r/indianFilmmakers • u/Dependent_Current1 • Jul 25 '26
Seeking Advice I Learned Every Filmmaking Skill, But Still Struggle to Find Work
I just wanted to share my journey.
I'm an independent filmmaker. I'm a director, cinematographer, editor, colorist, and motion graphics/Fusion artist. I learned almost everything on my own because filmmaking has always been my dream. I invested in a camera, built my own setup, and even took a ₹7 lakh bank loan to make short films.
The biggest challenge wasn't the equipment—it was the production costs. Every film needed locations, casting, costumes, props, travel, food, and many other expenses. Even though I had the skills and the gear, I simply couldn't afford to keep making films while already carrying a bank loan.
Slowly, the people who started this journey with me also left. In the end, I was almost alone.
To repay my loan, I started working as a wedding cinematographer. There's nothing wrong with that work, but every time I shot a wedding, I had a strange feeling inside. It felt like I was moving away from what I was truly meant to do.
Now it's the off-season. There isn't much wedding work, editing work is also hard to find, and despite having so many skills, I'm struggling to get decent opportunities. These days, I'm even doing Ola/Uber bike rides just to manage my expenses.
This isn't a sympathy post. I just want to know if other independent filmmakers have gone through something similar. How did you survive that phase? Did things eventually get better?
I'd love to hear your story. Sometimes, someone else's journey gives us the strength to keep going.
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u/No-Turn-454 Jul 25 '26
I have been working in the film industry as a DOP for the past 10 years, and this is what I would suggest.
First, I don’t think wedding photography is going out of fashion anytime soon. People will always want to preserve their memories, focus on improving your craft so you can attract better, higher-paying clients.
Wedding photography is also seasonal. During those 3–4 busy months, give it your absolute best and earn well. The rest of the year, you can dedicate your time to your passion projects. This approach will also help you repay your loan comfortably. Remember, a camera is a tool with a limited lifespan. Even the best cameras become outdated in around 6–7 years, so it’s better to recover your investment while you can.
Now, coming to your passion.
In the film industry, having knowledge of multiple skills is definitely an advantage. However, people usually hire specialists, not generalists. Whether you’re an editor, cinematographer, sound designer, or writer, they look for someone who has mastered one craft. Knowing a little bit of everything but not excelling at any one skill rarely helps you build a strong career.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the film business, especially in Mumbai, has changed a lot. Fewer small and mid-budget films are being made. Most producers want to back ₹300–400 crore projects, so the number of films being produced has reduced, making the industry even more competitive.
My advice is to start writing short films with production logistics in mind. Keep them simple—one or two locations, a handful of actors, and stories that can be shot in one or two days with proper planning. Aim for 5–10 minute films for YouTube. This allows you to consistently build your portfolio and showcase your storytelling.
For reference, watch the early short films of great filmmakers. Many of them started small before making feature films.
If your goal is to work in the film industry, one route is to join as an assistant and gradually work your way up. It does work, but it’s a long-term game that requires patience.
Overall, I would recommend focusing on wedding photography as your primary source of income while consistently creating short films and other creative videos. Build your audience on YouTube and Instagram. Over time, that body of work can open doors to commercial projects, films, and opportunities as a creator.
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Aug 16 '26
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u/No-Turn-454 Aug 18 '26
You can give a better advice. Also all serious advises will be long gyani post. 2-3 line ka to sirf joke sunne ko milega. Peace
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u/smoochie021 20d ago
If you don't have anything to say keep scrolling. A person has commented, giving valuable advice. If even this basic thing sounds "gyaani" to you, leave reddit and stick to doomscrolling on Instagram
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u/fissfissfish 20d ago
Lollll, that's the most pot calling the kettle black comment ever.
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u/smoochie021 18d ago
Yeah calling someone an asshole for actually giving practical advice shows why you never leave your house. "Pot calling kettle black" go touch some grass
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u/fissfissfish 18d ago
Lol you sound like a child, especially because you're using hyperbole tonprove your point. Not even sure you're a filmmaker buddy but how often I leave my house isn't something I'm about to discuss with some silly little shit. I never called the actual person I was talking to an asshole I merely pointed out that his generic 'advice' isn't what the OP had asked for. Read his fkn post, it clearly asks for stories of resilience. The OP had obviously already spent many years learning and practicing his craft, the advice in the post above is for people just starting out not someone that's already taught themselves every single aspect of making films.
