Are you a natural-born storyteller? Are you fascinated by the intricacies of film? Do you want to share your imaginative ideas and creative insight with the world? If so, you might want to consider a career in filmmaking.
Filmmakers are often highly-creative people who have active imaginations and unique perspectives. Whether you want to write a story, capture it, or bring someone else’s vision to life, a career in filmmaking can be both fulfilling and lucrative.
However, you’re probably not going to win an Oscar tomorrow. There are a few things you should know before jumping into the industry if you really want to succeed. Let’s look at a few of those nuggets of information that can make life easier for you before you consider a career in filmmaking.
You’ll Wear Many Hats
There are so many components involved when it comes to creating a great movie. As a new indie filmmaker, you’re probably not going to be able to afford a big studio and a lot of specialized employees. So, you’ll need to shoulder many responsibilities on your own, including:
- Finding scripts
- Sticking with a budget
- Casting
- Hiring crew members
- Preparing for shooting
- Overseeing production
- Supervising post-production
Even if you’re able to work for a professional studio, you should still be prepared to oversee almost everything. At the end of the day, the film being created is your “baby,” and you should have your hand in nearly every part of it to make sure your vision is coming to life properly. In the meantime, it’s important to brush up on all of the skills necessary for the tasks listed above. The more confident you are in each one of those steps, the smoother the filmmaking experience will be.
Competition Can Be Fierce
A study from 2017 found that 40% of independent films created that year did not get a theatrical release. That can be disheartening for filmmakers who put their heart and soul into a project. However, movies aren’t made on dreams alone. It takes a lot of time, effort, and funding to even begin the process. There are fewer independent films that even get off the ground because they can’t get the funding.
Before you jump into the industry, you have to understand that the competition is fierce. Independent filmmakers from all over the world are trying to bring their visions to life just like you. With that in mind, it’s important to familiarize yourself with different funding options, including:
- Crowdfunding
- Grants
- Loans
- Self-funding
You’ll also want to feel confident when it comes to pitching your project. If you’re trying to get it into the hands of a studio that can help to fund it, be as prepared as possible, and work on forming a connection with the people you’re pitching to, rather than trying to sell them something. Keep things short and sweet, be ready to answer questions, and use visuals whenever possible to give the people you’re pitching to an idea of what it will be like to actually experience your film.
Practice makes perfect when it comes to delivering a successful pitch. You’ll constantly learn from your mistakes and develop a better understanding of how to “hook” your audience quickly. Don’t give up if one or two of your pitches end up failing. Learn from those mistakes and keep moving forward. You never know who will be willing to take a chance on your project.
It Can Take a Toll On Your Mental Health
Filmmaking allows you to express yourself and show off your creativity. If you’re able to put together a great film that people love, there’s nothing quite like that sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
However, it can also be an incredibly stressful career choice.
If you’re considering going into the filmmaking industry, make sure you know how to prioritize and take care of your mental well-being. Your job can impact your mental health more than you might think. Even if you love what you do, too much stress can cause burnout, leading to a lack of productivity and motivation, and contributing to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Take the time to practice self-care every day. It isn’t selfish — it’s a necessity. Find ways to manage your stress that work for you and can fit into your daily routine, including things like:
- Exercising
- Yoga
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Journaling
The less stressed you are, the better you’ll feel. It will also help with creativity and make it easier to avoid creative roadblocks or “slumps.”
Whether you dream of making it in Hollywood as a filmmaker or you know you’ll be happy making small, meaningful indie movies, preparing yourself for the industry ahead of time will make the entire experience more enjoyable and less surprising. Keep these ideas in mind before you dive in, and get ready to share your stories with the world.
Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.
