So you want to be a filmmaker, huh?
A very thin line lies in between an aspiring and an amateur filmmaker which everyone wishes to cross.
Mistakes should never be thought as an end to your filmmaking career, rather as something that’ll help you grow into a better one. Making mistakes is part of the creative learning process, but what will really set you apart from others is in how you learn from your mistakes.
Here are the most common mistakes that filmmakers make in their career:
Not Knowing Why You Want To Make Movies
Filmmakers have many different reasons as to why they make the films they make. Decide on what your ambitions and drivers are before you even head off at an attempt in a career in filmmaking. Your innermost passion for making films will determine much of what you work towards to achieve.
Quitting Your Day Job Too Soon
The business of filmmaking is a risky one which is why anyone who intends to go down this road should have a plan B, or at least a secondary source of income. Doing otherwise will not only lead to your own financial demise, but can also lead you up to start overcharging your clients very early in the game.
Being Too Self-Absorbed / Lacking Self-Awareness
Many filmmakers are afraid of admitting their fears and where they fall short; however falling into this ditch leads them into not being open to criticism, and as a filmmaker, you should thrive on criticism to improve upon your work. Having this kind of behaviour can make it very difficult for you to develop a team – word spreads and you’ll eventually find that fewer and fewer people are willing to collaborate with you.
Successful filmmakers are the ones who are not afraid to be brutally honest about themselves and their work. Get much needed feedback from a trusted colleague or friend as much as you can.
Staying In Your Comfort Zone
Most filmmakers work with the same team members over and over again. There is nothing wrong with this – except – who is challenging and testing you and your ideas?
It’s an easy trap to surround yourself with those who know nothing other than to say yes to your ideas. Working with people who challenge you may be uncomfortable, but it’s a whole lot easier than dealing with a disastrous film screening or client presentation just because no one around you had the courage to raise their hand and make a different suggestion.