Keep. Going.
Updated: Feb 4, 2020
Filmmaking is not for the faint of heart. It takes so much to get to the finish line. Forget the logistics of budget, cast, crew, equipment, locations, etc. The mental and emotional stress takes its toll.
As a screenwriter and a director, I'm with a film from concept to completion. During that time, however long that may be, I have to fight thoughts of self doubt, anxiety, frustration, insecurity and feeling like I want to quit.
Combating these feelings requires strength, but when you don't have your own strength to pull from, you need the support of others, your friends and family pouring into you, affirming you, calming you.
This can sometimes be hard to come by. I have personally struggled with my family not understanding my path as a filmmaker. From the outside looking in, it would seem that I'm sitting on my butt all day, hanging out on the computer or watching movies, or doing nothing.
But filmmakers know, that time spent on the computer is writing (and rewriting) a script, looking for locations, writing a visual plan, handling email correspondence. That time spent watching movies is studying blocking, performance, subtext in script, color palette. That time spent doing "nothing" is thinking critically about everything! Crew, money, casting, money, post production, money, some more stuff, money, etc.
If you feel that you're not getting the support you need to continue your journey as a filmmaker, or an artist in general, I'm telling you now, KEEP GOING! YOU GOT THIS! YOUR STORY NEEDS TO BE SEEN AND HEARD!
Find your tribe. Share your feelings with them. Support them.
Affirm yourself. Affirm yourself by journaling, posting affirmations on index cards, putting yourself and your work out into the world (because somebody gon' f*kk wit' it). Do self checks. Talk to God. Pray.
Do whatever you need to do to stay the course and keep pushing. I believe in you. You are not alone.
Thankful.
