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What are some challenges you might have to deal with being in the filming field?
I'm currently a 11th grader in San Francisco.
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5 answers
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi, Alyssa! Some really amazing responses here already, listen to the peeps! I guess I can only share my challenges in working in the film industry:
1. That first gig. You got no experience, but you gotta start somewhere. Everyone figures it out. You will, too.
2. 80-90 hour shooting week. Yep, you heard that right. It's a minimum of 12 to 14 hours a day. A feature film is anywhere from one month to 6 months of principal photography. Television shooting is about the same hours, but about 8 to 9 months per year. The money is good, but it's a grind. Your days off are spent sleeping, laundry, maybe pay some bills, then it's back to work Monday at 7am. By Friday, you might be working a 16-hour day just to get the episode "in tha can". I can definitely say the physical and mental needs of shooting film and tv shows over a long time can be a challenge. Here's a tip: there's always food & snacks on set to keep you going. Be careful, or you'll put on a ton of weight by the time the show wraps! Oh, and pass on the "second meal" if it's offered at 2am... you don't need that belly bomb, just finish the filming and get home safe!
3. The next gig. Show's over, you're exhausted. You got a few bucks in the bank, but that won't last. As one show wraps up, you'll find yourself talking with other crew members or your boss, anxious for the next paycheck. That is a challenge. Nobody guarantees your next job. Go get it.
4. Finances & Health Coverage. If you're working in the studio or network offices, you're good. However, feature films typically offer you money, insurance while you're working, and that's it. Things like 401Ks and IRA or stock options are not offered on a feature film! But, getting with one of the film and tv unions like for camera, grip & electric, transportation, writing, directing, etc. can provide things like health coverage and vesting in an individual type of retirement based on your union contributions and hours worked.
5. Rejection. Rejection, rejection, rejection. It's gonna happen. You'll be fine. Just listen politely and thank everyone who told you "No". Then, pick yourself up and go find someone who says "Yes!" The yeses are out there. They're waiting. You'll find them :)
Good luck, Alyssa!
Best,
Patrick
1. That first gig. You got no experience, but you gotta start somewhere. Everyone figures it out. You will, too.
2. 80-90 hour shooting week. Yep, you heard that right. It's a minimum of 12 to 14 hours a day. A feature film is anywhere from one month to 6 months of principal photography. Television shooting is about the same hours, but about 8 to 9 months per year. The money is good, but it's a grind. Your days off are spent sleeping, laundry, maybe pay some bills, then it's back to work Monday at 7am. By Friday, you might be working a 16-hour day just to get the episode "in tha can". I can definitely say the physical and mental needs of shooting film and tv shows over a long time can be a challenge. Here's a tip: there's always food & snacks on set to keep you going. Be careful, or you'll put on a ton of weight by the time the show wraps! Oh, and pass on the "second meal" if it's offered at 2am... you don't need that belly bomb, just finish the filming and get home safe!
3. The next gig. Show's over, you're exhausted. You got a few bucks in the bank, but that won't last. As one show wraps up, you'll find yourself talking with other crew members or your boss, anxious for the next paycheck. That is a challenge. Nobody guarantees your next job. Go get it.
4. Finances & Health Coverage. If you're working in the studio or network offices, you're good. However, feature films typically offer you money, insurance while you're working, and that's it. Things like 401Ks and IRA or stock options are not offered on a feature film! But, getting with one of the film and tv unions like for camera, grip & electric, transportation, writing, directing, etc. can provide things like health coverage and vesting in an individual type of retirement based on your union contributions and hours worked.
5. Rejection. Rejection, rejection, rejection. It's gonna happen. You'll be fine. Just listen politely and thank everyone who told you "No". Then, pick yourself up and go find someone who says "Yes!" The yeses are out there. They're waiting. You'll find them :)
Good luck, Alyssa!
Best,
Patrick
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
The film field has different areas and each area presents a different set of challenges.
For example, if you are interested in writing screenplays, one of the biggest challenges is to be able to write a script that is competitive enough to be noticed and get into production. There are several venues that will judge scripts such as contests which, as you can imagine, receive many entries and is highly competitive. The good news is that writing is something you can practice in your own time and it won't need any kind of expensive equipment. The more you write, you better you will get at it.
On the other hand, if you are interested in directing or producing, you will need to get together with like-minded folks who share your passion and start creating short films in order to obtain the skills. Of course, formal education will also help, so applying to a film school is something worth considering. As with any other field, this is also a very competitive one. But also the good news is that today, thanks to advances in technology, accessing equipment to start making your own films is relatively inexpensive. This way, wether you are applying to film school or competing in festivals, you can start your career having already practiced your skills on your own first.
In conclusion, filmmaking is a very competitive field, and that is probably its biggest challenge. The good news is you can start practicing as soon as you get your hands on a cell phone camera and get together with some friends who share your passion!
