Film-making is an incredible career that exposes you to a lot of creative exploration and possibilities. It allows you to bring ideas to life and connect with different audiences by providing what they like watching.
However, at times, the film industry may not be rewarding to everyone and may see you hit a lull in your career. When this happens, you need to get creative to find other ways to make money as a filmmaker.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the best ways to make money while leveraging your filmmaking skills. Let’s dive in.
Create Social Media Content
Social media continues to be a gold mine of opportunities for both creatives and progressive companies. More companies are on the lookout for people who can create engaging video content for their brands.
Video is a great way for companies to connect with their customers and sell them on their products and services. Therefore, you can bet that they are willing to spend good money on quality content.
As a filmmaker, you can leverage this by creating sample content to present to companies and businesses around you. Reach out to as many companies as you can to ensure that you get an introduction to show them what you can do.
Become a Freelance Videographer
Freelance videography is another great way to earn money as a filmmaker. Companies are willing to pay top dollar for high-quality videos. The videos you create will be different depending on what specific companies are looking for.
Adding editing skills to your videography skills is a great way to appeal to established Youtubers. You can offer your services to help them uplevel their content quality and remove the burden of having to do everything themselves.
In addition, most creatives will opt to outsource videography to qualified professionals especially when they need quality work. Positioning yourself as a go-to option is essential to ensure that you close such opportunities.
Produce Commercials
Your skills as a filmmaker will come in handy for companies looking to shoot compelling video commercials. You can deliver quality video, lighting, and editing from your experience in the filmmaking industry.
In addition, you could also direct some scenes to improve the commercial’s messaging and delivery. These skills make you invaluable to clients earning your great reviews and referrals for more commercial gigs.
It is an incredible way to earn money doing what you love although it may not be as glamorous as producing a film. You’ll make good money producing commercials and putting your skills to work.
Make Independent Films and Sell Them
If you still want to continue making films, you can do this independently. It will give you a lot of creative freedom where you can fully bring your ideas to life. You’ll need to dedicate a lot of time and energy before receiving any monetary rewards.
In addition, making independent films will help you navigate different aspects like casting and music licensing. These skills can prove to be useful in other ways to help you make more money.
After producing your films, it will be up to you to build your marketing and get them to sell. Marketing your films right will allow you to create awareness and get it to your target audience.
Music Licensing for Creatives
Music licensing for creatives can prove to be a challenge at times. Most people don’t know where to start or how complicated the process can be. Such challenges lead to copyright infringements where creatives end up losing their earnings on the content they have worked hard to produce.
However, as a filmmaker, you have experience with music licensing and can be a great guide. Learning music licensing as a filmmaker through platforms like Track club gives you the advantage.
You can help creatives with licensing music for podcasts, films, Youtube videos, and more. Your experiences and knowledge give you a great opportunity to make money while helping upcoming creatives navigate their paths.
Get Music Video Gigs
Your skills with the camera and creating quality videos will come in handy for established musicians and upcoming artists. You can get music video gigs that will expose you to a different industry and network of people.
The best part about delivering quality on one music video is that your skills and talents will not go unnoticed. More artists will want to work with you and you’ll get different referrals streamlining your earnings and potential.
Film Events
Videos tell a story that not most people can capture well. In addition, the cuts and edits in the videos need to be in line with the story being told. As a filmmaker, you are experienced with storytelling and can provide the perfect solution for people.
Documenting memories for individuals, families, and companies that they can look back on is another great way to earn money as a filmmaker. Filming birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and company events will add to your stream of income.
People are looking to document memories and positioning yourself as someone who can tell a story with your camera will win you more business.
Become an Online Film Teacher
In this digital age, everyone is a teacher. You know more than a beginner and your knowledge can save someone years of mistakes and hard lessons. Therefore, sharing what you know is always a good idea.
You can package your knowledge to target fellow filmmakers to help them refine their skills and uplevel their careers. You could even introduce them to other income sources like these that they can leverage.
There are different learning platforms that you can run your courses through or create Ebooks that your target audience can buy. The major thing is to ensure that you provide value in your content.
As a filmmaker, you can provide first-hand advice and knowledge without having to repeat what has already been said. Bring in the twist that will help you connect more and impact their lives and careers as filmmakers.
Nicole has been obsessed with movies and television since she was a kid, always more enchanted by the logistics of how movies were made than the actors on her screen. She’s a former production assistant and an avid film blog subscriber and contributor who loves spending her free time staying up to date on as many new releases as she can. While Nicole’s days are now spent far from film sets raising her kids, she can still be found reading up on new filmmaking techniques and following industry predictions on the next big hit.
