run smoothly in the filming process.

2. Stay organized

Keeping organized on set can help ensure that production runs smoothly and efficiently. For example, you must maintain a clear communication chain, keep track of equipment, and ensure everything is properly labeled and stored while on set.

In addition to that, keeping digital documents organized is essential so you can easily access them when needed. These might include scripts, shot lists, contracts, and other important records. The Deal Message Thread on tap. allows industry professionals to keep all of this information conveniently located in one secure location.

3. Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate

Building a strong team of professionals who can collaborate effectively is crucial to the success of a film. Encourage open communication and teamwork to ensure everyone on the project is on the same page and working towards a common goal.

Similarly, successful collaboration also includes making compromises and being flexible. No matter how well you plan, there will always be unexpected challenges and problems that arise on set. For example, crew members, talent, or location could fall through. A strong filmmaker needs to be able to take these changes in stride.

Be prepared to think on your feet and develop creative solutions to keep the production moving forward. Thankfully, tap.’s Art Geo feature makes it easy to find vetted professionals to collaborate with no matter where you are in the world.

4. Elevate your marketing through vetted professionals

Within the film industry, an emerging problem plaguing smaller productions is an immediate lack of star power that would facilitate the film’s global publicity. However, tap.’s features–Vetted Entertainment Professionals and Artiste Avail–enable filmmakers to streamline and elevate the promotion of their films.

tap. offers newer or independent filmmakers access to a global network of industry professionals and Hollywood celebrities who can all be reached through tap’s network.

For example, WarnerBrothers utilized this strategy through their marketing for “Black Adam”, according to Gregg Katzman of CBR.com. By booking A-list celebrity Dwayne Johnson, WarnerBrothers could promote their film through little investment beyond his employment. This is a feat that all users of tap. can achieve with the right marketing strategy – and, most importantly, the right connections!

Marc Weinstock, president of marketing for Paramount Pictures, shared with Variety readers how they could do this for “The Lost City”. Through “capitalizing on the humor and immense star power [of Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, and Brad Pitt] to reach underserved audiences”, “The Lost City” was a roaring success among fans.

5. Master the art of storytelling

There is no award-winning film without an award-winning story. As a filmmaker, you breathe life into a screenplay for viewers. Think about how you can connect viewers to the message and characters of the film – and run with it.

tap. can connect you to excellent screenwriters, editors, and more who can help your visions succeed. Propel your career forward and set yourself apart in the industry by mastering the art of storytelling.

Connect with everyone in entertainment with tap.

tap. is the central professional network for everyone who works in the global media and entertainment industry. Headquartered in Playa Vista, CA, tap. is on a mission to help professionals in film, TV, music, radio, and publishing connect, network, book work, and manage their entire entertainment career. For more information, visit www.tap.ec. and follow the company on Instagram @tap.ec. 

Available for download now on the App Store and Google Play. 

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About Beka Ashley: 

Beka is tap.’s Senior Communications Editorial Assistant. She manages the growing publication strategy for tap., including writing for the website’s blog and editing other interns’ current industry research. In addition to this role, she works as a freelance writer and critical care nurse. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or see more of what she’s written here.

About Aran Gutierrez:

​​Aran is a California State University Fullerton Communications major. He lives in Los Angeles, California. As a member of the tap. Research and Development team, his role was to conduct industry research concerning screenwriting, marketing, and finances. You can contact him on LinkedIn.