Comments on: HOW TO MAKE MONEY FROM MOVING IMAGE: DIRECTING

By: Weeknotes, 31/03/13 | hecavanagh.org

Weeknotes, 31/03/13 | hecavanagh.org — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 05:10:29 +0000

[…] Schmidt has written honestly about the financial perils of music video directing. “I cut my teeth in extreme sports before hitting music videos and have directed around 37 […]

By: Gemsonvhs

Gemsonvhs — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:21:00 +0000

As the punk kid starting with a DSLR, 0 experience, no help and not latching on to any industry jobs as the coffee boy, I feel like you probably hate me.

But it’s like, what’s my alternative?
Go thousands in debt for college?
Work as a modern day wage slave in some miserable job?

I love this work, and i’ll do a billion music videos before I work in a restaurant again.

By: Alanedit

Alanedit — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:13:00 +0000

Robin this is a great article.

By: El Skid

El Skid — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:36:00 +0000

Not sure what you’re really trying to say here? I’m from the UK, drama is the term that’s used to refer to narrative fiction, separate from comedy which is scripted but enjoys a different commissioning procedure. That’s it. It’s certainly not an attempt to categorise films or box myself in. If anything I find ‘film’ an even less useful term since it’s actually a misnomer, and is so broad that it effectively encompasses the entire canon of moving image work created since time began.

You say potato, I say, whatever.

By: El Skid

El Skid — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:32:00 +0000

I think corporate videos are about as broad and unhelpful category as it’s possible to have. They include everything from infomercials to training dvd’s to epk’s. Music videos are corporate videos ultimately. I’ve done tons of them and I’m good at understanding what clients need. I’m balancing corporate with my own projects, just because it’s the most solid earner. It’s just a job really, but I’ve found a good one that has very few of the idiocies I normally encounter and it works for me now.

By: ConcernedGuy

ConcernedGuy — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Drama? Why are you always referring to drama. Film is film, and great films are combinations of genres. Perfume isn’t just a drama – is it a combined Thriller, Drama, Period Peace: Yes. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind isn’t just drama – is it a combined Romance, Sci-Fi, Drama film: Yes. Barton Fink, what the hell is that? Narrative (not just drama) is hard, in-fact – in terms of genres, I’d say a decent Psychological Thriller is even harder to make.

I feel that you’re either trying to use the word “drama” to refer to narrative film, or you have stereotypical view of the film industry, epically the indie film industry. Stop boxing yourself in and make films – not “dramas”.

By: Nino Leitner

Nino Leitner — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:15:00 +0000

Good post Robin, some very valid points there. Particularly liked the music video part, it’s clear that’s where you got most experience … would have loved a mention of the fact that music channels have gone down the drain, and that it’s now all on the web, that’s why there’s no money for it left.
Also, would love to hear your take on corporate videos – the bastard child of commercials.

By: El Skid

El Skid — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:18:00 +0000

It really is, I only make a living directing by combining it with producing. It’s just way too sketchy and irregular to plan around otherwise.

By: Nick Murray

Nick Murray — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:40:00 +0000

It’s all a pipe dream and you need to have a proper job and consider the above an involved hobby….

A Director

By: Matt Moses

Matt Moses — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:53:00 +0000

Best. Information. Ever.