The Journey of a Filmmaker: Overcoming Obstacles and Cultivating Creative Habits

What is the greatest secret that keeps documentary filmmakers making their films?

The road ahead seemed daunting as I stepped out of film school, armed with dreams to bring my stories to life. Funding was scarce, and I needed more support from successful peers. However, the unwavering passion to tell stories and the inspiration from accomplished filmmakers propelled me forward. In this blog post, I will share the valuable lessons I have learned about becoming a successful filmmaker and the importance of commitment, discipline, and daily progress in making creative dreams a reality. 

Commitment and Determination

A great idea is just the beginning; the real test is the execution. Successful filmmakers persevere even when the path seems impossible. How do they achieve this? By making small but consistent progress every day. They dedicate themselves to doing one thing each day that advances their project, no matter how minute. This continuous effort, compounded over time, contributes to their success. It is a testament to the power of discipline and unwavering dedication.

While a great idea can be exhilarating, it fills your mind with endless possibilities that spark your creative fire. But their unwavering commitment to turning those ideas into reality separates successful filmmakers and dreamers. They understand that having a great idea is just the beginning. Let's dive deeper into filmmakers' common barriers so you can overcome numerous obstacles by making small but consistent progress daily. 

Obstacle 1: Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is a universal obstacle that can paralyze even the most talented filmmakers. The fear of putting their work out there, being judged, or not living up to their expectations can prevent many from taking that first step toward their dream project. It takes courage to confront this fear and commit to executing their ideas. Successful filmmakers acknowledge that failure is an essential part of the creative process and use it as a stepping stone for growth and improvement.

I have learned from selling films to Netflix and others that you need to quiet anybody who is a non-believer. The thing is, successful, creative people do the impossible. The stuff nobody thinks is possible is indeed POSSIBLE for anyone who tries. But the only way you know things are IMPOSSIBLE is if you don't try. So here's a word of advice: only listen to people doing impossible things.

Obstacle 2: Lack of Resources and Support

Another significant obstacle filmmakers often face is the lack of resources and support. Limited funding, lack of access to equipment or facilities, and a scarcity of mentorship opportunities can make bringing their vision to life challenging. However, successful filmmakers find creative solutions to overcome these challenges. They seek alternative resources, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and leverage online platforms to showcase their work. They tap into supportive communities, network with industry professionals, and actively seek out mentors who can guide them on their journey.

Obstacle 3: Time Management and Prioritization

One of the most significant challenges filmmakers face is managing their time effectively. Balancing work, personal life, and creative pursuits can be overwhelming. Many filmmakers struggle to find time to dedicate to their dream projects amidst the demands of daily life. However, successful filmmakers understand the importance of prioritization and making their creative endeavors a non-negotiable part of their routine. They carve out specific time slots each day to work on their projects, even for just a few minutes. By committing to consistent progress, no matter how small, they inch closer to their goals.

Obstacle 4: Self-Doubt and Perfectionism

Self-doubt and perfectionism can cripple a filmmaker's progress. The constant need for validation and the fear of not meeting unrealistic standards can hinder the execution of their ideas. Successful filmmakers acknowledge these internal struggles but do not let them dictate their actions. They focus on the process rather than obsessing over the result. They embrace imperfections as opportunities for growth and view their work as an evolving journey rather than a destination.

Obstacle 5: External Criticism and Rejection

Filmmakers often face external criticism and rejection, which can be disheartening and demotivating. However, successful filmmakers understand that the disclaimer does not reflect their worth or talent. They view it as a chance to learn, adapt, and improve. They seek constructive feedback from trusted sources and use it to refine their work. They develop resilience and use criticism as fuel to push themselves further.
While all these obstacles are natural, committing to executing a creative idea is where any filmmaker's test lies. The journey has internal and external barriers that can derail even the most passionate dreams.

Successful filmmakers persevere by making small but consistent progress every day. They have bold long-term goals, but they do the small tasks one at a time without getting too caught up in the big dream goal. They just DO the work.

They understand the power of discipline, unwavering dedication, and the willingness to confront challenges head-on. By overcoming the fear of failure, seeking alternative resources, managing time effectively, embracing imperfections, and learning from criticism, filmmakers can navigate the hurdles that stand in the way of their dream projects. In the end, it is the commitment to execution that transforms a great idea into a profound reality.

The Power of Starting
The biggest obstacle for many creatives is simply starting and then committing to the process til the end. To succeed, you must find a way to overcome this hurdle. Start writing, start filming, and reach out to people who can assist you. Embrace the challenges that arise, as a great story is often about overcoming obstacles to reach a desired goal. Similarly, your path to success requires tackling hurdles head-on. There are no shortcuts or detours; the key is starting and persisting.

Now, I hear many of you thinking, "– no way, I started filming. Starting is easy, but I don't know how to finish my film."

Well, starting is not starting a film. It is starting a creative task. The hardest thing is just beginning any creative job. It's an everyday type of thing. You will always struggle with this. But by building habits, it gets a tiny bit easier.
 
Starting is often the biggest obstacle that creatives face on their journey to success. It's easy to get caught up in the planning and preparation phase, endlessly brainstorming ideas and waiting for the perfect moment to begin. However, progress can only be made when we take that first step and implement our creative ideas.

To overcome this hurdle, it's essential to adopt a proactive mindset. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, make a conscious effort to start writing, filming, or whatever medium your creativity demands. By taking that initial leap, you break through the inertia barrier and set yourself on a path toward achievement.

