A crime thriller centered on a flamboyant lawyer with a mysterious past who becomes highly interested in the case of a young woman's untimely death.
Tim Williams' debut feature film, self-funded and shot in Charlotte, NC.
Director: Tim Williams
Producer: Tim Williams
Writer: Tim Williams
Stars
Lauren Johnson
Gus van Soestbergen
Marked for Trade (2019)
A crime thriller centered on a flamboyant lawyer with a mysterious past who becomes highly interested in the case of a young woman's untimely death.
Producing a feature film independently is no small feat.
When you're working without the backing of a big studio, every decision counts.
You're not just the director — you might also find yourself as the producer, the editor, the location scout, and sometimes even the craft services.
Budgets are tight, resources are limited, and sometimes you have to make do with what you have, even if it’s not perfect.
You might not have access to the best equipment, top-tier talent, or ideal locations. Instead, you use borrowed gear, volunteer actors, and whatever settings you can find for free.
There’s a lot of creative problem-solving involved — turning a small room into a convincing set or using natural light because renting professional lighting isn’t an option.
But here’s the truth: getting your foot in the door often requires this kind of grit.
You can’t wait for the stars to align or for a big-budget opportunity to come knocking. You have to create something with what you’ve got.
It might not be flawless, but it’s real, it’s yours, and it’s done.
Sometimes, the imperfections are what give an independent film its charm and authenticity.
The experience teaches you resilience, resourcefulness, and how to make something out of nothing.
At the end of the day, an imperfect finished project is always better than a perfect idea that never leaves your head.
Because in the world of filmmaking—or any creative field—done is better than perfect.
An imperfect film can still move people, tell a story, and showcase your talent and vision. It becomes a stepping stone, a portfolio piece, and a testament to your ability to bring an idea to life.
Meanwhile, a perfect idea kept in your mind never sees the light of day.
It never gets the chance to be criticized, celebrated, or evolved.
It sits stagnant, gathering dust in your imagination, while your finished project, flaws and all, has the potential to open doors, start conversations, and lead to the next big opportunity.
About Masterwork Newsletter
Tim Williams Masterwork is your go-to hub for cinema education and curated movie classics — celebrating the art of filmmaking, history, and human storytelling.
About Mastery Sessions
Mastery Sessions is a transformative one-on-one program with Tim Williams that blends creative psychology, coaching, and practical strategies to help artists, storytellers, and creatives overcome mental barriers, refine their craft, and reach peak performance.
Who is Tim Williams
Tim Williams (TIMFLIX) is a filmmaker and creator dedicated to bringing unique, thought-provoking content across film, television, and digital media.
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