We talk so much about how hard it is to make films, but not enough about how hard it is to be a filmmaker.

One massive difference between successful filmmakers and those who quit is their ability to maintain momentum in the face of constant adversity.

While filmmaking can be incredibly fun and joyful at its best, much of the work it takes to get to that point is anything but.

At every stage in your life and career, on every project, and even in your downtime – there are constant struggles and setbacks that can stop you in your tracks.

And it starts before you’ve even made your first film…

It’s the parent or teacher who tells you filmmaking is a waste of time, or that you won’t make it. And the uphill battle of trying to get your first project off the ground when you really have no idea how.

If you love filmmaking enough, you find a way to keep going. You make your art, despite everything working against you.

But the process of making something – especially an early film – can be just as discouraging.

People think your idea isn’t good. No one contributes to your crowdfunding campaign…

You manage to scrape together a little production, but then your lead actor drops out on the day of the shoot.

Now your first film either didn’t come out how you wanted or worse – fell apart completely. All you’re left with is more self-doubt, wondering if those voices of reason telling you not to pursue filmmaking were right.

Making a second film now feels even harder than making your first. You no longer have the benefit of being naive. Now you know how hard it’s going to be, and can’t help but second guess your choices at each step.

Somehow though, you keep going. You make your film, dodging roadblocks and setbacks at each step, doing whatever it takes to see it through.

Then you make another, and another. For a while, it feels like you’ve figured it out. A code has been cracked… You made a good film with good people. You enjoyed the process, and it even got some recognition.

But then it ends. The phone doesn’t ring. Hollywood isn’t calling for you to direct a studio film. Investors aren’t lining up to back your films. It’s just you and a blank page, wondering why you keep starting the journey over and over again, feeling like you are winding back up at square one.

If you manage to forge ahead, you might get your first feature off the ground. You cobble together the money or figure out how to do it by yourself. It’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done… Countless late nights, solving incredibly complex problems and wondering if your movie will ever actually materialize.

When it miraculously does get finished, you think the journey is over. But really, you’re just getting started. Now you’re in the world of festival rejections, empty screenings, and the occasional (perhaps negative) review.

All the while, there are glimmers of hope. You screen your film for cast and crew and they love it. An actor reaches out who wants to be in your next movie. Someone hires you to direct a short film.

Eventually, you might be ready to make your second feature. This time, you’re more prepared than ever… At least on the practical side of things. But circumstances have changed.

Maybe you’re a bit older now. Your ideas are more ambitious. Your responsibilities are greater. You’re balancing a ton of other work (outside of filmmaking) and perhaps supporting a family at the same time.

While you are a better filmmaker than ever before, you also have more external resistance. You have a new set of challenges and problems to navigate.

Now you have to make a better film, on a bigger scale, with more pressure, all while balancing a day job or a business or a family, or possibly all three.

That is the battle of filmmaking. And it never ends.

For as long as you make films, no matter what level of success you achieve, there will always be major forces of resistance pushing back on you.

What separates career filmmakers from one-off filmmakers is their ability to put these battles in perspective. To understand that they are part of the journey of the filmmaker and that there is no end point.

Major Hollywood directors talk all the time about how hard it is to get movies made and financed. And that’s after decades of making theatrically released feature films with critical acclaim.

And when they do make something, they are faced with the same issues as everyone else. Setbacks in financing. Negative feedback. Life circumstances.

But those that continue to create – whether at a Hollywood level or indie – have figured out the same thing. The stress and the setbacks and all that come along with it are normal.

Filmmaking is not easy, and life as a filmmaker can be even harder.

That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Nothing is more rewarding than realizing your creative vision. Especially when you’ve beat every single odd to get there.

It’s impossible to reach those heights though, without first accepting the bumpy road that lies ahead.

If you expect it to be easy, you will inevitably hit an obstacle, assume you aren’t cut out for it, and quit before you give yourself a chance.

Only by anticipating and fully accepting the resistance ahead, can you win the war – one little battle at a time.

---

For exclusive filmmaking articles every Sunday, sign up for my newsletter here!