In addition to starting independently, reaching out to others who can assist you on your creative journey is crucial. Collaborating with like-minded individuals brings fresh perspectives and knowledge to your work. Seek mentors, join creative communities, and engage with experts in your field. Their guidance and support can help you navigate challenges and unlock new opportunities.

When faced with obstacles, it's important to remember that they are an integral part of any great story. The hero's journey is marked by trials and tribulations, ultimately leading to personal growth and attaining their desired goal. Embrace the challenges that arise along your creative path, as they provide valuable lessons and add depth to your narrative.

Persistence is critical to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. It's not enough to start; you must persevere in adversity. Sometimes, self-doubt creeps in, external criticism overwhelms you, or setbacks make you question your abilities. During these moments, staying focused on your vision and reminding yourself why you started in the first place is essential.

There are no shortcuts or detours on the path to success. It requires dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to your craft. The journey may be challenging, but it is through overcoming obstacles that we grow and evolve as creatives. Each hurdle you conquer brings you closer to your desired goal and makes you a more vital, resilient filmmaker.

Remember, starting is just the beginning. The persistence and determination to keep going will propel you forward. Embrace the challenges, seek support from others, and stay true to your vision. With each step, you inch closer to turning your creative dreams into reality.

Forming Supportive Habits
To further empower your creative journey, list habits that will facilitate progress. Set a fixed wake-up time each day, preferably earlier than the distractions and demands of the outside world encroach upon your focus. By waking up before the chaos ensues, you can carve out uninterrupted time to work on your passion project.

This is what I did to make my first films while starting to run a production company and juggling an evening telemarketing job. The only way I would find time to progress my passion projects was to get up early in the morning to set aside 1-4 hours of dedicated work before 9 a.m. Why 9? Because that's when the outside world would wake up. I knew I could get my projects to progress a little bit every day by working this way.

While there are times when you need to dig deep and work hard, you also need to prioritize sleep. To me, it doesn't make sense to work ineffectively at night. I know I'm much less effective at that time. So I go to bed and do my best work refreshed the day after. And for all of you night owls, I used to be one. Then, I learned this simple concept. If you are tired in the morning, there is only one reason: you did NOT get enough sleep. This is what your body is communicating to you. If your foot hurts, it says stop doing this thing. If your body says anything, it's trying to warn you of something...

Since most of my days are a blank sheet of paper, it's easy to get caught in just sitting and working on the computer mindlessly. Always working but rarely progressing. Over the years, I've tried many productivity hacks. The only thing I've learned is that there are none. The closest you get to that is to just start. Don't think, just do the work. 

But that mindset is way more effective when there is also a solid plan to function within. If you just start you will get sidetracked and do a lot of stuff that isn't important. Working for the sake of working. This is why you need to step back and create a clear plan. What are your goals and why? Build a framework for what you want to achieve, then do the work. 

Now to be productive and live a fulfilling life, I find that I'm always trying to trick my brain to enjoy what I'm doing. Because creative work is not always fun. Most of the time, it sucks. Its afterward that you really appreciate having done it. 

This is very similar to working out. How many actually enjoy doing hard exercises from the start? It is something you learn to love.

That brings me to one of my weird habits. 

I've gone from exercising frequently to adopting elite endurance athletes' methods. This very structured exercise regimen keeps me accountable and structured daily. I will eat, sleep, plan, work, and exercise deliberately. Every week, I have a training schedule that dictates my days. That has made it easy for me to plan my work hours. I do more deliberate work during specific time blocks because I don't have all the time in the world. I think I am more productive this way, and my body thanks me for it. 

This structured life based on my goals keeps me sane when people tell me to do specific things. I helps me to say no and to focus on what I really want to achieve.

Exercise helps me to reset my creative brain. I can edit very focused for three hours, exercise for one hour, and then be back into hard-focused work with fresh ideas. Before working like this, I felt like I was procrastinating much more. The exercise blocks allow me to train and process my work while exercising. I reflect on what I do and how to move forward intuitively.

Before I used to do my work and get blinded by it. It was ineffective and distancing myself from the creative process has made it easier to see it more clearly.

While I don't think many will start exercising 20 hours a week, I think everybody would benefit by designing a schedule to allocate at least four hours daily to your creative goal. Build daily habits that allow you to design your day to make that goal possible.

Embrace autonomy by pursuing activities aligned with your interests rather than succumbing to external pressures. You can reserve energy for the projects that ignite your passion by approaching less enticing tasks efficiently and dispassionately. Lastly, establish boundaries because it's in the limitations that the best creative ideas come from. Never see limited resources as a problem; look for a solution. This way of approaching things will give you a more unique, creative voice.
 
Patience, Consistency, and Growth
A filmmaker's journey is arduous, demanding patience and consistency. Remember that success is attainable for everyone who perseveres and remains dedicated. Failure is an inevitable part of the process, but those who refuse to surrender ultimately triumph. Successful filmmakers fail as much, if not more, than those who give up. However, their unwavering commitment and consistent progress enable them to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward. Trust this universal truth and practice discipline to transform the seemingly impossible into reality.
 
To all aspiring filmmakers and creative individuals, embark on your journey armed with determination, commitment, and the power of daily progress. Start small, embrace challenges, and build the habit of starting. Implement supportive practices that align with your goals and prioritize your creative pursuits. With patience, consistency, and an unwavering belief in yourself, you can navigate the obstacles and bring your cinematic visions to life. Remember, success is not reserved for a select few; it is attainable by all who dare to dream and persist. Now what are your daily habits that allow you to do your best creative work?