Hello,
this posting is in regard to career decisions and the biography of a film maker.
Living from independent film making is - as we all know - very difficult (even successful film makers often need a second (part-time) job).
So what do writers/directors work beside the film making? Working as a waiter seems to be the classic example..
There are famous examples of film makers who had a "second profession", ideally related to "film". Paul Schrader not only wrote Taxi Driver, but was a film scholar as well. (and his film scholar work influenced his artistic work).
Others work as lawyers half-time, which gives them financial stability, and write their scripts the other half of the time.
On the other hand, having a "second stand" might take time and resources away from the artistic work. And one might become considered as "not committed" if practical film making is not the only professional identity.
My questions are:
1. Does anybody know further examples of film makers who had a second profession (ideally which supports the own artistic development)?
2. Has anybody heard of examples of someone combining film scholar work and practical film making? (after all, developing as a film maker means constant further learning, and why not do this in a research context?)
Thank you very much for responses.
The question is how many continue the second job after they succeed. I can tell you a second job while you're trying to make it can seriously sap the energy and time.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
i personally think if you can become a more successful independent film maker that you do actually try to do a Major film (aka go hollywood) for financial stability and perhaps extend a fan base that way your second job may not have to happen. But for the rest of us who can't do that kind of thing, the second job would be an excelent idea.
-Ryan
"Sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand" - Cool Hand Luke
-Ryan
"Sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand" - Cool Hand Luke
You first have to figure out what kind of balance you want. Break it down into how much time you need and how much money you need for your filmmaking and life expenses. It is a high wire balancing act. You want to maximize both! Many filmakers, actors, etc. teach part time or sell real estate or whatever. If you teach how much of your time is spent doing non-creative activities and how much are you making for those non-creative hours. Could those hours be spent doing something more productive money-wise? There are no easy answers to your questions. You have to determine what you want and how you want to live. Remember it is marathon not a sprint.
