Author ironpony Posted August 15, 2019 Author Share Posted August 15, 2019 Nobody is trying to talk you out of it. Everyone is trying to talk some sense into you. You need a BUDGET. You can't do anything until you have a script & some plan to fund your film. Once you start treating this like a business & deal with dollars & cents people will take you more seriously & you will get more support. Seriously what are your action steps to make this a reality? Have you spoken to the other directors & professionals you have worked with to get their advice? Have you read any books about movie making & the business side? Have you done as alphamale suggested & looked into getting your BFA? Oh well most people in the business aren't looking for a BFA, they just want to know what movies, you made, hence maybe I just need to make one. I've read books, took a film school course, and trying to take more acting courses at the moment, to learn to work with actors. I have a script and trying to learn more about funding it and budgeting it. I thought about working on that part with one filmmaker I worked under before, where I live as he budgeted three feature films on his own so far for cheap, so he probably has a better idea of how to do it than me I figure. You need to be actually good at making films in the first place, you need to know how the industry works and you need to have access to the "gatekeepers" ie the people who will say yea or nay to funding and distributing your films. It is a high stakes dog eat dog business. Unless you just happen to be a genius here and extremely lucky, then it could end up in failure no matter how much work you put into it. Like most things, it is who you know rather than what you know. Who do you know? I don't know a lot of people in Vancouver even though people say I should move there. Two former classmates from a film school course I took are living there now. I know people where I am though, and I might have a better shot at getting help making a feature here though as a result. As for whether or not I'm really good at it, my last short film was surprisingly well received by people so far compared to the others, so I feel I'm getting better. Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 You should do what you want, but choices come with consequences. In this case, the potential consequences may be living in poverty, and the almost certain loss of your relationship. Yes, lots of people do LDRs, H and I did one at some point ourselves... but most of those don't stem from one person unilaterally deciding to move on a whim. Most LDRs involve unavoidable distance, for instance the couple met while already living in different countries, or there was a military posting or the move was a pre-agreed part of their work/study, where refusing to move would result in the loss of said job/degree. In cases where the distance is avoidable, you better believe the couple would be talking long and hard about it and making the decision TOGETHER. It does seem like you and your gf are incompatible and not making each other happy anyway, so hastening the breakup might not be a bad thing. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 Yeah okay I can move out and try that out. I think I have decided that it's better to just make the feature film and try to market it rather than moving but they are going to keep trying to talk me out of it. How should I handle that? Wait, you're living with your parents now...? Who's going to pay your rent in Vancouver then? And dear lord, aren't you in your 30s???? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author ironpony Posted August 17, 2019 Author Share Posted August 17, 2019 Yeah I live with my parents. I wanted to move out before quite a few times but they kept talking me into living with them in order to save up. They say I would struggle to live on my own as well since I'm autistic, if they are right... Link to post Share on other sites
basil67 Posted August 17, 2019 Share Posted August 17, 2019 Have you managed to save money while you're living with your parents. You need some savings if you're going to move out. Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 Yeah I live with my parents. I wanted to move out before quite a few times but they kept talking me into living with them in order to save up. Hopefully you should have saved up quite a bit from living rent-free well into your 30s, then? If you have a year's worth of living expenses banked from that, you could try the move. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 If you have a year's worth of living expenses banked from that, you could try the move. he'll probably need double that if he wants to move to vancouver Link to post Share on other sites
Author ironpony Posted August 25, 2019 Author Share Posted August 25, 2019 Well after doing the math with my dad, it seems all my savings would be eaten up in a year, cause the average job won't be enough pay in Vancouver it seems. That's why I thought maybe it's just best to make a feature film with my money and try to sell that instead of moving and hoping to make the best connections, for a few months maybe... Link to post Share on other sites
schlumpy Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 Well after doing the math with my dad, it seems all my savings would be eaten up in a year, cause the average job won't be enough pay in Vancouver it seems. That's why I thought maybe it's just best to make a feature film with my money and try to sell that instead of moving and hoping to make the best connections, for a few months maybe... Great. Now you are thinking like a businessman and that is an essential part to ensure success. It's just as important as the creative energy you pour into your projects because if the numbers don't add up the project only gets done in your head. You should consider investors, people who want their business advertised by being a part of something positive or grants from foundations that want to promote certain ideas or values. Perhaps your Dad will lend a hand as a part-time business manager. I understand that accepting money comes with strings and can cause a lot creative angst but it's part of the business you are in and learning to navigate it now will be a boon in your future. Let us know when your feature is done and where we can see it. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 Well after doing the math with my dad, it seems all my savings would be eaten up in a year, cause the average job won't be enough pay in Vancouver it seems. That's why I thought maybe it's just best to make a feature film with my money and try to sell that instead of moving and hoping to make the best connections, for a few months maybe... that's great ironpony, keep up the good work. keep on posting your work on youtube Link to post Share on other sites
