If you’re looking to make your own movie, what are you waiting for? Another year is upon us. And as a filmmaker, a few things happened over the last 365 days. if you’re like most filmmakers, you did one of the following:
1. You made your own movie.
2. You made a plan to make your own movie.
3. Or you did nothing…
If you chose #3 (and did noting), don’t feel bad.
If you failed to make your own movie, you are not alone. I’m speaking from experience. Back when I decided to move to NYC, I waited at least three years longer than I should have to make my first feature. I should have taken action sooner…
When I finally did take action, I rode into town and vomited for two days straight. I puked because I was afraid. I was scared I would fail. This is a true story.
Once I got over my vomiting, I took action. I needed a job. So I made a lot of cold calls. I networked all over the place. Things eventually worked out. I promise things will work out for you too. If you want to make your own movie, you will find a way.
Here’s the deal…
You either know when you’re making your next movie, or you’re still saying “someday.” All of those responses are OK. But if you’re anything like me, you probably enjoy making things happen. So assuming you need it, I’m here to give you the proverbial kick in the butt to get things moving.
Why You Failed To Make Your Own Movie
Let’s be honest. Sometimes it’s easier to kid ourselves. It’s easier to pretend we are making progress towards our filmmaking goals, even though the stuff we spend time doing often does nothing to get us closer.
One prime example is buying filmmaking equipment. There are a lot of filmmakers who would rather fill their closet with additional gear than actually write or acquire a screenplay, find investors or devise a marketing plan.
The truth is, it is easier NOT to create something. It is easier NOT to make your own movie. Because, if you actually put yourself out there and find out you suck, what then?
. . .You will have to admit that you suck.
. . .And that your career in filmmaking is totally over.
. . .And you will NEVER make a living, making movies.
The voice. The one inside your head, filling you with negative thoughts is a liar.
So go ahead and punch that inner voice right smack in the mouth. And focus on your new, New Year mandate. Give yourself permission to make a few sucky movies. Seriously. Experiment and take action.
Answer These Filmmaking Questions
Take a few minutes to seriously answer these 5 questions:
1. What did you filmmaking successes did you achieve last year?
2. What sorts of filmmaking stuff did you want to achieve, but didn’t? What got in your way?
3. What do you want to accomplish in 2016?
4. What obstacles must you overcome to reach your filmmaking goals?
5. What is one thing you can complete today that will put you one step closer?
As a filmmaker, I assume your primary goal is to make your own movie. But as you know, making a movie requires many steps. To plan your next movie as well as some of the other big whoppers you wish to accomplish, I suggest breaking your goals into smaller and smaller chunks…
After that, break your small goals into something you can add to your list of daily tasks. Remember, big filmmaking goals always consist of smaller tasks.
And in case you’re looking for some New Year Filmmaking Ideas, here are some actions you can take today.
Three Steps For Filmmaking Success
While not everything I’m about to share will seem like the direct path to make your own movie, I believe the following strategies will help you immensely.
1. Gain Business Intelligence: Read: Rich Dad Poor Dad and Think and Grow Rich and Never Eat Alone. (All are my Amazon affiliate links.) Anyway, those books will help you network and speak the language that successful people understand.
2. Make Weekend Short Projects: Then upload your short films to YouTube. They don’t have to be complex. Focus on projects you can shoot on your camera phone. But DO something!
3. Build a Network Of Collaborators: These people will complement your skills. So you’re a writer? Surround yourself with a director and producer. And if you’re looking for extra credit, access these resources.
And my final piece of advice? Answer this question right now:
Given the resources that you have right now, what is the movie you can make this year?
Get out there, take action and make your own movie now! The world is waiting… And you’re getting older!
