Having been involved in the indie filmmaking scene in NJ/NY for some time now, I have seen a lot of things. Mostly, I have seen talented, creative people living out their dreams. I have had a chance to become friends with and work with directors, directors of photography, actors, actresses, and writers. I have been able to run an event where I get to screen amazing indie films, and showcase the talents of the filmmakers. All of this gives me great joy, and I am always grateful that I stepped into this world.
However, like anything else, unfortunately, there is a downside. People talk all the time about the drama in Hollywood, but the sad fact is, it exists in the indie filmmaking world as well.
You would think that in an arena where studios are not handing out millions of dollars to filmmakers, and people are usually making films at their own expense, there would be a better feeling of camaraderie and family, but this is not always the case. Don't get me wrong, I have managed to "align" myself with people who are very supportive of one another, but I have also seen the opposite of this. I have seen and heard people knock and bash other filmmakers, and in some extreme cases, actively try to interfere with their work.
The Horror Nerd is not naive. I know that it's simply not possible for everyone to get along all the time. That's not how the world works, but when it comes to indie filmmaking, isn't it far better, and even practical, to just support one another? I think some people see it as, "Well, if that fan is buying THAT person's film, then maybe that's one less dollar they have to spend on MY film." My question is, isn't there enough success to go around? If you make a good film, and word gets out, people will buy it. There's no need to attack anyone else. Then again, perhaps indie filmmaking is no different than any other segment of society. Some people can only feel good about themselves if they are knocking someone else down.
Another thing I have noticed is that people pay far too much attention to things that are ultimately insignificant. People get annoyed if they click "like" on someone's fan page or movie page on Facebook, and that person doesn't do the same. Well, guess what folks? It's just Facebook, and if you think that Facebook is the best way to promote your project, well, it ain't. It's just a small piece of the puzzle. Also, if you're going to keep some "cosmic scorecard" of who does what, ultimately you are going to be disappointed. I know that I personally cannot keep track of every page I have "liked" or shared. When I come across a request to do so, I usually will, but I am not on Facebook 24/7, so I am sure I have missed some. If people want to hold that against me, there's nothing I can do about it.
I could ramble on and on about this topic. The reason I even brought it up is because I have seen it more and more, and it makes me sad that there's so much drama and infighting in the indie filmmaking world. Again, there IS enough success to go around. Make a good film, get out there and promote it, and just enjoy what you are doing. There is no "score" to keep, and if you do that, you are just going to end up leading an very unhappy life.
Remember.....SUPPORT INDIE HORROR!
-The Horror Nerd
However, like anything else, unfortunately, there is a downside. People talk all the time about the drama in Hollywood, but the sad fact is, it exists in the indie filmmaking world as well.
You would think that in an arena where studios are not handing out millions of dollars to filmmakers, and people are usually making films at their own expense, there would be a better feeling of camaraderie and family, but this is not always the case. Don't get me wrong, I have managed to "align" myself with people who are very supportive of one another, but I have also seen the opposite of this. I have seen and heard people knock and bash other filmmakers, and in some extreme cases, actively try to interfere with their work.
The Horror Nerd is not naive. I know that it's simply not possible for everyone to get along all the time. That's not how the world works, but when it comes to indie filmmaking, isn't it far better, and even practical, to just support one another? I think some people see it as, "Well, if that fan is buying THAT person's film, then maybe that's one less dollar they have to spend on MY film." My question is, isn't there enough success to go around? If you make a good film, and word gets out, people will buy it. There's no need to attack anyone else. Then again, perhaps indie filmmaking is no different than any other segment of society. Some people can only feel good about themselves if they are knocking someone else down.
Another thing I have noticed is that people pay far too much attention to things that are ultimately insignificant. People get annoyed if they click "like" on someone's fan page or movie page on Facebook, and that person doesn't do the same. Well, guess what folks? It's just Facebook, and if you think that Facebook is the best way to promote your project, well, it ain't. It's just a small piece of the puzzle. Also, if you're going to keep some "cosmic scorecard" of who does what, ultimately you are going to be disappointed. I know that I personally cannot keep track of every page I have "liked" or shared. When I come across a request to do so, I usually will, but I am not on Facebook 24/7, so I am sure I have missed some. If people want to hold that against me, there's nothing I can do about it.
I could ramble on and on about this topic. The reason I even brought it up is because I have seen it more and more, and it makes me sad that there's so much drama and infighting in the indie filmmaking world. Again, there IS enough success to go around. Make a good film, get out there and promote it, and just enjoy what you are doing. There is no "score" to keep, and if you do that, you are just going to end up leading an very unhappy life.
Remember.....SUPPORT INDIE HORROR!
-The Horror Nerd
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