How stable of a career can you have with filming?

[SPZ]

If you're good at filming, editing and compositing, you can always earn money with it: most people when in need of money either go to advertising or Weddings- its the most stable you can get in the field- that or working for a government bureau in a production department.

As for Hollywood filmmaking, it should be thougher. Then again, take dvxuser " Taormina" example on his movie " corrado" ( see the thread in " user films" with the name " Corrado" ) its all about determination/ social and marketing skills, and desire. After you made your contacts and made a selable film that makes a profit- doesn't need to be theatrical, on DVD, distribution- other doors will open. The hardest part of being independent is to start and make the first film. To do that, however, make sure you are up to par with the challenge: have an excelent script, and before going for it do some short films to learn from your mistakes. You don't want those to happen on your calling card!

 

[Luis Caffesse]

As for Hollywood filmmaking, it should be thougher. Then again, take dvxuser " Taormina" example on his movie " corrado" ( see the thread in " user films" with the name " Corrado" ) its all about determination/ social and marketing skills, and desire.

Taormina had a successful career in sales before making Corrado (if I understand correctly), which gave him the connections and network with which to get Corrado off the ground. It also gave him some income on which to start from (and he also happens to be one hell of a salesman, as anyone who has ever spoken to him can attest to). And that is one hell of a skill to have when you're trying to get a film off the ground.


Not saying you're wrong here - just pointing out again that filmmaking is an expensive craft - and you'd better figure out how you're going to get the money to make it happen.

 

[Sad Max]

I notice that a large proportion of the more successful independent producers I know, came to it off at least a few years' successful career doing something that helped set them up for their success (sales, professional photography, advertising, etc).