The Legend of the Hyphenated Filmmaker
I bit off more than I could chew. I'll admit it. What was I thinking-- launching an email newsletter, a website, self-publishing a 360 page book, AND trying to produce and direct a no-budget DV feature film at the same time?
For a while there, I was a lean, mean one-man publishing and filmmaking machine, expertly juggling these respective tasks, encouraged by the fantastic relationships and information generated by the ventures.
However, by the time I began my film production, my many responsibilities converged, forcing me to realize that I can't do it all by myself. Or rather, do it all and do it well, all by myself. The shoot ended up going ok, but between directing by day, producing by night, and publishing in between, I found myself far more distracted than I would have desired.
Throughout this text I’ve made numerous references to Robert Rodriguez and Spike Lee, two of my most significant filmmaking influences. There is no doubt that their indie spirit and informative books have inspired countless filmmakers to go out there copy them as a multi-hyphenated filmmakers, writing, producing, directing, starring and editing their own films. But in reality, each of these tasks is a unique skill and not every filmmaker SHOULD be a hyphenate. Or, if you choose that route, at least be aware of the support system required for you to do the job effectively.
For example, Robert Rodriguez wears many hats on his films from writer to DP to editor and composer, but he also relies on his wife, Elizabeth Avellan, to produce the films. By having a person he trust as a key organizer and administrator, he can focus on the creative aspects of his film, without compromising the managerial jobs essential to completing a film.
Similarly, Spike Lee has starred in nearly everyone of his films. A director spending time in front and behind the camera has a much more challenge job than a director viewing performances on a monitor. In this case, a director will have more reliance on an assistant director to situate actors and a trustworthy DP insure composition and consistent on camera performances. Some director/actors may even want (or need) an acting coach on set, to help gauge performances.
By the time I got ready to shoot Paper Chasers, I knew from the start that I had to build a great team. A group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about cultivating their skills
Sure it's great to be a hyphenated filmmaker, a writer-producer-director-DP-editor, but many times the jack-of-all trades master of none cliché is quite accurate and a production suffers. In fact, I'd advise anyone preparing a production right now to question his/her motives for attempting to do everything alone or with minimal support.
Is it your ego? Personally, I'd rather have one or two credit in a great film, than all the credits in a bad film.
Is it a desire for autonomy? I suffered from this one. I had grown so tired of seeking help from others, that I was determined to do as much as possible by myself. After my last experience, I'm over it.
Is it money? There are many qualified, ambitious people willing to work for little money or deferred payment, simply for the sake of working on a DV film.
Is it time? In this era of near instantaneous Internet communication, finding people to work with you does not require a lot of time.
There is no doubt that the more jobs you can perform, the less reliance you have on others. And that can be a good thing with low budgets. But there are certainly many situations where the final product suffers from an over extended hyphenate doing too many jobs marginally. Have you ever seen a film, and with-in a few minutes you can identify the director/actor by that semi-self conscious body language?
In old school martial arts training, the teachers would often require students to practice one technique or form for months or years before going on to the next. The purpose for this type of training was to develop progressive mastery and respect for the meaning and purpose of a particular movement. We have to have a similar approach while adding hyphens to our credits and job descriptions.
If you are a hyphenate by nature and/or desire, then be sure you provide yourself with the training, time, planning and team necessary to help you shine in each area.
For a while there, I was a lean, mean one-man publishing and filmmaking machine, expertly juggling these respective tasks, encouraged by the fantastic relationships and information generated by the ventures.
However, by the time I began my film production, my many responsibilities converged, forcing me to realize that I can't do it all by myself. Or rather, do it all and do it well, all by myself. The shoot ended up going ok, but between directing by day, producing by night, and publishing in between, I found myself far more distracted than I would have desired.
Throughout this text I’ve made numerous references to Robert Rodriguez and Spike Lee, two of my most significant filmmaking influences. There is no doubt that their indie spirit and informative books have inspired countless filmmakers to go out there copy them as a multi-hyphenated filmmakers, writing, producing, directing, starring and editing their own films. But in reality, each of these tasks is a unique skill and not every filmmaker SHOULD be a hyphenate. Or, if you choose that route, at least be aware of the support system required for you to do the job effectively.
For example, Robert Rodriguez wears many hats on his films from writer to DP to editor and composer, but he also relies on his wife, Elizabeth Avellan, to produce the films. By having a person he trust as a key organizer and administrator, he can focus on the creative aspects of his film, without compromising the managerial jobs essential to completing a film.
Similarly, Spike Lee has starred in nearly everyone of his films. A director spending time in front and behind the camera has a much more challenge job than a director viewing performances on a monitor. In this case, a director will have more reliance on an assistant director to situate actors and a trustworthy DP insure composition and consistent on camera performances. Some director/actors may even want (or need) an acting coach on set, to help gauge performances.
By the time I got ready to shoot Paper Chasers, I knew from the start that I had to build a great team. A group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about cultivating their skills
Sure it's great to be a hyphenated filmmaker, a writer-producer-director-DP-editor, but many times the jack-of-all trades master of none cliché is quite accurate and a production suffers. In fact, I'd advise anyone preparing a production right now to question his/her motives for attempting to do everything alone or with minimal support.
Is it your ego? Personally, I'd rather have one or two credit in a great film, than all the credits in a bad film.
Is it a desire for autonomy? I suffered from this one. I had grown so tired of seeking help from others, that I was determined to do as much as possible by myself. After my last experience, I'm over it.
Is it money? There are many qualified, ambitious people willing to work for little money or deferred payment, simply for the sake of working on a DV film.
Is it time? In this era of near instantaneous Internet communication, finding people to work with you does not require a lot of time.
There is no doubt that the more jobs you can perform, the less reliance you have on others. And that can be a good thing with low budgets. But there are certainly many situations where the final product suffers from an over extended hyphenate doing too many jobs marginally. Have you ever seen a film, and with-in a few minutes you can identify the director/actor by that semi-self conscious body language?
In old school martial arts training, the teachers would often require students to practice one technique or form for months or years before going on to the next. The purpose for this type of training was to develop progressive mastery and respect for the meaning and purpose of a particular movement. We have to have a similar approach while adding hyphens to our credits and job descriptions.
If you are a hyphenate by nature and/or desire, then be sure you provide yourself with the training, time, planning and team necessary to help you shine in each area.
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