10+ Steps Towards A Sustainable & Generative Creative Life (In Film)
Creative Practices #1
Often as folks enter the film biz, their driving question is “How do I get my film made?” or perhaps “How do I make a film?”. Unfortunately for most, they don’t try to initially figure out how to keep going. Or how to improve their work over time. It is not surprising that most filmmakers drop out of the business after one or two films (although the lack of a sustainable & generative creative process) is certainly not the only reasons why they do!
These steps below are things I have found have helped me along the way. I am sure they are more. I look forward to your suggestions and additions.
10+ Steps Towards A Sustainable & Generative Creative Life (In Film)
Participate in your creative community.
Interrogate the world & examine reality.
Interrogate & examine yourself.
Build your Roadmap To Utopia (personal, professional, politically, locally, globally).
Expand & maintain wonder, curiosity & love for the world, art of every sort & most/some of the people — by learning to spot the qualities you love quickly & making sure you take the time to appreciate that they are there.
Recognize the barriers & be empowered by YOUR desire for change.
Maintain love & respect for both film art & the film industry (celebrate good work & those that help support it).
Develop processes to lift the good into the great. This is one of your ever-present goals.
Develop processes to show you can, will, & do change things for the better, as even small operational improvements demonstrate that we can and will change the system we are born into, into something better eventually.
Structure for the long haul: develop endurance & demonstrate persistence, maintain a thick skin, & learn how to maintain financial security/independence.
Don’t focus on just one film. You need to be able to pivot when the bad things happen (and they will). Build a diversified slate.
Keep yourself fit: physically, mentally, emotionally, creatively. Live a full life.
Build momentum, but don’t rush. Stay focused and keep it going.
What else should I add to this list?
Perhaps part of #1 and #2, but I would add to maintain relationships, hobbies, activities OUTSIDE of the film industry. It helps fuel creative energy, inspiration, creates balance and grounds a person. For me, nothing is better than taking a break with the family, going on holiday, playing one of my instruments, taking photographs, etc... Vital for maintaining a creative and sustainable life (in film) for the long haul, in my opinion.
Working as a filmmaker outside the “film industry” has been the best move for me - professionally speaking. It’s given me fresh  perspective how to approach scripted Narratives when I decide to explore a new no-budget project. I find movie industry people to be fickle and caught up in an echo chamber.