Advice for Filmmakers when Work is SLOW!
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Thank you for making this, me and lots of other filmmakers are bound to appreciate it. For those other filmmakers like me who are still in the beginning of their careers (have only been freelancing for less than 3-5 years) and are really anxious about not being able to make rent or pay bill because of this dry period, this video still applies to us, but just do it in a way that doesn't involve spending money and try and be thrifty at the same time. Find somewhere close so you can walk and save money on gas, find friends who live close by and keep your head up and your creativity flowing. Things will get better.
I've been making shorts and features for over twenty years. Currently shooting my 6th feature film and I've lost all love and joy for the craft. I wake up every day for a shoot and dread it. If a shoot gets moved or postponed, it makes me happy. And I hate that feeling. I hate that I no longer love what I do. I've become jaded and overwhelmed with the nasty side of this industry and it consumed me. The idea of making a film, of coming together with my family and telling stories makes me happy, but then the reality of getting on set, dealing with the industry makes me want to crawl in a whole and never come out.
I used to care so much about my stories, my craft and making films. But some where along the way I allowed myself to become jaded and overtaken by the dark side of this craft. And it robbed me of my joy, my passion and my want to keep creating. Now I spend my days dreading the next the shoot. Dreading the thoughts of "will this film win awards because that's the only way I'll get another gig" or "My cast and crew will think I'm a fraud if I don't do A, B, C, D". I no longer have dreams of making films. I just have nightmares of failing and how everyone will look at me after that.
I don't blame anyone but myself. I allowed all these thoughts to take root and shape who I am now. I allowed it to pervert the one thing in my life that I felt was my calling. And now I wonder to myself how to rediscover my love for this craft. To go back in time menitaly and remember how it felt that first time I called action on a set. The first time I looked around and saw all my friends coming together, no egoes, no back stabbing, no two-faced people. Just friends who love each other and have a passion for a story. I can look back on that and see it, but I can't feel it. That's what makes me think I'm beyond repair. That I'm so in the "business" of filmmaking that I don't actually feel anything for it anymore.
Sorry for the rant. But your words really spoke to my current state and I felt complied to write this and put it out there for everyone to judge me lol. Maybe I just needed to get this out and stop holding it in. I've been told by so many filmmakers that I should never express my feelings in this way because "clients don't want to hear that". But maybe, just maybe, this is a safe place for me to say what I feel.
Thank you Carlo for your honest and kind words, your craft, your passion and your willingness to put your heart out there. You help many people struggling and that's what we need right now. We don't need more "light like Deakins" or "Direct like Nolan" youtube videos. We need people like you who are willing to sherd the skin and be the honesty we all need.
Thanks you sir and sorry again for the rant. Much love!
Cinematographer from Kenya here. Man this video just came through at the most coincidental moment. I was just applying for an office job as i haven't booked anything for 3months. I've almost given up but i keep trying not to by doing passion projects because it's the only thing that makes me happy. Anyway, I'll keep pushing and having hope
Keep going!
Cinematographer from KE too…keep going bruv!!
keep the faith bro! FORGET THE 9-5 and focus on whatever it is that you love! Approach businesses and approach people, make magic! I won't lie, I don't know how I'm paying rent this month... I live in Johannesburg and home is Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I know that everything will be fine in due time.... there are lessons in everything going on!
From kenya here too, been watching for sometime, still owning my first beginning camera under 800$ but what i'm learning here keeps me going to another level
Update: Rent Paid on Time!
Mateeeeee this is uncanny. Literally spot on.
It's been strange times that's for sure. Sometimes it feels like it's something we must be doing wrong, but it's not. We put too much pressure on ourselves, and that leads us to forget what made us start doing it in the first place.
We're not alone, even if it can feel that way sometimes.
Great video dude.
This video really came at the right time... I broke my leg in a pretty bad way over a month ago and now I'm just stuck at home. Can't film anything, have to say no to people when they call me. It's kinda tough. And it's gonna be like this for a while. I'm trying to stay positive and at least educate myself (books, masterclasses, etc) but still... So thank you for the words of encouragement! It really helps.
