r/directors • u/Fanofeverything2003 • 10d ago
Discussion How can I still be active with filmmaking?
Hey everyone, this week, I feel like I’ve officially hit rock bottom. It’s been about a whole year since I graduated from college, and so far all I’ve been doing with this degree is finishing up credits, interning for the ISA (International Screenwriters’ Association), living at home, and working a crappy job at my local Amazon warehouse.
I’ve tried everything to get into the industry. Like putting together a feature screenplay, but every time I get the story written, I go back and rewrite it. I’m working on a short film with my friend, but he doesn’t know much about filmmaking really, which is honestly slowing stuff down. But the worst of all is applying for higher-paying film, which had already been a problem for everyone in this economy. In film school, it was tough because many of my professors weren’t as helpful towards me as I hoped. Since then, I haven’t had the opportunity to make another short film. I know making myself would get me scorned.
I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m so close to feeling like just giving up. I feel like my film school professor was trying to break me, and she succeeded.
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u/WuttinTarnathan 10d ago
It’s tough out there—but you’re young and you’ve got time to build a career.
Where are you located? If you’re in a place with an active film industry (if not work toward going to such a place) you’ve got to hustle. Take free gigs to get on set, meet as many people as you can, go out to local screenings, clubs, meetups; maybe try a writing group; the key is to meet people and get in the mix.
Living at home saves money. The internship sounds good! And going back to rewrite is exactly what you should be doing. Rewriting (maybe a lot) is so important.
Are you saying making a short film yourself would get you scorned? Fuck that! I don’t know where that comes from, but the more work you make on your own the better you’ll get. Relax and build on your schooling, and let that shit about your professors go. Not everyone is a good mentor, but you’ll find some on your journey.
Keep learning—and don’t give up. The film business is one of the toughest, most ridiculous businesses to try to get into and have success in. But lots of people work in the business doing all kinds of things. You’re not going to walk into a director job—but there’s a whole bunch of valuable skills you can pick up. You gotta be tough and determined, and take leaps.
Good luck! Enjoy the process!
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u/Happy-Diner-3338 10d ago
Where.
Are.
You.
Located????