Sorry, you thought what?
Okay, so I’m going to quote some conversations I’ve had with people who are not indie filmmakers or artists of any kind. These conversations often relate hilarious misconceptions of what it’s like to be an artist. And I don’t blame these people, it just makes me laugh. I’m laughing near them, not at them.
Person: So, you make films. That’s interesting.
Me: It’s a lot of work.
Person: Yeah, but like you make your own hours, can stay up late, sleep in…
Me: (I’m not listening anymore and waiting for an opportunity to say “I have to pee.” and walk away.)
Okay, so I’m not sure where this person was headed because I went and hid in the bathroom (and I want to be clear that I’m good with that call) but I suspect he just thought all artists have trust funds. This is a common misconception and most of the time, not true. I know there are artists with family money or spouses who support them so they can fully focus on being a filmmaker and good for them. These are the people who often get into fancy schools and fancy labs and fancy festivals and get more press (and yes there are exceptions of people who don’t have money or supporting resources such as universities that achieve these things but it’s very rare or takes decades) so I get why this strange idea that indie filmmakers have money is out there in the world, but again, not true. The majority of indie filmmakers are juggling a few jobs (full time, freelance, both) and making films which is like five jobs all in one. So, we are not all wealthy. I wish we were. And kudos to the ones who are and can afford the time and resources it takes to get ahead faster. I envy you.
Person: Being on an indie film set must be fun. It’s probably like being back in high school and doing a musical. I totally get it.
Me: Yep. Just like that. A few weeks of rehearsals and bam, you have a film. (NOTE MY MASSIVE SARCASM)
My massive sarcasm is not meant to be an insult to those working behind the scenes to make those musicals happen. I get how hard that it is as I’ve worked as a choreographer of high school musicals many times. It’s hard work but it is not the same. Yes, I hope we all enjoy making our films as much as teenagers enjoy doing musicals because if we didn’t we would be insaner than I already know (not think, but KNOW) we are. However, it is not at all like being in high school and doing a musical where everything is paid for by the school budget and the PTA fundraiser and you rehearse for nine weeks and then you get to enjoy the performances that you know will happen and move on to other things in your life. It’s your life savings, it’s your heart, it’s your soul…it’s your LIFE for the long term. Not to mention that it takes years of work to get to the point of being on set with your project. And you are wondering every shoot day if you will ever finish it or if it will screen anywhere and you also know that you will die trying to make those things happen if it comes to that. And, next year, there will not be another show so you’d better make this one count because you will be editing it for the next two years of your life and may never get to make another one again.
Person: Must be so glamourous.
HA HA HA HA HA
Sweaty people are not glamorous including yours truly. Enough said.
And my ALL TIME FAVORITE:
Person: You’ve won awards at festivals? Wow, you must be in demand now. I better get your autograph now.
All I can say to that is: The cake is a lie.