The Honest Truth About Being an Indie Filmmaker

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[TheTitanGen]

Someone asked me that question recently. What are you gonna do if your filmmaking career never takes off. I said well then I keep making films until I do. Because I love making movies, and if I cannot make films I don't see a point to anything. Why work a job you hate and give up on making films. Never gonna happen.

[areapictures]

One filmmaker to another -- the advice of taking as many opportunities as possible really works for some people, but it REALLY doesn't for others. If you are learning the craft, and want to absorb as much knowledge as you can -- do it. Obviously, common sense applies -- don't be an elitist or a snob -- and know what you need. However, just to state a reminder about where we are in the world right now: this is the most intense sociological influx of media oversaturation maybe in all of human history -- so I'd say actually -- better to do something good that just pays the bills (I'd actually even say make sure it's not film related, but it can be film-related: as long as it doesn't crush your soul! ) but which gives you enough time during the week to be creative -- and then just make exactly what you want to make. Do what you love, make what you love -- do NOT make things that bore you, if you can help it. That sounds backwards but everyone I've ever met who got somewhere really special has told me a version of that, especially creative people. And you don't need to classify yourself as an "indie" or "no-budget" or anything director. You are a filmmaker, period, the second you decide to do it. Be obsessed, be into it -- but the world does not need more "content" (or at least: stuff that FEELS like it's just "content") It needs art, people's actual passions and lived experiences. These are all good pieces of advice. But definitely don't forget to say no to a lot of stuff. You do not have to take every opportunity you are given -- if anything, these days, that can be the kiss of death, depending on what you want to be known for. I'd argue the brand a smart filmmaker in today's world should want to cultivate is one that is uniquely them, and can't be replicated by everyone else -- and is crucially, not a stepping stone creation/film, but a creation/film that's actually good. The world needs quality, not quantity.

Keep being yourself. Also, cheers from LA. Love your channel. Good luck! - Soren

[theindiefilmdude]

It's AL ABOUT networking and creating relationships. The Indie Community NEEDS to continue to show support for its fellow Filmmakers. You can't just see everything as a competition.

[anjomo]

I can agree with every thing you said as an indie filmmakers.

On point!

To add to it...there is more room for success outside of Hollywood than in it.

[EDVILIONS]

what I just realized is how good the quality of your audio is, and recording it using a smartphone, I'd really like to know how you edited it🥺🥺❤️❤️

[WarrenTheWanderer_]

Why am I over here tearing up 😢 cause I resonated with every word you spoke.
I think it’s not spoken about enough how even at the highest level of the profession of filmmaking the struggle continues and a lot times becomes even more of a struggle because of the amount of things you have to juggle and amount of pressure you’re under to have your project succeed.
Love how you value the people you meet and the relationships you build.

[alvarorodriguezfilmmusic]

So true. It's all about the journey and if you don't enjoy that, there's simply no point whatsoever.

Also a huge one: Be prepared. To be prepared is to be forearmed in that, think about how you're going to sustain yourself economically (possibly indefinitely). That will have a direct impact on the longevity of your career, which in turn will have direct impact on the economic sustainability of your career. It's a virtuous cycle but yeah, the more you keep playing the game, the higher your chances of winning it.

[kameros]

Wow. That's a very level-headed answer. 7:18 and then on was the best part. There's actually a really great book that talks about this called Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis. We read that in college, and it's a very good book.

[rajmusic]

Beautifully said… & I think, “success” can have a different definition for each person. Not all need to have it as becoming as big as celebrities, for some it can be the network you make and how you thrive within that; your world within this world….people who love you for who you are, what you do and have the same level of passion you are at and you make things… it’s a life well lived

[MeLikesMovies]

As a fellow indie Filmmaker from Los Angeles I 100% agree with all of this! Great info

[chosen]

A lot of people will never find their passion in life. When you do find your passion, stick to it. It's what makes life worth living.

[breitzen]

I stepped away from filmmaking for almost ten years to focus on family. Now its all I can think about. Crafting stories that my friends and family can watch to better understand who I am as a person; or have a shared experience with a stranger. Still, I often fall into the trap of setting unrealistic expectations. I might not do it for the validation, but I still find myself craving it after the fact. Thanks for the honesty in this one. Keep up the good work.

[rommfilms]

This is inspiring even though being an indie filmmaker is definitetly TOUGH and UNGLAMOROUS

[GracefulP]

So cool to see others tackling this subject, It’s a grind man, keep grinding! Hope to collab someday, till then keep kicking ass!

[adincampbell]

I am in film school right now. Thanks for the video. Very helpful. Not sure what the future holds.

[Neekss]

I have this feeling that we’ll all look back on the sets were on now and think that these were truly the good times. When everyone was just doing it because they loved it, and everyone felt like they were at summer camp in their own corner of the world for a few days. Loving your content! I’m definitely a fan 🤣

[jcdiener]

I too went to film school but was similarily discouraged back then and chose to go for a tech consulting job instead of following my dreams. But ever since this year I'm finally trying to get into film making again and I've already had some of the best experiences in years. It can be so rewarding to work on set with a passionate crew and I'm looking forward to doing that more often. Sadly I live all the way across the big pond, otherwise I would've hit you up for a project together haha
Looking forward to more such videos, this was really insightful!! 🫶

[themarekch]

G'day from Australia 🇦🇺. Yes, great information and good video about this. It can be a struggle starting out.

[tinawong]

Thank you for the film....I like seeing real family situations like this....with a sense of humor....Asian american...like me

[_kicksfooty]

Good youtube in one of the most subtle of places