How Much Money Does A Filmmaker Make in 10 Years?

I've been a freelance filmmaker now for 10 years! This is a video looking at how my earnings have fluctuated over time and why they have, how rates have changed and what's caused that. As well as looking at passive sources of income.

This is my own experience in the UK market, but I hope others, UK based or not will find this beneficial to get a look behind a subject I struggle to find much information about.

[00:00] Introduction + Disclaimer
[00:55] Net Profits + UK Tax
[02:27] The Interim Years
[06:36] Year Ending 2022
[14:30] Outro

[Brown-Bird]

As someone who is trying to go full time freelance in the US, I truly appreciate your willingness to share all this that we're told to safeguard (for some reason). It always uncomfortable to talk money with your passion, but it needs to be done at some point.

[airindiana]

I’m from the U.K. and think the culture (outdated culture) of not discussing income perfectly suited people at the top who’d far rather the masses didn’t peer over the fence or discuss earnings. I’m so glad you made this as someone dipping toes into this world in the U.K. (career change guy!)

[jacobzatorsky]

This is one of the best video I have ever seen exposing what the reality is like working in this industry as a solo filmmaker! Thank you Scott you are such a legend!

[gdrriley]

This was great, most people want this all hidden away.
I’ve pushed people hard in the US to both increase their day rates and not start them so low. In my book if you bring skill you shouldn’t be ask the same amount as someone who works retail or fast food.
It’s one of my biggest gripes with some of the old players, I’ve not seen them increase their rates enough to allow less experienced crew a place.

[JohnLuna]

you had a great year! congrats Scott. and yes, video on day rates 👍🏼 keep the videos coming 🙂

[gregorhannah]

This was really insightful! Thank you for sharing! Seeing how the work dropped off for you and keeping the eggs in one basket was the kick up the arse I needed to do some outreach! Love the videos please keep them up!

[matteblack]

Great video. Cheers Scott. Definitely a topic people aren't open enough about.

Also a reminder to people... Inflation could be as high as 13-14% later this year so it's time to increase your rates.

[Lucas-pmdc]

It was really interesting to have a look at those numbers in a different country than mine, thx for that!

[LukeMcAdam]

Great video, I've never seen anyone lay out like this before, I wish more of us would. Disappointing that FilmSupply didn't come through for you. I was thinking about jumping onboard because one of my mates makes $3000-$5000 CAD a month from it, but I think it's because he got on very early, is often featured and has a massive catalogue after all these years.

[realMattGavin]

This is very informative and concise information. I'm a videographer/editor in the small town I live in and I definitely don't have the whole system needed for a big productions, but it does comfort me a little knowing what I would look for in agencies or big production shoots. Congrats on killing it in 2022 after the pandemic.
I can't wait to see what content you have next and for YouTube to recommend your videos to build the audience that sees the value in your content.
I was recommended to you after doing a low budget music video and wanted to see indy moguls cost of a music video break down.

[ckellyedits]

I love your channel, and thank you so much for being so candid about all this. Your channel is an incredible resource and has already helped me a lot. But I have to say, having binged your entire channel a few times now, I'm really not a fan at all of your outro. It just seems a bit too self-deprecating and the zoom in is so odd, compared to the rest of your content which is so genuinely helpful. I don't know, I don't have ideas for an alternative but I felt like I had to say something. Maybe it's just me? And yes, a video on day rates would be amazing. As would - how did you begin sourcing jobs and building up contacts right at the very start?

[aaroncarter]

I'm moving from Auckland, New Zealand to London next month and boy would it be handy to get a decent guage on dayrates. It's very hard to tell what anyone is charging here as they include a lot of gear in their rate, or the budgets are too small to charge your normal rate. It would be amazing to hear dayrates in the UK as New Zealand is a shitshow haha. I've been working in Doco/TV since 2014 and I still get anxiety that I'm either undercutting or asking too much at the start of every contract.

[djtimodj]

Amazing insight. I definitely think your location helps too 👍

[kolecava]

I know the feeling about editing. Trying to reduce it but damn always say ye then curse the shit out of my life 🤣

OT was you at the BSC expo on the Saturday?

[jacobzatorsky]

How do you sort out your taxes? any best software to keep your taxes from being as low as possible

[devincorboy]

Thanks for sharing
Mr. $$$bagz!
A day rate video would be great!

[WhenWillILearn]

Those dollar comparisons have aged like milk haha