KOFFLA's opening panel discussed the reasons why Hollywood remakes Korean films. They have nothing to do with the specifically Korean aspects, but they have everything to do with what makes films attractive to American audiences and to Hollywood filmmakers.

While most indies in the United States won't be making Korean films, productions hoping for distribution deals can incorporate the things that make Korean films attractive to Hollywood.

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Fresh ideas. That's a no-brainer. Although some would-be filmmakers claim Hollywood is creatively bankrupt, the truth is the studio system is always looking for something new, even if it's only a new twist on an old story. The panel admitted that Hollywood does tell the same stories over and over, but add your twist and you may be looking at a script sale (after the strike ends, of course) or a distribution deal.

The panel expanded on the topic of fresh ideas by saying films are really about concept first, then originality. Take your compelling concept and find an original take, something that's never been done before in your genre, and Hollywood is more likely to notice. Why should Korean filmmakers get all the attention?

2. Make films for a wide audience. The more people your film is likely to resonate with, the more likely the studios are to pick it up. Culture-specific films, whether it's Korean or an American niche culture, won't have the same broad audience appeal as, say, straightforward action, horror, or a thriller. You can do a comedy if you want, but be aware that comedy isn't likely to hit beyond its target audience.

3. On the flipside, audiences do like to see an unfamiliar setting. The panel cited this as part of the appeal of the Bourne movies. So go for a story with broad appeal but set it in a world that's new to the audience. Expanding on this point: this does not necessarily mean to set your story in a foreign country. A "new world" could be just down the road -- a job title or industry the movies rarely feature. Even moving your film out of New York or L.A. could make it fresh.

4. Keep production values as high as possible, no matter what your budget. The average production budget in Korea is only $3 million, according to panelist Jonathan Kim, but Korean films are known for their high production values. High production values help studios visualize how the film could look in a Hollywood remake. For American indie filmmakers, high production values would help distributors accept films as theater-worthy.

5. Shoot your film as if it were a Hollywood film, using Hollywood's style of shooting. Naturally, this will make Hollywood like it better.

6. Finally, be impatient. Keep the film moving. Korean audiences tend to be very impatient and will demand their money back if a film bores them. While American audiences may not go that far, they'll still spread word-of-mouth about your film -- your film's initial audience will be the people you'd like to distribute it. Don't bore them..