Are you a filmmaker struggling to make a living? You’re not alone. Many believe that technical skill or artistic vision is the key to success, but they’re missing the point. The only way to make money as a filmmaker is to make money for the people you’re working for. Your films need to inspire people to open their wallets and buy tickets, DVDs, downloads, or products. It’s that simple.
Even legendary filmmakers like Orson Wells struggled to finance their projects because they didn’t prioritize making money for their investors. On the other hand, Roger Corman made 55 films and never lost a dime. He understood that filmmaking is a business, and he approached it accordingly.
Take Gary Vee, for example. His videos may not be technically perfect, but they sold a boatload of wine and turned a $3 million-a-year wine store into a $60 million-a-year wine store. He launched a digital media firm and has a net worth of $160 million. The bottom line is that if you want to get paid to make films, your films need to make someone money.
But don’t worry, you can still make art for art’s sake. You can upload films to YouTube and make money if someone clicks on an ad next to your video and buys the product. Or you can use your videos to sell your own products. Just remember that if you want to turn filmmaking into a career, you need to help your clients understand how your skills can enrich them.
So, what are you waiting for? Start making films that make money and turn your passion into a career. And if you’re looking for more tips and insights on the film industry, check out our articles on building a cast without a budget, avoiding accidents on set, and comparing feature film budgets.