Also, in moments like these, when there's nothing to do for longer periods of time, I like to ask myself: "Will this be alive time or dead time?" I always try to make it alive time and gain something from it.
Stay positive my friend
It’s normal for everyone to have less work in the winter. I mean makes sense all the sudden. Companies blast out their money in the end of the year and have to refocus in the beginning of the next year. You out it to the point. Do what you love doing without any stress.
The escape valve, if you can swing it, is having a way to generate income outside of the film business so that you're not desperate when work does not come in. What makes me happy in this business is creating shots for Pond5, the stock house. I can play around for hours, doing this or that to get shots that I think are interesting, and no one is whispering in my ear that I have to wrap and be in New Jersey for an interview at 2pm. I upload the shots
and sometimes they sell. Very gratifying.
Love your calm energy
Much love man thank you
Tonight I was stressed out by my job and had a terrible headache. As you watched your video I felt the stress ease away and my headache fade away. Thanks for the reminder of what motivated me to make films.
Bro needed this, for someone who usually stays busy we're finally just ramping up. Spent time working again on my personal brand after negating it for a while!
You got this!
As a filmmaker, I mostly make short films. I work full time so most of my projects are filmed over weekends. So, I don't really shoot any corporate videos or commercials. But, I do experience the feeling of just grabbing my camera and shooting something. It doesn't have to be for money. Just being able to create visuals is what I enjoy most. Thanks for dropping this video. I think it was a good choice, and it definitely helps your fellow filmmakers.
100% and im sure you that too where people telling you, why you dont charge etc
You have opened the lid on a subject that can be discussed at great length. How to survive in a business where the ups and downs can literally drive you crazy. I've been a DP for over 50 years here in NYC. I've shot features, docs, corporate stuff and period pieces. The worst part is when you have bills to pay and you know that unless you get some work in a matter of weeks, you will not be able to meet your financial commitments. That will really drive you bananas. In desperation, Years ago, before instant payments were possible, I've picked up checks in other cities where the producer was located and gone to his bank to cash it - I was so strapped I could not wait for the check to clear in my own bank. Good lord...
Appreciate the transparency Carlo! It's been slow for a lot of people from what I've heard here in LA too. It's a good reminder to go back to your roots, have some fun, and remember why we all got into this in the first place. That's always the best way to get out of a rut and trust the process. Great video as always! P.S. Love that you're trying out a 4:3 aspect ratio on youtube :)
No doubt!
When work was slow in 2020 is wrote, shot and edited 7 short films in 7 days, not knowing each day what I was going to make, and no expectations of making anything great. Since then it's been crazy busy with work again but I'm kind of craving doing it again. So I might just take a week off to do it. Can definitely recommend it, I've grown so much as a creator in that week alone.
Thanks for sharing! Super encouraging. Yesterday I decided to go back to my roots and took a hike with my friend and decided we are gonna the REDs out and lug them up a mountain to shoot us making some coffee. Felt so good to be outside, to create to create, to not check my email or pitch to new clients. So good to hear we all can relate.
Gian, thank you for this video! I had two days of work in January and 1.5 in February, and about six days of work cancelled for various reasons over those two months. I’m feeling money right now! I’m doing my best to keep my head up. I’ve been using this time to update my website, cleanup my gear, sell gear I’m not using, and taking better care of my body. I live in North Carolina, and am heading to California (using miles) to film an environmental pro bono project because I believe in what they are doing and want to shoot. I’m 65 and have a lot of creative juice and energy in me. I believe these spaces in work are sometimes good for the soul for integration and recalibration, AND I’m always ready to work! Thank you for all that you bring and share! Blessings and stay strong!
As I’m watching this 2:41am actually can’t sleep because all that’s in my mind is trying to get booked and it’s so draining and after watching this I took a deep breath and some how I feel relieved a little….. Thank you 👊🏾
Wowwwwww. Even doing This professionally already, I still needed to hear / watch this video today. Great knowledge to pass on to all Filmmakers out here
Don't know why TH-cam recommended this to me, but spot on.
I had to switch to a part-time job when covid hit, with only a little film work on the side here and there. But have just made the decision to get back into it. It's scary and unknown, but it just feels right and like something I need to do right now.