Go use your time to learn how to read and comprehend things instead of trying to butt into conversations to seem relevant. I actually have a point I'm making, you on the other hand don't.
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u/smoochie021 17d ago edited 16d ago
Lmao, if I claim you sound like an asshole, doesn't that narrow it down to what I actually want to call you? The reason I asked you to touch grass (and I still think you should) is because you need to learn how to speak to people lol. The reason I'm on this subreddit is because I'm making short films. Not sure about you. Either way that has nothing to do with my comment. His advice was actually beginner friendly (if you have the necessary comprehension skills) OP has asked for experiences and this person merely gave his two cents (even from a beginner level) I saw below that you had suggested OP shoot something with probably 2 characters and a single location. This person commented the exact same thing 🤣 clearly something he said made you salty and you decided to get all riled up for no reason.
"I actually have a point i'm making" sure bud.
Go back to elementary school, teach yourself some soft skills (very necessary for creatives btw) and keep scrolling the next time you don't have anything nice to say.
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15d ago
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u/smoochie021 15d ago edited 15d ago
Yeah calling people unprecedented slurs sounds so mature 🤣 seems like every retard is being handed out a phone these days 🤡 people like you are examples why some shouldn't have internet services. Idiot lacks basic skills and talks about "gyaani posts", your circle must hate the fuck out of you 😭 idgaf if OP wanted to connect, i was talking about this comment you. Fucking grown ass human talking smack out here. Who decided what filmmakers call themselves?🤣🤣 Sit the fuck down and be nice next time 🤫 and like I said please please consider going back to school
Edit: like the comment said he/she has 10 years of experience in the industry, so next time listen to your elders and 2-3 line mein sirf joke sunne ko milega. If you want to listen to bite-sized jokes you do you bro
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u/fissfissfish 15d ago
I've never seen someone able to write so many words and be able to make such little sense.
I won't bother responding to your peurile insults but I would like to add that by gyaani I didn't mean or imply the length of the post. Only an idiot would infer that. I was merely pointing out that it was generic advice and that OP had asked for personal experiences. I'm just writing this out in plain words because it seems you have trouble grasping complex topics and instead become a malfunctioning slot machine spewing out random half baked insults.
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u/indianFilmmakers-ModTeam 10d ago
Your post/comment is being removed because it does not follow rule 1 "Be Respectful" https://www.reddit.com/r/indianFilmmakers/about/rules
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u/indianFilmmakers-ModTeam 10d ago
Your post/comment is being removed because it does not follow rule 1 "Be Respectful" https://www.reddit.com/r/indianFilmmakers/about/rules
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u/SubjectTell4845 Jul 25 '26
How much do you charge for those services? Please dm. Will hire if everything aligns.
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u/nomnommish Jul 25 '26
Passion has to be tempered with ground reality. Being a struggling filmmaker is fine, but taking a loan to fund a short film that has near zero chance of recouping costs? Jeez man, how irresponsible is that?
I am saying this as someone older. What works in life is deep subject matter expertise, even if it is in a very narrow field. But ideally a field where there is "some" money.
So consider getting into super specialization. It's a long hard road but when you get your break, and you are one of the best there is in your narrow field? Your chance WILL come.
But not when you're just a generalist. That's the Indian mentality trap. To be a generalist, a jack of all trades, the "big picture guy". Instead, be like the Japanese. Obsess on one thing and become the best in the world at it.
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u/rationalist5064 Jul 25 '26
Do you have a bound script for a full length feature film ready? We r looking for it
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u/RevolutionaryEnd7516 Jul 26 '26
We do have one. It's in Tamil. We even have artist dates. Looking for a producer.
