How do you all deal with being demoted or fired from a film project?

Zachadoodle

Zachadoodle

Well-known member
How do you all deal with being demoted or fired from a film project, or even being so awful you can't find a way to get on one? As much as I hate to say this, what if the only way to get on a film set is to fit in as very popular when everyone else does but you don't?

Like, imagine the reason why people won't hire you on a film set is that despite how much effort you put into filming you get nothing out of it while still being at the same skill level for 16 years despite trying your best every day.

Getting success in film feels less mathematical and more by chance harshly. My job at McDonald's feels more mathematical: a lot of people want burgers, so they need someone to flip those burger. Film it's like: maybe someone likes this image oh they don't but maybe they like this they don't but hey how about this one they don't well they won't like this one they do.

It feels like going up against a brick wall.

Being a filmmaker or story-teller or artist feels like gambling?
 
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Some times we aren't good at what we love. Making movies is difficult and seldom financially successful. Working long hours with a small group, pressure and subjective nature... If you're not good with people or technically proficient, there's no where to hide. There are other types of video work that are more straight forward that might be a better fit. Trying to force a bad fit is never a good idea.
 
I don't know? Being quiet and staying out of people's way? That seems to be the only thing I'm good at. I'd like to find something that isn't too heavy on peer review. I'm good with math and computers for example, yet things like computer generated images I'm not, and I've yet to see someone make me actually practice with visual effects.
 
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I'm told that I have strong social skills, but even so, none of this filmmaking stuff is easy.

Have you considered a career in engineering? I know several successful engineers who don't have the best social skills, but are able to leverage their skills in areas like math and computers into lucrative careers. That is, if we are even talking about careers in this thread.

Or, have you considered teaching yourself animation? What you've learned about video production and editing will still apply, but it doesn't have to be a team sport if you don't want it to be. Animated short films can be very well-received.
 
QuickHitRecord said:
I'm told that I have strong social skills, but even so, none of this filmmaking stuff is easy.

Have you considered a career in engineering? I know several successful engineers who don't have the best social skills, but are able to leverage their skills in areas like math and computers into lucrative careers. That is, if we are even talking about careers in this thread.

Or, have you considered teaching yourself animation? What you've learned about video production and editing will still apply, but it doesn't have to be a team sport if you don't want it to be. Animated short films can be very well-received.
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I'm pursuing a college degree in Business analytics at the moment. It's pretty flexible allowing me to keep to myself more so than other things. My goal is to have a sustainable flexible remote job to pay for the bills. I'll be able to eat a McDonald's Quarter Pounder while drinking a Red Bull pulling together some programmable statistics at 1:00 AM midnight, which I am fine with in a work environment. I'd prefer doing that as opposed to having to wake up working 9-5.
 
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Yes, there are some people that just operate better at night and can't stand the day. I knew a traffic manager at a TV station. She disliked sunshine and preferred to be awake at night. As traffic manager, this worked out fine as she can work by herself and the need to interact with others was limited.
 
You could try looking at Doug's "How to shoot Stock Footage". Flexible times, low interaction, can earn some coin if they are any good.
 
jmone said:
You could try looking at Doug's "How to shoot Stock Footage". Flexible times, low interaction, can earn some coin if they are any good.
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Thanks for the plug. I already sent him a free promo code a few months ago to get him started on the right foot. Not only does shooting, editing, grading, stock build skills, it can bring in some coin.
 
no one shoots water buffalo like DJ; i said what i said.

there's one reel on a z450 or 500, whatever it was, old video, memorable footage.
 
Zachadoodle said:
How do you all deal with being demoted or fired from a film project, or even being so awful you can't find a way to get on one? As much as I hate to say this, what if the only way to get on a film set is to fit in as very popular when everyone else does but you don't?

Like, imagine the reason why people won't hire you on a film set is that despite how much effort you put into filming you get nothing out of it while still being at the same skill level for 16 years despite trying your best every day.

Getting success in film feels less mathematical and more by chance harshly. My job at McDonald's feels more mathematical: a lot of people want burgers, so they need someone to flip those burger. Film it's like: maybe someone likes this image oh they don't but maybe they like this they don't but hey how about this one they don't well they won't like this one they do.

It feels like going up against a brick wall.

Being a filmmaker or story-teller or artist feels like gambling?
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You figure out what you did wrong and never do it again. And, you know, beat yourself up obsessively for a few months. As Kubrick said after audiences walked out of his first film, "Pain is a good teacher."
 
ahalpert said:
You figure out what you did wrong and never do it again. And, you know, beat yourself up obsessively for a few months. As Kubrick said after audiences walked out of his first film, "Pain is a good teacher."
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Uhhh...? I'm not a fan of beating myself up. Can you please repeat this advice in a mentally healthy way? Self harm is not a healthy thing my guy.
 
Zachadoodle said:
Uhhh...? I'm not a fan of beating myself up. Can you please repeat this advice in a mentally healthy way? Self harm is not a healthy thing my guy.
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Every failure is a learning opportunity. Failure is a part of life. Everybody fails sometimes. I've lost numerous clients over the years, for reasons large and small. Don't beat yourself up - you'll do better next time
 
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