It is a little slow for freelancers right now, that's true, I've heard it as well from a few people. Particularly here in Florida that's always been a seasonal kind of location. However on the agency side it's been the opposite, finishing long, big projects, starting other ones. It's important to use that down time to create new stuff, show off the new acquired skills, reach out to those decision makers that can help move your career forward. Thank you for creating this video, when it's slow we tend to think this is only happening to us exclusively and hearing from our peers and friends that they're going through the same makes it easier to endure.
Filmmaker from Montana... we have winter half the year and sometime it can be very depressing if you don't work constantly... this video came at the right time.. I should just go and have fun filming ... and that's what I've been doing. What a great video this is. Thank you for assuring me that I'm not alone in this. ❤
Carlo this channel is such a safe space. Thank you for sharing your experiences that a lot of us can relate to. It truly means a lot! ✌
I appreciate that! Thank you
This is exactly what i needed now. Coming from three montsh withou working. Struggling to find my mental peace. But knowing that it's not only me, helps. Anyway, shooting with a Venice just for fun is so crazy.
This video has came at the most ironic time in my life, not had a paid job for months although there are some in the pipe line and just waiting on the go ahead from the client and instead of sitting in that rut Ive decided to take my camera to my full time job and film the most random things to post on tiktok and breaking out of that mental state of im not worthy this has just solidified everything, true inspiration mate!! all the way from Scotland
January is always quite month and I go through the exact same thought process of questioning if I'm good enough. You see clients go elsewhere or cut back on content but, it picks up again. New work comes or old clients come back. I ended up doing the same thing as yourself and made a few fun video projects with friends and their work. It's nice to still be creative with no pressure but also helping friends out.
Amen!
Same, just feels like a lot of work isnt here like it was a year ago. But finally, i wil have time to enjoy summer and have fun.
You are right on point. Went to the beach with my camera last weekend for the same purpose. It is reaffirming in many ways.
How good, how simple, how honest, I really connected with your words.
All i can say is thank you just like everyone else who's acknowledged it. I've been in a fucking funk. Watching more videos than I've been creating. Dam. I got more gusto from this than most content on the issue. Thank you brotha. I miss when I made videos just to make people laugh but got caught in the stream of making videos to "make money from" but only to do what I love to live. Time to reconnect.
This is it!! My 9 - 5 is working as an ENG camera operator and editor, so when I'm not shooting freelance, I'm shooting news. The pros is that I'm always shooting and editing (which I love doing) but it also can become monotonous. I will always have a passion project in the background or coming up. It's so satisfying to me to be able to shoot something that's truly a blast to shoot, edit and create. I'm in a very lucky position where I can bring my own creativity into my day job, but nothing beats a pure passion project. Keeps the juices flowing!
It's great hearing from you about were you are now and how to mix a bit of fun into your day
Bro!! I got chills watching this video. Thanks for sharing your experience and emotions, I know it must not be easy but I imagine a lot more people benefit from your natural generosity and advice. Never loose that drive and don't ever stop being so genuine👊🏻🙏🏻
All the way from Saudi Arabia i say thank you for your content and this video specially, in this period of the year we have RAMADAN and EID times which people are spiritually engaged and there is almost no work, but you inspired me to make a video about this as a passion project, I nearly depressed about not doing that much work, thank you man.
yo I really fuck with you for sharing this. Most people don't share this kinda shit honestly. Its dope to see this. I really appreciate it. Working more and more on other things like podcasts and such I can feel this same energy. Its funny when we get so lost in the process of working and lose why or who we are in that. My last film I just finished was about that to an extent. Stoked for you my guy! Keep this shit up!
This youtube channel is a balance between learning techniques video and videos that are good for the mental health of cinematographers :)
Much needed video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts
took the words right out of my mouth. thank you for letting me be involved this day! we all started filming for the fun and passion. so important to keep that motivator going as years go on and things change. such a pleasure getting to know your energy, see you soon🤝
Man, you are so encouraging. I needed to see this video. Thank you and keep being awesome!
love you man ! family and friends is everything
Found your channel a few weeks ago and I just love the vibes in your videos. They feel so insanely heartfelt. No jumpcuts, openly admitting the challenges of our lives as filmmakers and just sharing your story to help us out. It's amazing! Also love the beach commercial! Much love from Germany!
