Hollywood blockbusters are successful, big-budget productions, but it is possible to make good movies on a shoestring budget and they can be profitable as well. I believe most successful films have certain elements in common. Firstly, for a film to be a commercial success, it needs to engage the audience; in other words, it has to connect with their fears, aspirations or beliefs in some way. Secondly, the storyline should involve a conflict or search entailing a certain amount of risk for the central character and it needs to move forward with the idea of eventual triumph or escape from danger. In general, the protagonist must be either an exceptional person or an ordinary person in unusual circumstances. Think of Forrest Gump, for instance. If famous actors take the key roles, fans will watch the movie just to see them in action; however, cinematography is important, too, and with today’s technology, amazing imagery is possible. With aggressive advertising and extensive pu...