Comments on: What Makes a Person a True Filmmaker, Photographer or Professional

By: JesseKorgemaa

JesseKorgemaa — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:19:04 +0000

I’ll be honest, I didn’t read the whole post, I am in a rush!
However I think what Patrick (I think it was patrick) was saying about the gear referring to your professionalism, was not meant to say you aren’t a professional unless you have the best stuff, but rather if you have shaky footage in a scene that doesn’t call for shaky footage because you didn’t want to spend the money to get a monopod or tripod, you aren’t a professional.

By: Audra G.

Audra G. — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:40:13 +0000

Really enjoyed reading your post, which makes me think about changing times. Over time, as we progress, all things & processes change. We’re just in a time where audiences expect more, therefore artists, filmmakers, photographers and even business people are innovating extraordinary change.

By: Joth Riggs

Joth Riggs — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:11:22 +0000

I agree with Rob, although he forgot arguably the most important person – the Producer.

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:18:34 +0000

In reply to Rob. I like your reply Rob. Short and to the point. :)

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:18:24 +0000

In reply to billjv. Thanks for sharing Bill. I think the list of speakers at M.I.M. is a testament to your point. Many have not had an extensive amount of years in the filmmaking biz yet have made an indelible impact on the industry. And I know some people, IMDB listing and all, whose work, from an artistic point, wouldn't be perceived as brilliant as what these guys are doing. What's that saying about beauty and the eye of the beholder?

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:05:06 +0000

If you write, direct, shoot or edit features, then you’re a filmmaker.

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:16:46 +0000

In reply to Matthew Dunaway. I like your sentiment at the end Matthew. In the end, deep down, WE know what we really are. Thanks for sharing.

By: billjv

billjv — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:17:45 +0000

Interesting topic. I think it’s unfortunate that the working world forces classifications on everyone – which keeps some very talented people from playing multiple roles they could do very well. Part of the reason labels tend to be so important to some is because of their own insecurities – they get angry at the thought of someone doing what they do without going through the hardships, expensive education, or clawing their way into the union, like they did.

However, there is something to be said for true hard-earned credentials. Doctors, Attorneys, and lots of other professionals must pass tests in order to be credentialed. Absent that type of system for the entertainment field, I think union or invitation-only trade group affiliation is probably one solid indicator of a professional in the Hollywood-model film or television industry. A listing on IMDB might be another, which denotes a credit on a network show or a wide-release film. Working for a television station/network or post house that is producing network quality shows or local over-the-air (not just web) content is another. Those are all traditional markers.

That being said, there is a new breed of media professionals who are taking a bit of a back-door approach to the industry, creating YouTube clips, shortform or longform indie films, and working different angles to learn the ropes of director, DP, Editor, etc.. With a certain set of tools, they can get very impressive results. However, they also may have fundamental gaps in their real-world knowledge of equipment and standards needed to perform those tasks on network television or studio film sets, because they didn’t work their way up the ladder in those environments. Hence, many who DID pay their dues in those environments are none-too-happy to see this new brand of professional – they are considered outsiders and a threat to the status-quo. But, the proof is in the pudding – if you can make a film, shoot a film, or edit a film and it becomes successful despite working around the traditional system, you have earned bragging rights. You’ve proven your worth despite the doubters. Carpe Diem.

By: David Himot

David Himot — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:35:37 +0000

Are Filmmakers necessarily Professionals? Or are they Artists? I know plenty of professionals that I wouldn’t consider “FilmMakers”. Shooting, editing and delivering a lecture to a client does not make someone an author of an original piece of work. In my opinion “Filmmakers” tell a story in an original way. Regardless of equipment, experience or content they find a way to put their own person style into the subject.

By: Matthew Dunaway

Matthew Dunaway — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:21:56 +0000

To me there are two different ways of looking at it. If you make a living making movies, then who can argue with you about your being a filmmaker? But then there are people with heart making great works of art who may or may not be getting paid.

If everyone tells you that you’re a radish does that make it true? I think deep down, if we’re honest with ourselves we know what we really are.