Thank you so much for this little reminder 🙏🏼
This is so damn relevant right now as I have felt massive waves of being unmotivated and slow with my execution. This video, your honesty, and the authenticity in your diction is so needed and really hit home on a personal level. Sometimes you have to put in that heart work before you can put in the hard work and your expression here is so appreciated, man. Thank you.
Thank you for this. Wild how so many of us also experienced this dead moment. My boss has been freaking out but we just got a call for our next opportunity this morning!
Dude what a video actually. Been feeling like I've been in a rut and this makes me stoked. need to get back out there and make something beautiful!
Love these videos man, I think its really important to take a step back and work on passion projects from time to time. It's easy to get lost in the business side of production sometimes, and passion projects do wonders for centering myself again, and remembering why I started creating in the first place
Great video, i love passion projects when i can find the time. I really liked the vibe of the surf promo, well done.
Thankyou so much Carlo for the advice this helped a lot. You're amazing! Have a good one, love from The Netherlands💪
Loved this homie. Definitely doing those fun passion projects is what holds me down during those slow times as well!
Thought a lot about this recently. Now that money is super important as I moved out, all I can think of is jobs and making ends meat that I forgot the pure passion and joy I had when I went down the beach with the camera and just did my thing. Faaking anxiety...
actually did my bits today and its pretty stormy weather right now in the UK so hopefully the sea is out so I can walk out, take the camera with.
A lot of filmmakers will be needing this right now. Thanks for us all 👊👊
Yo!! O.0 that sensor was exposed for so long for those conditions lol 4:04
Cheers for the video. As a freelancer I am in the same situation at the moment. Hang on in there things will get better and don't give up and stay positive.
Ah man, so good to hear you talk through all the plants 😊
I feel you because work for april just does not want to happen and even had a client pull off the project i should have been doing next week… not fun but good to not just sit here and doubt but keep on creating and believing that things will change and i will be ready!!
First time commenting on one of your videos, I gotta say your positive outlook and whatnot is refreshing, I appreciate these types of videos especially. I do find myself needing to get back to what motivated me to film in the first place too
Great video man. Very inspiring. Keep up the great work.
Thank you for your openess and honesty ! I believe that these insights give a lot of people important motivation and currage.
It feels as if you became my life mentor from the other side of this planet! This really came at the right timing, just when i am starting to question my decisions. Thank you so much for your encouragement and advice. Alright, gotta pick myself up again and keep going. Let’s do this!
Best video yet my bra! Vulnerability is powerful.
Well said dude! Thanks for putting positive energy out there for people in this industry :)
I have been having this thought but then I remember everything has a season and things will pick back up!! 💪🏽💪🏽
Indeed!
Great advice! Thanks for making.
This must be the best looking motivational video i’ve ever seen 😅 Thanks for being so transparant Carlo.
It´s incredible how I feel everything the same about you said in this video! This kind of content with genuine talks and no-script it's just so good, thank you for this
So crazy that I'm in Europe and have had the exact same slow start to the year. You spoke straight into my situation and can really feel where these words are coming from, thanks a lot for this one, Carlo! Let's go out and just shoot!!!!
Well said, my friend. Straight from the heart.
I had the same experience at the beginning of this year with work being the slowest it has ever been for me. But it all changed one day at the end of February and I am now busier than I have maybe ever been. And I found myself having the same doubts about my ability and about my strategies. This life and this job has a constant eb and flow that takes maturity and patience to see. For anyone still in the slow season, keep your skills sharp, it won't be long before you are back to working full speed. Thanks for this video, Carlo
It's nice to watch this in monday's morning... thanks man!
Wow. Thank you for sharing the difficult portions of your journey. Your channel is now on my short list of creative refreshments. Wish you the best with the new Venice. You are an effective communicator, I see that in all of your videos. Thanks again. The aspect ratio was a cool touch in this video.
Loved the surf video Carlo, it's important that we continue to chase the fun in what we create. And passion projects help us to do exactly that. Thanks for continuing to inspire, you're content is invaluable to aspiring filmmakers like me :) 💙
I appreciate the comment!
