The Frustration and Fun of Being an Independent Producer

Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything is going your way? Your making decisions, making plans. Phone calls are made and returned. Emails are sent and responded to with the exact information you were looking for. You go to bed and during a deep REM state you creatively come up with a solution you couldn't think of in your waking hours. Yeah, good times. Then there are times when decisions are put on hold and plans have to be chucked out the window because no one calls you back, no one responds to your emails. Sleep is filled with nightmares of forgotten camera gear while overseas and people teasing your professionalism. Yeah, bad times.

I have had weeks of the latter that have jeopardized my Fijian documentary to the point where it is almost time to put it on the shelf. These are the trials of being an independent producer. It is analogous to an appointment I had today with a friend who used to work at MGM, her name is Sara. I went to see her because she had some marketing materials of previous films she had worked on. I walked in feeling quite friendly and told the receptionist I was there to see Sara, and that's when it happened. She asked, "Who are you with?" Since I am not representing any other company I just kind of shrugged my shoulders and made some nonsensical sound. So she repeated herself, a little louder this time and much more impatient, "WHO...ARE...YOU...WITH!" I replied, "I am independent, I'm not with any company." Then she exhaled loudly, rolled her eyes and said, "Is she expecting you?" To which I replied, "Yes". Then I gave her my name and she rudely told Sara I was there to see her. So I sat in the lobby wondering how this woman ever got her job.

People find security in the name of a company. They understand the purpose of you being there if they know who you are with, but why and what if you are representing yourself? With in the film industry that is common place. Even with unions, the dirty little secret is everyone works on non-union jobs. Outside of Los Angeles my independent answer gets misunderstood. Who am I with? I should have looked over my should and then back at her and said, "No one. How many people do you see?"

So with the power of a strong company name like Universal, Paramount or Warner Brothers would these people, the ones I have tried contacting get back to me any sooner? Possibly, if it was in their benefit but maybe not. Yet therein lies the fun. When an independent film gets made and does well at the Box Office or film festivals it is a success and celebration for all indie producers! It's like giving the big bird to all those receptionists who are so rude.

So here's to more sleepless nights (as I raise my cup of tea). Here's to more important people ignoring my important emails. Here's to what may be the end of a great idea and a great movie (I'll know in a couple of weeks). Because when my next indie film gets completed I'll remember these hard times and feel grateful.