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Writer's pictureElena Saubanova

ROADMAP PART 2. How to Set Achievable Goals in Filmmaking: Examples and Lessons from Film History



Setting achievable goals is one of the key tasks in any film project. Whether it’s a big-budget blockbuster or an indie art-house film, having a clear understanding of what you aim to accomplish can make the difference between success and failure.
 
 1. Balancing Financial and Artistic Goals. Commercial Success or Artistic Recognition?
 
One of the first steps in any film project is choosing between financial gain and creative expression. The history of cinema is full of examples where filmmakers have tried to balance these two aspects. One prominent example is Stanley Kubrick, who, despite making commercially successful films, never put profit above quality. His words about filmmaking perfectly illustrate this approach:
 
 "If it can be written or thought, it can be filmed." 
 — Stanley Kubrick


He believed that any idea could be translated into film if approached correctly. His films, such as "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "A Clockwork Orange", while not box-office smashes, became classics and earned critical acclaim.
 
On the opposite end of the spectrum is James Cameron with his film "Avatar". Here, the primary focus was on financial success, but the movie didn't sacrifice its artistic value, thanks to innovative special effects and a rich storyline. Cameron has always emphasized the importance of technology in film:
 
 "Every time people talk about making a film, they say, 'It's going to be the greatest entertainment.' I think it's going to be something more than entertainment." 
 — James Cameron
 
"Avatar" is a great example of how to achieve both commercial and artistic success, earning over $2 billion worldwide while setting new standards for visual effects.
 
 2. Identifying the Target Audience. How to Choose the Right Audience for Your Film
 
Correctly identifying your target audience is a crucial step toward success. For example, Quentin Tarantino initially made films with a focus on niche audiences. He wasn’t afraid to experiment with genres, drawing in viewers who appreciated unconventional solutions. Tarantino’s films, such as "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs", didn’t become instant box-office hits but quickly achieved cult status. As the director himself says:
 
 "I don't believe in a movie that pleases everybody. I just can't make it." 
 — Quentin Tarantino
 
Thus, his approach was to attract his unique audience rather than try to please everyone.
 
On the other hand, mass-market films like Marvel blockbusters target a broad audience. These films use proven methods of drawing viewers through recognizable brands and actors. Marvel movies have become a symbol of commercial cinema, where the priority is to maximize audience reach rather than innovate artistically.
 
 3. Setting Clear Timelines. Planning Ahead: The Path to Success
 
Timelines are one of the most difficult yet necessary things in filmmaking. Poor planning can lead to budget overruns and even the failure of a movie. One of the most famous examples of a perfectly executed project is Peter Jackson’s "The Lord of the Rings". The trilogy was shot in an incredibly tight schedule, and every stage was meticulously planned, from production to marketing.
 
 "The secret to success is to plan every day, every week. Leave no uncertainty in the schedule." 
 — Peter Jackson
 
This approach helped Jackson successfully release three massive films back-to-back with minimal delays, ultimately earning worldwide recognition and more than $2 billion at the global box office.
 
Compare this to Terry Gilliam's "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote", which became a victim of endless production issues. This film was in development for over 20 years due to a lack of clear timelines and multiple unforeseen circumstances, including natural disasters and cast problems. The movie finally premiered in 2018 but lost much of its potential audience after such a long delay.
 
Conclusion
Setting achievable goals is a key aspect of successful filmmaking. Balancing artistic and financial goals, clearly identifying the target audience, and adhering to timelines are all crucial factors that help turn an idea into a successful project. Examples from great directors like Stanley Kubrick, James Cameron, and Peter Jackson show that the right approach to planning can help achieve both financial success and critical acclaim.
(To be continued)
Elena Saubanova
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