What does it take to be a filmmaker?

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Over my time making films, I have learned much about what it takes to be a filmmaker. Let’s be honest: millions of people in this industry are trying to make it, and every year, new people come in or graduate.

So here are eight points that I think would help you stand out of the crowd:

Persistence

We all have downtimes, but it’s about finding a way to persist in meeting your goals. You have to keep on going at it to get better. If you don’t fight for your dreams, who will? It won’t be your parents or partner; they can’t do the walk for you, so get them steps in.

Consistency

If you are persistent, that’s amazing. Now. You need to keep doing it. If you work hard only when the golden moon comes out, you must find a new way to motivate yourself. You don’t have to be at it every day. Work at 50% or even 20%. If you can do one thing a day, the sky is the limit, but if you find yourself working hard for one month and gone for two, don’t be surprised if people are gone when you come back. You need to find a consistent method to keep on going.

Life management

Life always has its own complexities, and sometimes, yes, it takes you out of it for months and sometimes years. However, I’d like to think of these as rare cases, so you need to allocate time for your project, even if it’s just one thing a week. If you really don’t have time, get someone else to help and support you. Share the credit because something made is better than nothing made.

Creativity

We are in the creative industry, so of course, you have to be innovative but some people in this industry are not, and that’s ok; you need an eye to find suitable projects to pick up and work on. Content is king in this industry, so find a way to create projects that will be king in that field. My advice? Find a story with meaning; the peace must give a message; you want to move the audience and make the audience cry or laugh: “make the audience invest in your story”!

Business skills

This will be a big pill to swallow - filmmaking is business and business is not just a logo and website, it’s so much more than that. Some of the most essential skills you need in business are analytic skills and the power to evaluate. Did you make a short film? Fabulous, what’s next? What did you do right or wrong? What’s your short-term goal and what about a long-term one? What are competitors doing? What’s your USP? How will you market or leverage this product you have created? How will you stand out or reach a larger market? This industry is 50% creative and 50% business; the dirty child is marketing. And you need to consider all these questions.

Leadership

If you can’t be a good leader, maybe don’t be a HOD (Head of Department). You have to remember that good leaders lead by example; they are kind in every moment and ultimately control their emotions to clearly understand what is suitable for the project and your business. If your mind is clouded with stuff, then you will not see what to do next. This is why good leaders plan ahead and do not miss a step. Every project needs a table read, and every good leader asks questions because although they lead, they know they might not necessarily be the best, so they ask others for advice. My advice is to behave like Quentin Tarantino but prepare like you're not, just in case you might not be. So what that means is: motivate yourself to think positive and keep on fighting because you are the best! But prepare like you’re not because your ideas or skills might not yet be there.

Marketing

Many creatives overlook a crucial fact: filmmaking is still a business. Your marketing strategy is essential. How will you capture the attention of a large audience? Who are your customers, and how will they discover you? In today’s world, simply buying a newspaper ad is no longer enough. You need innovative ways to engage your audience and stand out. This is why, often, the loudest voice gets heard, but shouting alone won’t sustain you. You need a clear strategy. Before you even hit the record button, take time to consider how you’ll market your project. Think about the platforms, tools, and approaches that will connect your work with the right audience. Successful marketing isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of the creative process.

Team and Community

The film industry is big, but one thing remains constant: filmmaking requires a team. While it’s true that many filmmakers work with limited budgets, building a team doesn’t always require money. It starts with finding like-minded individuals who share your passion and vision. Together, you can create a supportive community, critique each other’s work, and push your projects to the next level.

Honest feedback is essential. You want collaborators who aren’t afraid to tell you when a script or idea needs improvement. Constructive critique is the backbone of better storytelling. Unfortunately, too many filmmakers let ego and control get in the way, preferring to work alone or resist feedback. While there’s nothing wrong with starting as a solo videographer, the truth is that teamwork significantly increases your chances of success.

When your project undergoes rigorous review at every stage, from script development to final edits, it’s far more likely to succeed. A collaborative process draws out the best ideas and ensures your work is polished. After all, more heads are better than one, and a strong team can turn a good project into something extraordinarily beautiful.

No one is perfect, and there are always things to improve on, but these are a few key points I see lacking in the industry myself. I hope this helps the next person.