Losing the passion...

Morox said:
You know, what really is a drawback for me as well is that I am not comfortable directing actors yet. Whether they are skilled or right out of the drama theater, I still don't have the experience nor am I comfortable directing them. I haven't had to yet, but I am going to need to eventually. It almost freaks me out a bit. Any advice on that?
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Do you HAVE to be the director? In the big picture, there are many other facets of production....DOP, AC, lighting/grip, sound. I know on smaller productions we all juggle responsibilities, but perhaps you can team up with someone in your area who knows how to direct talent.

But if directing actors is your #1 passion, I can't help you with advice....:undecided I agree with what Goodluck said re: signing on as a PA.
 
Retaining your motivation after you've been kicked in the teeth is a tough gig.

I spent 20 years working my way up to a successful career in the music world and had it cut short by arthritis. Depression to the max! I then moved on to music engineering/recording, but it was not creatively satisfying - I was a glorified button pusher/techie. I moved on to audio post production and found a new home. The learning process was exciting. I invested a lot into my audio post facility and over the course of five years my business - and my expertise - was growing. It was flooded out a little over two years ago. That really hurt; I'd spent years building my business and now it was gone. Without going into the details I took me quite a while to get the financing to rebuild and re-equip, only to reopen during the current economic problems. It's finally picking up, but was rough going for a while.

How do I keep motivated? Sometimes I don't; but I love what I do. So I keep in touch through networking events and contributing to forums like this one; helping others and coming across new ideas can provide motivation and inspiration. I also watch as many films as I can. Some films inspire me because they are great, others inspire me because I say to myself "Hell, I can do better than that!"

When I'm not working I'm keeping up on technology, working out, spending time with my family and friends, and going on short field trips for the purpose of adding to my sound library. And I occasionally crank up my keyboards or guitar and womp out some anger...

Good Luck!
 
here's a quote that I really love from actor billy bob thorton when he was on real time with bill maher. "sometimes the things that bring you the greatest joy can cause you the greatest pain"

i just finished doing a surfing video/film that took four years between filming, fundraising and post production. it gave me the greatest rush at times while i was going through the process and everything else that led up to it's eventual release,,, but after the smoke settled it ended up costing me 50k and left me without any tangible skills (for the moment. ), got no money, no social life etc etc. I'm 29, can't pay my bils, drive a shi*ty car, borrow off my parents to pay the fukin bills and work at a shi*ty warehouse job for 12.80/hour. distribs don't write back, people who make promises to do reviews don't live up to their word. and all i get out it is "nice job kid". I've given up on dumping money on this fukin thing, i can't afford it anymore....festivals, reviews, distribs bla bla bla. and all i get from it is a few kind words if i'm lucky. the film is great for the price it took to make it, but without a few marquee names it ain't sh*t in the surf vid biz.

i busted my ass on this thing, because i started it and had to finish it. it ain't about the money but this film has momentarily ruined my life and forced me to do things that only rappers talk about (just to pay the bills).

it was the best and worst experience of my life, and if i can i'll do it again...but next time it'll be with somebody else's money. now i' have no idea where i'll go or what i'll do, i just don't want to sufffer anymore. i don't want to be poor and don't want to worry about being able to afford to pay my rent. i want to make films , thats it. it ain't about the money but at the end of the day it really is. and unless you've walked a mile in my shoes you don't know sh*t.
 
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Great post Paunch, i mean it!
We have walked many miles in your shoes and the only thing that pulled us through was immersing ourselves in the integrity and belief of dedication vs. survival and the " creative work" was the escape. Currently, we are fortunate enough, (thanks to the heavens above) to at least make a living at it.

As ole dad used to say "The sun will shine again lad!"
Best to you mate
Cheers
 
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