I’ve been living in Los Angeles for more than a decade. Over the years I have learned a thing or two about Hollywood. I have also realized there are distinct differences between filmmakers who make a movie and the would-be filmmakers who do not.
Since most people in LA are involved in some aspect of the movie industry, most conversations revolve around some aspect of getting a movie made.
Five Ways To Succeed as A Modern Filmmaker
That said, what is surprising to me are the vast numbers of people I meet who report spending years searching for ways to hand their movie projects off to someone else. Someone who will magically do all the “business stuff” and make a movie appear. Sometimes I think filmmakers do things just because they believe it’s the way things HAVE to be done.
That doesn’t necessary make it right. And admittedly, I’m not always right. But how I conduct my movie business works for me. And if you’re reading this, I assume you’re looking for some perspective just a little left of center. And as a modern filmmaker, that means you are in control of your career. So here we go:
- Quit asking permission. It’s a waste of time.
- Create your own business plan and budget.
- Create the movie you can make this year, not next.
- Learn money. (Know the difference between cash flow and capital gains!)
- Similar to #1, quit making excuses. Grab a camera and push “record.”
This philosophy doesn’t just apply to would-be filmmakers.
I’ve been meeting a lot of actors lately. Some are super ambitious. And in conversation, I’ve noticed some would benefit from also adopting the modern filmmaker philosophy. So if you’re an actor, stop handing out headshots and start producing! Then cast yourself in your own projects. If any of these filmmaking tactics sound useful, feel free to download my filmmaker checklist.
