My 5 Filmmaking Goals for 2025 (And 2 Things I'm Leaving Behind)
I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions.
They feel like promises you make to your gym in January and break up with by February. But I do believe in setting challenges - clear goals that push you forward without crushing your spirit when life inevitably happens.
That said, here are 5 things I’m doing to challenge myself to accomplish this year, and 2 things I’m going to try and drop.
(If you’d prefer to watch instead of read, the full video is linked below ⬇️)
#1 Make my second indie feature film
My biggest goal this year is getting my next indie feature funded and ready to shoot. We're talking half a million dollars - not exactly couch cushion money. It's a Goonies-meets-Super 8 style adventure that's been living in my head rent-free for too long. Is it ambitious? Absolutely. Impossible? We'll see.
We’ve already put together a few of the pieces. We’ve developed a relationship with the PA Film Commission and are working to get early approval for the 25% film tax credit. We’ve cast two incredibly talented child actors from California as our leads. And we’ve signed on cinematographer Carlo Stigliano & composer Roland Bingaman. One step at a time.
Who knows, maybe this is the year to hunt some ghosts.
#2 Master the wide shot.
I've been preaching this to young filmmakers for years: movies live in wide shots and close-ups. TV shows live in medium shots. Time to practice what I preach. This year, I'm challenging myself to step back and capture bigger scenes, even when budgets are tight. Yes, it means more props, better locations, and herding more extras. But that's what makes cinema feel like cinema.
#3 Make a scrappy, no-budget, short film
While chasing feature film funding, I'm also planning a micro-budget short.
This is a the type of thing I used to do all the time back in the day. Round up a band of friends and make a movie with no money.
And I think this year is the year to resurrect that spirit.
The script is done - it’s called “AIRPLANE MODE” ⬇️
The biggest holdup is just… that I need to build an airplane bathroom set. Because apparently, I enjoy making things complicated for myself. But this is exactly the kind of creative problem-solving I miss from my early filmmaking days.
#4 Watch one “uncomfortable” movie every month
Horror films aren't my thing. Neither are quite a few other genres. But this year, I'm committing to watching one film each month that I wouldn't naturally choose. Not bad films - just films outside my comfort zone. Twelve movies that might change how I see storytelling.
#5 Work with more local businesses
I love traveling. I do it all the time for work. I'm based in Harrisburg, PA, but my first project this year is in San Francisco.
Every time I drive around town, I see businesses that could use great video content.
This year, I want to build more relationships in my own backyard. Maybe these won't be the flashiest projects, but they matter.
Now the fun part, stuff I’m leaving behind.
#1 Awards & Trophies
Remember when I thought winning that "best independent film" award for Turbo Cola would change everything? Spoiler alert: it didn't. Or when a campaign I wrote and directed won that Telly Award? Yeah, nobody came busting down my door to pour money at my feet.
Awards are nice, and I’m grateful, but they're not the goal anymore.
#2 Perfection Paralysis
I'm letting go of the obsession with getting every frame absolutely perfect before showing anyone. When a project is 95% there, it's probably time to let it fly. The last 5% usually costs double the time for minimal impact.
Oh, and one more thing - I'm done freaking out about AI 🤖
We did enough of that last year.
The truth is, filmmaking isn't about having everything figured out.
It's about staying curious, taking risks, and sometimes building airplane bathrooms in your garage. Here's to 2025.
*What are you challenging yourself with this year?*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Luke Covert is an award-winning feature film & commercial director whose work spans from ghost-hunting middle schoolers to Fortune 500 brands. His latest film won "Indie Movie of the Year," while his commercial projects for Microsoft, Uber, and others prove that business videos don't have to sacrifice story for sales. He runs Covert Film from Pennsylvania, serving clients nationwide.
Need help crafting your own business video magic? Let's talk about turning your company's story into something that not only captures attention but converts. Because in the end, that's what all this sorcery is about. | Luke@covertfilm.com
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