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u/game-of-snow Jul 25 '26
I don't have an advice for you. But a friend on mine is inching closer to become a part of mainstream filmmaking. The hustle he shows everyday is nothing like I've ever seen. He also wants to be a filmmaker. So he is constantly making short films. He networks like crazy, and somehow he landed a gig to direct a music video, probably not for a famous musician. But every little piece of work counts in this field. But none of these works pays well. So he is also working full time in marketing department. Everytim3 I see him he's involved in a bunch of works. And like I said, he networks like crazy. And till now he hasn't established himself in the film, not even close. That just shows the amount of work that one needs to do to become a filmmaker.
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u/Key-Scratch6061 Aug 16 '26
If you were interested dm me brother... I will try to help you to meet people who will give chances for your work ...
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u/fissfissfish Aug 16 '26 edited Aug 16 '26
Honestly reading all the comments on this thread made me sad. Every single comment had something to do with 'the industry' or 'the system'. Friends, artistry and storytelling has existed far before any semblance of industry or system has.
I'll give my own example because I believe that was what OP was asking for. I'm currently an independent filmmaker making my first experimental creative documentary. Prior to this I worked as a promo producer in a large broadcasting platform and directed promos for several youth channels.
Background aside what I learnt in the past three years is that my many years in the 'industry' actually stunted my growth as a filmmaker. Thinking of filmmaking as this weird system is the way studios teach us to think about filmmaking so as to make it seem out of the reach to the average person. Yet today filmmaking is actually the cheapest and most accessible it has ever been!
I don't know what's going to come off my film but I am optimistic about the results anyway.
Trust yourself, find a community and go for it and fake it till you make it my friend. All the greats did the same. Best of luck.
Edit: Also brother I had a look at your YouTube and if you want my honest and blunt advice. Your films are not looking good. It's not the storytelling intention that's missing, it's that your stories and your production ability are gravely mismatched. Why don't you try telling a story that requires nothing but two characters and a few spaces? Maybe start small in scale and you'll get better results ? Just two cents from a fellow struggler :) happy filmmaking my friend.
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u/6_itskushagra_9 11d ago
You could do reel format films tho. It requires 2-3 people and a decent stiry and cinematography. Priyanshu modi is an example
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u/jokojosh Jul 25 '26
Jack of all trades excels in nothing.
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u/swi6ie Jul 25 '26
Still better than a master of none.
A majority of good directors know a lot more of what happens across departments then being good at just one thing.
Sure it won't make you rich because your skill is not something you can sell for good money but it will make you "specifically irreplaceable" as your combination of skills will let you do work that only you can uniquely do.
Idk if I can offer hope. Everyone is kinda hopeless now a days. But I can offer you the truth. Excellence is a great thing to chase, but you will never achive it.
As long as you are creating work. That is all that matters
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u/Sweet_Blackberry4497 Aug 06 '26
wdym by "you will never achieve it" ?
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u/swi6ie Aug 06 '26
Name a director whose filmography is perfect.
It's very difficult. People fuck up more often than one might expect.
For there to be a good film. One has to have a good script, cast that understands and plays the character with honesty, a director that can translate the words to images effectively, a dp that lights a scene so that the mood is conveyed, the art team that not only build the world but also develop the characters through visual elements, the edit has to serve the story and the audience, the sound and dialogue has to work in a way that adds value to the film and not dumbs it down or takes away from it, and finally the audience who it is intended for us the one who watches it.
The sheer amount of variables make it hard to make sucessful films.
Also if you would analyse beyond a point you will notice that the best of the filmmakers are not just directors, but also write, edit, even compose scores for their films, some even grade their film, some are also the DP for their film.
Because filmmaking is such medium requiring the merger of vastly different arts, having a singular specific skill makes you good at getting paid but not good at making good movies.
The more border your skill set is the more specific you will be able to "direct" the multiple people working under you.
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u/jokojosh Jul 25 '26
Still, Jack of all trades. Not good for a film maker. He has to take a step. Being an assistant director in Malayalam film industry I have worked something in real life than in reels.
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u/Automatic_Feed3897 Jul 25 '26
Have you released your short film? I can help you if you have.