The film field has different areas and each area presents a different set of challenges.
For example, if you are interested in writing screenplays, one of the biggest challenges is to be able to write a script that is competitive enough to be noticed and get into production. There are several venues that will judge scripts such as contests which, as you can imagine, receive many entries and is highly competitive. The good news is that writing is something you can practice in your own time and it won't need any kind of expensive equipment. The more you write, you better you will get at it.
On the other hand, if you are interested in directing or producing, you will need to get together with like-minded folks who share your passion and start creating short films in order to obtain the skills. Of course, formal education will also help, so applying to a film school is something worth considering. As with any other field, this is also a very competitive one. But also the good news is that today, thanks to advances in technology, accessing equipment to start making your own films is relatively inexpensive. This way, wether you are applying to film school or competing in festivals, you can start your career having already practiced your skills on your own first.
In conclusion, filmmaking is a very competitive field, and that is probably its biggest challenge. The good news is you can start practicing as soon as you get your hands on a cell phone camera and get together with some friends who share your passion!
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Alyssa!
I think I answered one of your questions, before. :)
First off, it’s so exciting that you’re already thinking about the film industry as a possible path—it’s such a dynamic and creative field, and San Francisco is an incredible place to explore it. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Mission District, your city is practically begging to be filmed! But I also love that you’re asking about the challenges because being aware of them now will help you prepare for the realities of the industry—and trust me, preparation is half the battle.
Let’s dive into some of the challenges you might face in the filming field and how you can navigate them like a pro:
1. Long Hours & Unpredictable Schedules
One of the biggest challenges in filmmaking is the time commitment. Whether you’re on set, editing footage, or brainstorming ideas, the hours can be grueling. Shoots often start early in the morning and go late into the night, and post-production can feel like a marathon.
How to Handle It:
Develop Time Management Skills Now: Start practicing discipline with your schoolwork and extracurriculars. Being able to juggle priorities will serve you well in the industry.
Stay Healthy: Filmmaking requires stamina. Build habits like eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep—your body and mind will thank you during those 12-hour shoots.
2. High Competition & Uncertainty
The film industry is notoriously competitive, especially in creative roles like directing, screenwriting, or cinematography. Jobs can be inconsistent, and breaking into the field often requires persistence and networking.
How to Handle It:
Start Building Your Network Early: Attend film festivals, workshops, or local events in SF. Connect with other aspiring filmmakers—collaboration often leads to opportunities.
Create Your Own Work: Don’t wait for someone to “discover” you. Use your phone or borrow equipment to make short films, even if they’re just 1–2 minutes long. A strong portfolio shows initiative and talent.
Be Resilient: Rejection is part of the process. Learn to take feedback constructively and keep pushing forward—it’s all about perseverance.
3. Technical Challenges
Filmmaking involves a lot of technical skills, from operating cameras and lighting equipment to mastering editing software. If something goes wrong on set (like a light malfunction or corrupted footage), it can throw off the entire production.
How to Handle It:
Learn the Basics Now: Experiment with tools like DSLR cameras, tripods, and editing programs like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro. YouTube tutorials are your best friend here!
Problem-Solve Creatively: Sometimes limitations lead to innovation. For example, if you don’t have professional lighting, use natural light or household lamps to create mood. Flexibility is key.
4. Teamwork & Communication
Filmmaking is a collaborative art form—you’ll work with directors, producers, actors, sound technicians, and more. Miscommunication or personality clashes can derail a project.
How to Handle It:
Practice Collaboration: Join group projects at school or work with friends on creative endeavors. Learn how to listen, delegate, and resolve conflicts respectfully.
Communicate Clearly: Whether you’re explaining your vision to a team or giving feedback to an actor, clarity is crucial. Start honing this skill now by articulating your ideas confidently.
5. Budget Constraints
Unless you’re working on big-budget Hollywood films, most projects will have limited resources. This means making tough decisions about where to allocate time, money, and effort.
How to Handle It:
Be Resourceful: Think outside the box. Need props? Borrow from friends or thrift stores. Need locations? Film in public spaces or ask local businesses for permission.
Plan Ahead: Create detailed budgets and shot lists before starting a project. This helps avoid last-minute scrambles and keeps costs under control.
6. Balancing Artistic Vision with Practicality
As a filmmaker, you’ll constantly wrestle with balancing your creative ideas against real-world limitations (time, money, crew availability). It can be frustrating when compromises are necessary.
How to Handle It:
Focus on Storytelling: Remember, great films aren’t about fancy equipment—they’re about compelling stories. Keep your narrative at the heart of every decision.
Adapt Without Losing Passion: Be open to changes while staying true to your core vision. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected adjustments.