This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Thank you for this insight and making me feel like I'm not the only one. Also Tomas is a legendddddd
love these thought piece type videos. so calming and re assuring to just listen to you go through your headspace.
could you maybe do a video on how you acquired your sony venice and cinema lenses, plus the journey and timeline of getting there?
Always a fan of your thoughts, you always say the right thing at the right time. I didn’t know that I needed to hear this but so glad I did. Thank you for always inspiring me in the way you do. I appreciate you, bro. 💪🏽
Thank you
YO!!! FOUR BY THREE LOOKING SO CLEAN! Didn't know you could upload like this
It feels like you’re becoming youtube’s leading cinematographer🔥
First of all the 4:3 aspect ratio is refreshing and I think it embodies what your saying in the video. As a creator you’re free to do what you want. The most important thing is to have fun with what you’re doing. If you lose that you’ll lose passion for you’re craft. Great video man!
Hey man! Love your content. I could really connect with this video. I had been working on a feature for over 7 months up till january, decided to take a month off but now really finding it difficult to get another gig. But appreciate this video you shared, kinda motivated me again. Have a great year ahead bro! 🍻
Great video, thanks for the encouraging reminder ❤
Wow, this couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you, I appreciate this video so much. I like this style also!
This was right on time!!!!
So true, man. Everything you said I can relate to. Thanx for making this video (and every other video). Be alive, be pure 👊🏻😄
Thanks for making this video, I’ve the feeling that I’m just working those few months and that I didn’t do anything for me so your video helps me to motivate me to do something just for me…
Thanks for sharing bro.
This helps.
Recently stumbled upon this channel. Thanks a lot for these words of wisdom
probably your best video I've watched so far. You sound genuine and passionate about what we do. I wish I meet more people like you that still do stuff for passion. Keep up all the great job, man. Hope to work together one day!
Good content bro! Keep posting these kind of videos here and there! I think everybody feels the same now. Cheers from Hungary! 🤘🏻
This video is very important. I can relate to you even though being in the smaller scale of filmmaking that the start of this year was slow, I also struggled with not being able to not think about work, which ended up affecting me in areas other than work. I guess it’s the stress you have to deal with as a freelance filmmaker. I loved hearing about what you had to say. Thank you! ❤
Thank you!
Best content creator ever.
Period 🙏🏼
Love the honesty!
Great video man, this is so relatable. To be honest I was even considering to sell my gear and go get a job in another field, but thanks for the motivation. Love and support from Jamaica
Somehow never get used to the ups and downs, the highs and lows of freelancing. January was sluggish as hell this year and then just when I thought it's going to be a disastrous year there were a bunch of (quite interesting even!) assignments. And now March is quite slow again, not dramatic but slower than I would like. Think we all need to fins an effective way to deal with this as it's the nature of the beast, all we can do is to make the best of the slow times. Thanks for making this video!
I loved the realness man, felt like you we're sitting right across from me 💙
Very inspiring, I'm in the same moment as you, we all need to seek the things what we used to love! Back to the start and try again. One of the best tips as a freelancer is to make the most of it while you're not working and not think about getting hired or not all the time. Sry about my poor english skills.
A video needed just at the right time man. I feel you, season has been a slow start, and project that I've got so far were not that interesting... Shooting something for the fun of it is a simple but great idea, I might just do that. Take care, and man those huge muscles got some work with that beast of a camera AND lens ;)
Peace
Looks amazing!
Man I dont do production work for a living but I spend a lot of time at that inlet/beach just filming boats going in and out for my channel. Stupid simple stuff but I find it to be a great reset for the brain.
Damn man, I had just been talking with my fiancé about how I had been in a rut since the start of this year. Such a timely subject to be talking about for me, thanks for making this
Glad it came at the right time
I relate so much, thanks man
i never comment anywhere but man.. this video was much much needed. word for word you nailed it. feels good to know im not alone feeling this way. ima go back to where it started and see how that goes. thank you brotha. i was already a huge fan of your channel and your videos but this one was special. 🖤
Thank you !
Looks great!! 🫶🫶🫶
Love this one! Tks!
Thank you man, This is for me.