6 Brutal Truths about Filmmaking

Summary

In this video, the filmmaker shares valuable insights about the realities of filmmaking, offering brutal truths that others might avoid discussing. He emphasizes the importance of networking, the collaborative nature of filmmaking, and the need to invest in skills beyond gear. He also touches on the challenges of editing, the unpredictability of success, and the reality of working in adjacent industries to make a living. Ultimately, he encourages aspiring filmmakers to embrace the process, focusing on personal growth and creativity rather than the elusive idea of 'making it.'

Takeaways

• 😀 Filmmaking is a long-term commitment: The speaker emphasizes that their loyalty lies with filmmaking, despite making a living on YouTube. Filmmaking is a journey, not just a job.
• 😀 Gear reviews come with bias: Filmmakers often review new gear with enthusiasm due to affiliate marketing incentives, but it's essential to consider whether the new camera is truly necessary for your work.
• 😀 Collaboration is key in filmmaking: Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and successful filmmakers work with other people. Networking and relationships are as crucial as honing your craft.
• 😀 Networking is vital for career growth: The speaker shares how networking helped them land opportunities and emphasizes the importance of cultivating relationships in the industry.
• 😀 Edit your film thoroughly: The editing process takes time, and you should never rush it. Spending extra time polishing the final edit can make a significant difference in the film's quality.
• 😀 Your career is shaped by continuous learning: Filmmakers should constantly learn new skills, such as editing or special effects, to advance in their careers and stand out in the industry.
• 😀 Many filmmakers work in adjacent industries: Most indie filmmakers work in industries like corporate videos, social media, or commercials to sustain themselves financially, especially in expensive cities like LA.
• 😀 Don't expect a linear path to success: The idea of 'making it' is elusive, and filmmakers should embrace the journey, understanding that success can look different for everyone.
• 😀 Filmmaking is about the process, not just the end result: Emphasizing the importance of enjoying the filmmaking process, the speaker notes that the journey itself is often more fulfilling than the final product.
• 😀 Making short films regularly helps develop skills: The speaker encourages filmmakers to create short films often, even if they aren’t masterpieces, as it helps build confidence and improve skills over time.

Q & A

Why does the filmmaker mention that they have a loyalty to filmmaking over YouTube?

The filmmaker emphasizes their loyalty to filmmaking because they have been making films for a long time, even before YouTube existed. While they make a living through YouTube, filmmaking is their primary passion.

What is the filmmaker's perspective on gear and the new camera in their video?

The filmmaker acknowledges that the new camera could be great, but warns that YouTube filmmakers often have incentives to praise new gear for affiliate sales, leading to bias. They stress that investing in the camera might not always be the best choice for a narrative filmmaker, suggesting that money could be better spent on other aspects like casting or location.

How does the filmmaker view the importance of networking in the film industry?

Networking is crucial in the film industry, according to the filmmaker. They explain that while talent and craft are important, the ability to demonstrate those skills to the right people and build relationships is essential for career growth. Networking is not seen as sleazy but as a necessary part of building trust and securing opportunities.

What does the filmmaker mean by 'professionals collaborate, hobbyists work alone'?

This statement highlights the collaborative nature of professional filmmaking. The filmmaker stresses that working with others, such as crew members, is what sets professionals apart from hobbyists who tend to work independently. Collaboration is seen as a key distinction between amateur and professional filmmakers.

What does the filmmaker say about editing, especially in terms of time and effort?

The filmmaker talks about how editing takes a long time and how the final stages of editing can be demoralizing due to diminishing returns. They emphasize the importance of dedicating time to refine the final 10% of a film, as it can make a significant difference in the final product.

What advice does the filmmaker give regarding film budgets and the time available for editing?

The filmmaker acknowledges that budgets for indie films are often tight, and the time available for editing can feel limited. However, they advise against rushing the editing process. They draw a parallel to running a race, suggesting that filmmakers should push through the finish line and take the time to perfect their film rather than hastily concluding the project.

Why does the filmmaker emphasize the importance of giving a reason for people to care about your film?

The filmmaker stresses that simply making a film isn't enough to capture people's attention. To make an impact, filmmakers need to provide something fresh or unique that will make audiences care. They mention that the key to standing out is creating something that will stick in people's minds, whether through innovative storytelling or compelling performances.

How does the filmmaker view the concept of 'making it' in the film industry?

The filmmaker challenges the idea of 'making it' as a singular moment of success. They explain that as you become more successful, the definition of 'making it' keeps evolving and moving further away. The process of filmmaking, including the challenges and continuous growth, is where true fulfillment lies, not in reaching a specific endpoint.

What does the filmmaker mean by 'embracing the process' in filmmaking?

Embracing the process refers to focusing on the journey of filmmaking rather than obsessing over a specific end goal. The filmmaker encourages aspiring filmmakers to enjoy the creative work and not just aim for external markers of success. This mindset, according to the filmmaker, will lead to more rewarding and fulfilling experiences in the long run.

What does the filmmaker suggest about the reality of working in the film industry?

The filmmaker explains that the reality of working in the film industry is far from glamorous. While many people think of filmmaking as constant action on set, most of a filmmaker's time is spent in offices, doing tedious tasks like email correspondence, rewriting scripts, and worrying about success. The filmmaker highlights the importance of persistence and resilience through these behind-the-scenes challenges.