7. Staying Inspired in a Tough Industry
Finally, the film industry can sometimes feel overwhelming or discouraging, especially when projects don’t go as planned or recognition feels slow to come.
How to Handle It:
Find Your “Why”: Remind yourself why you love filmmaking. Is it storytelling? Capturing emotions? Creating beauty? Holding onto your passion will keep you motivated.
Surround Yourself with Support: Build a community of fellow creatives who understand the struggles. They’ll cheer you on during tough times and celebrate your wins.
Alyssa, the fact that you’re already aware of these challenges shows how thoughtful and prepared you are. Yes, filmmaking has its hurdles—but it’s also one of the most rewarding fields out there. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, innovate, and prove your resilience.
And hey, living in San Francisco gives you a huge advantage! You’re surrounded by breathtaking locations, diverse cultures, and a thriving arts scene. Use that to your benefit—start small, experiment fearlessly, and let your creativity shine.
You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to see the stories you tell through your lens.
I think I answered one of your questions, before. :)
First off, it’s so exciting that you’re already thinking about the film industry as a possible path—it’s such a dynamic and creative field, and San Francisco is an incredible place to explore it. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Mission District, your city is practically begging to be filmed! But I also love that you’re asking about the challenges because being aware of them now will help you prepare for the realities of the industry—and trust me, preparation is half the battle.
Let’s dive into some of the challenges you might face in the filming field and how you can navigate them like a pro:
1. Long Hours & Unpredictable Schedules
One of the biggest challenges in filmmaking is the time commitment. Whether you’re on set, editing footage, or brainstorming ideas, the hours can be grueling. Shoots often start early in the morning and go late into the night, and post-production can feel like a marathon.
How to Handle It:
Develop Time Management Skills Now: Start practicing discipline with your schoolwork and extracurriculars. Being able to juggle priorities will serve you well in the industry.
Stay Healthy: Filmmaking requires stamina. Build habits like eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep—your body and mind will thank you during those 12-hour shoots.
2. High Competition & Uncertainty
The film industry is notoriously competitive, especially in creative roles like directing, screenwriting, or cinematography. Jobs can be inconsistent, and breaking into the field often requires persistence and networking.
How to Handle It:
Start Building Your Network Early: Attend film festivals, workshops, or local events in SF. Connect with other aspiring filmmakers—collaboration often leads to opportunities.
Create Your Own Work: Don’t wait for someone to “discover” you. Use your phone or borrow equipment to make short films, even if they’re just 1–2 minutes long. A strong portfolio shows initiative and talent.
Be Resilient: Rejection is part of the process. Learn to take feedback constructively and keep pushing forward—it’s all about perseverance.
3. Technical Challenges
Filmmaking involves a lot of technical skills, from operating cameras and lighting equipment to mastering editing software. If something goes wrong on set (like a light malfunction or corrupted footage), it can throw off the entire production.
How to Handle It:
Learn the Basics Now: Experiment with tools like DSLR cameras, tripods, and editing programs like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro. YouTube tutorials are your best friend here!
Problem-Solve Creatively: Sometimes limitations lead to innovation. For example, if you don’t have professional lighting, use natural light or household lamps to create mood. Flexibility is key.
4. Teamwork & Communication
Filmmaking is a collaborative art form—you’ll work with directors, producers, actors, sound technicians, and more. Miscommunication or personality clashes can derail a project.
How to Handle It:
Practice Collaboration: Join group projects at school or work with friends on creative endeavors. Learn how to listen, delegate, and resolve conflicts respectfully.
Communicate Clearly: Whether you’re explaining your vision to a team or giving feedback to an actor, clarity is crucial. Start honing this skill now by articulating your ideas confidently.
5. Budget Constraints
Unless you’re working on big-budget Hollywood films, most projects will have limited resources. This means making tough decisions about where to allocate time, money, and effort.
How to Handle It:
Be Resourceful: Think outside the box. Need props? Borrow from friends or thrift stores. Need locations? Film in public spaces or ask local businesses for permission.
Plan Ahead: Create detailed budgets and shot lists before starting a project. This helps avoid last-minute scrambles and keeps costs under control.
6. Balancing Artistic Vision with Practicality
As a filmmaker, you’ll constantly wrestle with balancing your creative ideas against real-world limitations (time, money, crew availability). It can be frustrating when compromises are necessary.
How to Handle It:
Focus on Storytelling: Remember, great films aren’t about fancy equipment—they’re about compelling stories. Keep your narrative at the heart of every decision.
Adapt Without Losing Passion: Be open to changes while staying true to your core vision. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected adjustments.
7. Staying Inspired in a Tough Industry
Finally, the film industry can sometimes feel overwhelming or discouraging, especially when projects don’t go as planned or recognition feels slow to come.
How to Handle It:
Find Your “Why”: Remind yourself why you love filmmaking. Is it storytelling? Capturing emotions? Creating beauty? Holding onto your passion will keep you motivated.
