Digital Filmmaking

What to Do When Things Get Slow

October 27, 2008 October 27, 2008 In case you haven't watched the news or stumbled out of your home in the last few weeks, I've got some news for you: the economy isn't doing too hot. Unfortunately for me this economic disaster has caused a previously overwhelming influx of freelance work to slow down a bit. As a result I've had a decent amount of free time. Horrible, oppressive, soul crushing free time. Usually I'd take this opportunity to catch up on some essential viewing at various local theaters, but movies of late have been somewhat... well, let's just say I'd rather stay home and watch "The Wire" on DVD. So I've came to a conclusion: in times like these the most beneficial thing to do is to keep working regardless of pay. This has meant taking on a couple low/no pay jobs and subsisting mostly on water and lentil soup. I won't lie: not getting paid kind of sucks, but on the other hand there is a lot to be said for doing what you love simply because you love it. I believe every filmmaker should be excited to work on something that interests them regardless of pay. Not to mention the fact that if you're an Editor or DP, a lot of this low pay stuff might wind up being a centerpiece on the reel that lands you a high paying gig down the road. It happens all the time in this business. So go ahead and take the hit for your art. Stretch your budget and start that passion project. It's worth a shot in my opinion. What else are you going to do? Watch the "Dark Knight" six more times while you're waiting for "Benjamin Button" to hit theaters?