 The university student on the phone was conducting a survey of local film professionals. How did I get into the business, what type of work did I do, etc. The interview over, he asked permission for a personal question – how long was I in the business before I was I able to afford “that first Lexus!” Somewhat taken aback, I described my car at the time, a disintegrating 1976 Toyota Corolla with over 200,000 miles on the odometer. “That first Lexus” was nowhere in sight despite many dedicated years in the business! During the awkward silence that followed, I could hear the unmistakable sound of a bubble bursting. He had foreseen a swift and enthusiastic welcome by the professional media community following film school, his academic prowess and superior attitude sweeping him to lofty heights, with fame and fortune following in short order. If he changed his major after our talk, he may have spared himself a good deal of disillusionment.
His starstruck optimism got me thinking - why do I do what I do? Why does anyone want to do what I do? Surely there are more profitable professions. Why endure the unpredictable financial roller coaster of too much work followed by periods of no work. Normal people have savings accounts, retirement plans and dental insurance. They receive regular paychecks with which to pay their bills and send their kids to college. To many filmmakers, these things are a distant dream. So why do we keep at it? I began to suspect a deeper motivation, something beyond our control – a virus perhaps. Viruses cause all kinds of intolerable diseases; maybe there was a Filmmaking Virus!
From the outside looking in, filmmaking appears glamorous - the bustle of the set - the excitement of lights, cameras, stars! The electricity in the air at a premiere screening is quite contagious. This may be how the Virus is first acquired, but further studies are needed. Most of us who pursue independent (which usually means no-budget) films, do so because we are compelled by this merciless Virus, which has been known to trigger a catastrophic withdrawal depression in an infected person who attempts to get out of production. It is also responsible for the inherent confidence that the elusive “Big Break” is just around the next corner. If we just keep at it, we will eventually succeed. As we inevitably discover, however, each time we reach the corner of promise, the “Big Break” has already receded beyond the next corner. The number of movies made every year compared to the number that succeed should shock us back to reality, but alas! The Virus has already convinced us that ours will be one of those elusive blockbusters.
If this sounds pessimistic, allow me some balancing comments. While financial victory is not guaranteed or even likely, “Big Breaks” do happen. People do win the lottery (but don’t hold your breath!) Without passion and persistence, success isn’t even possible. Nobody who drops out before the finish line can win the race. So the challenge is this – since we are compelled by this Filmmaking Virus to remain in production, how do we survive until the “Big Break?” That is, after all, the carrot we’re all chasing! Unless you’re newly infected, you’ve already learned how to live with the Virus. Here are some thoughts for those who haven’t mastered it yet, and are not independently wealthy.
Lower Your Overhead. Look over your budget and reduce unnecessary recurring monthly expenses. Do you really need that big office space, all those premium cable TV channels, all three phone lines, eating out every other meal? It’s amazing how much money trickles away each month. Separate “needs” from “wants.” This step will take a surprising amount of discipline!
Supplement Your Income. Most production people already work commercial shoots when not on features. (Those uninfected by the Virus actually prefer this – more money for less work!) Some hobbies and part-time endeavors can make extra money (crafts, internet auctions, house remodeling, etc) Some folks work other jobs until production work is available. I know fellow filmmakers who lay concrete, sell medical supplies, drive a delivery van, wait tables, and so on when production is slow.
Grow Slow, Be Content With the Journey. Realize that Little Breaks will precede the Big Break. “Overnight successes” usually aren’t. Artistic success MAY NOT mean financial success, especially early in your career. Fame and fortune, if they come at all, probably won’t come tomorrow. When you do get an opportunity to produce your masterpiece, here are a few thoughts (five P’s) to maximize your chances of success.
Perfect Screenplay – Your script MUST be exceptional, not just OK. Polish until it is!
Passion – Your passion and positive attitude will energize and motivate those necessary to pull it off.
Perseverance – You don’t get the prize if you don’t finish the race!
People – You will need the help of others - actors, crew, investors, etc. Cultivate those relationships.
Proficiency – Refine your own skills and talents. You need to be at your best!
Where does all this leave us? Those reading this who do not identify with the Virus symptoms ought to consider a rapid escape strategy while you still can. If you hang around, you will become infected. Avoid premieres and film festivals at all costs. The Virus is highly communicable and is, as far as I know, incurable. Those of us already afflicted have no choice but to push forward, making movies. Come to think of it, I kind of enjoy being sick!
Several Virus tests – You’re infected if:
* You’ve already made a movie and survived
* Your happiness depends on being involved in making movies
* You identify yourself as a “filmmaker”
* Making movies is a higher priority than making money
* Your social life consists of hanging out with other “indies” whenever possible
* You dream about presenting your movie at Cannes or Sundance |
