In most cases, it's about finding the right balance, between making work and filling in the gaps when your work isn't always making you money!
During my degree I completed four short films. This was a very useful process to go through as with the short medium you have to be very concise about what you want to say and this ultimately refines your story telling ability. However in the long run I am most interested in creating feature length films, both fiction and documentary. I really enjoy the way a long form project can sit with you for a while, and grow and develop over time.
The US experience
Over the three years I spent in the States I gained some very useful perspectives on how filmmakers there are navigating the complex task of balancing their creative work with the need to earn a living. I was fortunate to become a member of a New Day Films. This is a filmmaker-run distribution company that markets documentaries to the educational sector in the States. It has been running for over 40 years and has over 100 filmmaker members.
After joining the co-op I was surprised to see that some films that were produced as long as 15 years ago are still bringing in sales. I had never thought of my films having this kind of life span, and I realised that there are still markets that I haven't completely explored with my work that could actually bring in money and make my work a little more sustainable.
Not only this, the experience of being part of a collective that is democratically run with other like-minded individuals, has been extremely educational and inspiring. I have been tossing around the idea with some friends as to whether a similar collective model could be developed here.
The NZ scene
On the Level Productions could offer a variety of services, from freelance editing and directing, doing web promotions for companies, to our own film making. I am just conscious that I don't want to be sucked into a comfortable 9-5 job so my film making goes on the back burner. I want to keep making films, that is what drives me.
At the moment I am editing the trailer for the Alyx Duncan's film, The Red House which is screening at the New Zealand International Film Festival.
In terms of New Zealand as a place to make films, I think that it's worth looking further afield than just what New Zealand can offer us in terms of funding. I think Doc NZ has made a conscious effort of bringing together international funders and organisations from overseas to help kiwi filmmakers be more connected with other markets which is great.
Small businesses are often at the end of the queue when it comes to payment for services and products.
We talk to some of the expert advisors about how to limit the risk of slow paying customers and want to hear your stories about how you cope with powerful customers who put you under pressure in the way they pay their bills.
Email me, Gill South at the link below:
