Working in the filmmaking industry

[Cassi0]

I'm a filmmaking graduate who has recently decided to not pursue filmmaking.

I've been working freelance (whilst working in customer service because freelance filmmaking pay for entry-level roles is nowhere near enough) for a few years and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at the beginning of this year.

I originally worked in the camera department - I found that too physically demanding and took a step back for a while, then ended up (by chance) with several script supervisor roles. I enjoyed script supervising, and think I was good at it, but even still I struggled. Every experience I had on film sets (primarily low-budget short films) included long 13+ hour days, extremely stressful and fast-paced environments, long commutes, constantly on my feet and consequently lack of sleep (less than 6 hours a night). The culture in the filmmaking industry that I've witnessed is intense and unlike any other job I've seen, competition is fierce (If you don't do it, someone else will and for less) and the pressure to go above and beyond is overwhelming (I found this particularly true when I was working in the predominantly male camera department) - there is no slow and steady or time to relax, and this is why I've taken a step back from it. After shoot days/weeks I'd find myself exhausted and in immense pain, relying on my TENS machine, painkillers, and unhealthy amounts of (terrible) coffee on set to keep me going, but I couldn't stop thinking how this isn't sustainable. I could force myself to get through it because I knew I was doing it part-time, only getting jobs every couple of months, but the thought of doing it full time? It seems impossible and frankly sounds like it'd make me miserable. A friend of mine is a production coordinator for Netflix shows, and I'm incredibly proud of her but seeing how her success gets her approximately 4 hours of sleep a night, and constant over time, the thought of doing that myself feels like a trap and I just don't think I'm strong enough for that.

Even now, I've been contacted about a 2-day job this week, and I don't want to do it, but I still feel guilty not taking the job, as if it's going against my basic instincts. I feel guilty to have wasted three years of training and getting a degree in a subject that I don't believe I can do and am constantly second guessing whether I have made the right choice or have just gone for an easy way out.

I've never witnessed any accessibility aid on film sets (perhaps because I've been on low-budget films), asking for reduced hours would just make you unlikely to get the job as they need someone there for the whole time, and I've never seen any support available for disabled/long term health condition sufferers filmmakers, so I just don't see another way through this than just looking for jobs in another industry.

I'm curious if there are any others here who work/have worked in the filmmaking industry who have had a similar experience?

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Well done for getting your degree after 3 years, I am sorry to read you got diagnosed this year as I am sure you must have been very focused at the time on your career then Fibro landed and changed everything☹️For you, long hours will take its toll for sure you sound like you’ve done your very best but as you say a career or job change is on the cards. I wish you well for the future,take care x

[GrumpyTired]

Hey Cassi0,

I work in the creative industries and can understand your struggles.

I've settled into a design role now but I've also worked in film production, vfx, post production and animation.

The long hours thing is difficult, I agree. Being on shoot does demand long hours but also has elements of toxic work culture and when you add in freelancing to the equation it's a tough gig. It's hard to unpick though as these practices are engrained deep in the industry and there are reasons for having long shoot days.

To balance this out though, not all film sets are the same , and you may find your experiences on low budget films are quite different from a well funded production, or alternative sectors. Film is used everywhere now and you could look at TV/corporate/3rd sector/arts sectors which can have a different paces. There are big differences between pre-production (short, fast, intense), production (long hours) and post (longer phases but often with a ramp up towards the end). There is also a big difference between freelancing and being a full timer somewhere.

I've personally found the design industry a better fit for me, i still get to use similar skills and make similar things but the working patterns are more paced out (most of the time - still get some crunches that i struggle with).

If it's something you love i think there is hope of finding a role that suits you - it is after all a very big industry with a lot of varied roles. There are diasabled and chronically ill people throughout this world (though they might not be very visible)

It you want to have a chat anytime I'm happy to talk shop.

[MissMinto]

Hi Cassi0, have you thought about a change to editing?