Surround Yourself with Support: Build a community of fellow creatives who understand the struggles. They’ll cheer you on during tough times and celebrate your wins.
Alyssa, the fact that you’re already aware of these challenges shows how thoughtful and prepared you are. Yes, filmmaking has its hurdles—but it’s also one of the most rewarding fields out there. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, innovate, and prove your resilience.
And hey, living in San Francisco gives you a huge advantage! You’re surrounded by breathtaking locations, diverse cultures, and a thriving arts scene. Use that to your benefit—start small, experiment fearlessly, and let your creativity shine.
You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to see the stories you tell through your lens.
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
David’s answer is great and I want to add one more thing that’ll make a big difference. Learn about money! I would take a year to create a business/side hustle while you learn about film. The worst part about the industry is having to work a job that takes up a big chunk of your time and even stops you from accepting gigs - because you need shelter and food.
Ask chat gpt to put together a plan for you to create passive income. If you put in a year to do this, you’ll be able to live off it while you work full time in the industry. This is my biggest regret is not learning this while I was young.
Not to project that on you haha but unfortunately we live in a world where money is for literally everything. I’m creating a business that will generate money for my production company to create projects. The possibilities are endless with a business.
It also puts you at a great advantage because understanding business creates opportunities for you and others.
David’s answer is great and I want to add one more thing that’ll make a big difference. Learn about money! I would take a year to create a business/side hustle while you learn about film. The worst part about the industry is having to work a job that takes up a big chunk of your time and even stops you from accepting gigs - because you need shelter and food.
Ask chat gpt to put together a plan for you to create passive income. If you put in a year to do this, you’ll be able to live off it while you work full time in the industry. This is my biggest regret is not learning this while I was young.
Not to project that on you haha but unfortunately we live in a world where money is for literally everything. I’m creating a business that will generate money for my production company to create projects. The possibilities are endless with a business.
It also puts you at a great advantage because understanding business creates opportunities for you and others.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Alyssa !
The biggest challenge is worrying about the challenges before you even begin. You will need to learn the ups and downs of the business for your own career and no two careers are the same for people. This field of work needs a constant positive mindset and you will learn the problems and how to fix them for your own specific career. Wanting to know every detail about this career before starting can foster preconceived ideas that may not be helpful for your journey.
If your drive for film is strong, allow me to share some advice that will help you approach film education and career with a positive outlook. As an actress, I can parallel my experience which hopefully can help you in your journey. It starts with you. It's all going to depend on how you handle life as a person. No two people have the same experiences, so focus on personal development to handle anything that occurs just like how you handle things generally in life. Each project in film that you work on is going to teach you a lot about the industry as well as about yourself.
We're not supposed to know what's going to happen, we just do it. Film is going to have to be something you must, want and need to do wholeheartedly. If that is the case, you will be excited for every project and direct your mind to the work needed. That's the enjoyment. You already realize it is an opinion based field of work, so you knowingly go into it not caring. The work is the important thing. There will be surprises (challenges) for you in college/film school as well as the career, but challenges most times can be positive with good things coming out of it.
You will need to focus on technical skills, communication skills and organizational skills. If you're already good at that, you're on the right path. In addition, you should embrace your interpersonal skills as you will be working with lots of people of all different backgrounds and perspectives.
I hope this is some useful insight. Approach you education with gusto and know that you will have a unique experience !
The biggest challenge is worrying about the challenges before you even begin. You will need to learn the ups and downs of the business for your own career and no two careers are the same for people. This field of work needs a constant positive mindset and you will learn the problems and how to fix them for your own specific career. Wanting to know every detail about this career before starting can foster preconceived ideas that may not be helpful for your journey.
If your drive for film is strong, allow me to share some advice that will help you approach film education and career with a positive outlook. As an actress, I can parallel my experience which hopefully can help you in your journey. It starts with you. It's all going to depend on how you handle life as a person. No two people have the same experiences, so focus on personal development to handle anything that occurs just like how you handle things generally in life. Each project in film that you work on is going to teach you a lot about the industry as well as about yourself.
We're not supposed to know what's going to happen, we just do it. Film is going to have to be something you must, want and need to do wholeheartedly. If that is the case, you will be excited for every project and direct your mind to the work needed. That's the enjoyment. You already realize it is an opinion based field of work, so you knowingly go into it not caring. The work is the important thing. There will be surprises (challenges) for you in college/film school as well as the career, but challenges most times can be positive with good things coming out of it.
You will need to focus on technical skills, communication skills and organizational skills. If you're already good at that, you're on the right path. In addition, you should embrace your interpersonal skills as you will be working with lots of people of all different backgrounds and perspectives.
I hope this is some useful insight. Approach you education with gusto and know that you will have a unique experience !