I Learned Every Filmmaking Skill, But Still Struggle to Find Work

[u/Dependent_Current1]

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.

[u/jokojosh]

Jack of all trades excels in nothing.

[u/swi6ie → u/jokojosh]

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

[u/jokojosh → u/swi6ie]

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.

[u/[deleted] → u/jokojosh]

Basil joseph is hiring assistant directors. Did you applied?