Author ironpony Posted August 27, 2019 Author Share Posted August 27, 2019 (edited) Perhaps your Dad will lend a hand as a part-time business manager. I can try it. I worked with another filmmaker before, who got an investor to back up her as a director, but she had to play by a lot of rules, and had her whole cast and crew picked for it, some of who she found difficult to work with. So there is that downside, depending on who is funding the project of course. Edited August 27, 2019 by a LoveShack.org Moderator Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs._December Posted August 27, 2019 Share Posted August 27, 2019 Just an FYI - Back in 2005 I was in a committed relationship for 3 years with an independent filmmaker/producer/director/screenplay writer. He wrote, produced, and directed his first film and to his credit (and with a lot of blood sweat and tears) it went straight to video through Universal Home Entertainment. After we split, a few years later he went on to make another indie with new investors, but we were no longer together so I never saw it and I have to admit, I can't remember what the name of the second movie is. I would have to imagine it didn't make it very far because I've never seen it available on Netflix or playing in the theaters. My point? I guess he's living his 'dream' doing what he loves, but he's been at it since he was 20 and he just turned 49 in March. I would imagine he'll always be trying to get his break while working menial jobs. I just wanted to say that his situation is likely the rule, and not the exception. So I guess my point is, make sure to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground at all times. Don't get caught up in the fantasy. Good luck to you. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted August 27, 2019 Share Posted August 27, 2019 Just an FYI - Back in 2005 I was in a committed relationship for 3 years with an independent filmmaker/producer/director/screenplay writer. He wrote, produced, and directed his first film and to his credit (and with a lot of blood sweat and tears) it went straight to video through Universal Home Entertainment. After we split, a few years later he went on to make another indie with new investors, but we were no longer together so I never saw it and I have to admit, I can't remember what the name of the second movie is. I would have to imagine it didn't make it very far because I've never seen it available on Netflix or playing in the theaters. My point? I guess he's living his 'dream' doing what he loves, but he's been at it since he was 20 and he just turned 49 in March. I would imagine he'll always be trying to get his break while working menial jobs. I just wanted to say that his situation is likely the rule, and not the exception. So I guess my point is, make sure to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground at all times. Don't get caught up in the fantasy. Good luck to you. my youngest brother who is 42 is doing the same exact thing Mrs_December. He has made 5 or 6 movies but none have found their audience. He is constantly looking for investors and asking begging for money. He says he'll keep trying until the day he dies...go figure?! Link to post Share on other sites
Author ironpony Posted September 1, 2019 Author Share Posted September 1, 2019 Well my gf asked me to move in with her, and I told her maybe it's not the best idea now cause I am spending my money on this movie, and maybe we should see where I am at afterwards, if I could even afford to live in her place with her after. She got upset about this and really wanted me to move in at this point, since she was thinking about moving into a new place and all. Was this bad of me to turn her down and say no at this point after about a year of dating? Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 Well my gf asked me to move in with her, and I told her maybe it's not the best idea now cause I am spending my money on this movie, and maybe we should see where I am at afterwards, if I could even afford to live in her place with her after. She got upset about this and really wanted me to move in at this point, since she was thinking about moving into a new place and all. Was this bad of me to turn her down and say no at this point after about a year of dating? so it's down to regular sex vs. making a movie? you better make a damn good movie ironpony 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author ironpony Posted September 1, 2019 Author Share Posted September 1, 2019 What's sex got to do with this? Link to post Share on other sites
preraph Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 Don't get crowded into anything you don't want to do. Just tell her you have other decisions to make and can't be thinking about any lease commitment or whatever. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 What's sex got to do with this? moving in with your gf will present many opportunities for sexual activity Link to post Share on other sites
Author ironpony Posted September 2, 2019 Author Share Posted September 2, 2019 I suppose it would be we are already having sex at her place already, so do I need more opportunities therefore? Link to post Share on other sites
elaine567 Posted September 2, 2019 Share Posted September 2, 2019 Relationships need to move forward, realise that by rejecting your gf's offer, your relationship took a big backward step. As you were considering moving to Vancouver without even telling her, I guess it is not something that worries you... 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author ironpony Posted September 2, 2019 Author Share Posted September 2, 2019 I wasn't going to not tell her, I was just frustrated at all the pressure by everyone not to move. I guess I won't move though, if that's best. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted September 2, 2019 Share Posted September 2, 2019 I guess I won't move though, if that's best. well ironpony, your posts on this thread have not instilled in me that you are ready financially or emotionally to move by yourself. that's just the reality from my point of view. you need time to mature and get more experience in life in general before you can move out on your own. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author ironpony Posted September 12, 2019 Author Share Posted September 12, 2019 Okay then. Well I was told to move to another city to get into filmmaking more, rather than poor so much money into a feature film, hoping it will be a sucess and sell it.. But if Vancouver is not good for me, then maybe I shold make the feature cause that would be more promising to get into the business maybe? Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted September 12, 2019 Share Posted September 12, 2019 Okay then. Well I was told to move to another city to get into filmmaking more, rather than poor so much money into a feature film, hoping it will be a sucess and sell it.. But if Vancouver is not good for me, then maybe I shold make the feature cause that would be more promising to get into the business maybe? by all means ironpony, make the feature film Link to post Share on other sites
Author ironpony Posted September 15, 2019 Author Share Posted September 15, 2019 Well it's just that everyone is trying to stop me though, and it's really hard to make when everyone I know is trying to stop me and they think I'm crazy. Perhaps I should just tell them I won't make it, but then actually do and after I am done I tell them I did, and they will just be mortified that I spent all that money, after all? Link to post Share on other sites
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