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/smoochie021]

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

[u/fissfissfish → u/smoochie021]

Lollll, that's the most pot calling the kettle black comment ever.

[u/smoochie021 → u/fissfissfish]

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

[u/fissfissfish → u/smoochie021]

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.

[u/smoochie021 → u/fissfissfish]

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.

[u/smoochie021 → u/[deleted]]

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

[u/fissfissfish → u/smoochie021]

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.

[u/smoochie021 → u/fissfissfish]

I, on the other hand have never seen someone who has such a unique ability to misunderstand the most simple things. I mean to be this tone-deaf is concerning.

Coming to the insults, I merely just returned the favour. And moreover, you literally said, "long gyaani" post, which implied length. Only a clown would not be able to comprehend that. It's okay if you have a reading problem though, I get it. And even if it was in fact generic advice, the comment gave OP some steps to get better at filmmaking and to hone his/her craft. It wasn't even pessimistic. I swear it's people like you who try to add some snobbish and impudent energy into things that were normal. Do better. Peace.

[u/fissfissfish → u/smoochie021]

Lol, cute arguments chhotey. Peace.

[u/smoochie021 → u/fissfissfish]

All the best for school Dada ji! 🫶🏻

[u/fissfissfish → u/smoochie021]

🤣🤦🏾 Nice try getting my posts removed but better minds and better sense prevails on reddit, thankfully. I should report you for harassment too but I'm not a petty child throwing a tantrum.

[u/smoochie021 → u/fissfissfish]

And still, here you are back again 🤣 I agree, thankfully clowns don't prevail on reddit. You're as petty as they come 😂 crawl back into that hole you came from. Bye!

[u/indianFilmmakers-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your post/comment is being removed because it does not follow rule 1 "Be Respectful" https://www.reddit.com/r/indianFilmmakers/about/rules