Faith-based filmmaker, Chris Dowling
Welcome to our first installment of our question and answer (“Q & A”) series where we interview leading Christian filmmakers about their work.
As part of a high school project, I reached out to several of independent faith-based filmmakers and screenwriters for answers to some of my biggest questions on getting into a film career.
Our first interview in this series is with Chris Dowling. Mr. Dowling has done some really great work as a producer, director, actor and screenwriter. Check out his IMBD profile.
Some of his films include “Where Hope Grows,” “The World We Make,” and “Run the Race” — all successful faith-based films.
He had some great answers to our “Top 5 Questions” as an aspiring faith-based filmmaker:
1). How important is a good script when it comes to making independent films?
To me, the script feels like the hardest component to overcome if it's bad. It's the blueprint, so if you start from a place that just isn't working, the whole film will fall apart.
With that said, making a good film -- especially an indie where there is typically less money and less star power -- relies heavily on the pages.
However, if we are talking about getting the money to green light a project, it's sadly more valuable to have an important actor or director attached. That will earn you money quicker than a killer script. But even a great cast can't truly overcome garbage screenwriting.
2). Do most filmmakers need to also have a "day job" when starting out? How long does it take to make a living from full-time filmmaking? Is it a financially risky endeavor?
Extremely risky. In fact, 95% of the people who start out trying to be full-time filmmakers will end up somewhere else.
The good news is a lot of times they find out roles on set that they enjoy so they can still be part of the process. It's definitely best to give it a run while you are young and single. Ha ha! It's much easier to try to afford life when you are living with a couple of roommates and a pair of cats in a studio apartment in Sherman Oaks than when you've got a family and a mortgage.
Definitely having a day job is a good and necessary thing. I've done so many side hustles and am just at a place where I can solely rely on movie money for my family, but it's all ebb and flow.
There are months that are fantastic and then are months and long stretches were zero dollars are coming in -- and that can get scary. So, it's not for the faint of heart.
But you have some talent, love it and stick with it (it's a grind), it is possible.
3). What are a few ways filmmakers can enhance their reputation in the industry? Get a degree in film? Enter festivals? Win some awards? Volunteer to work on a lot of films? Get an agent?
The first thing is always to treat people with respect. I make it a practice of engaging everyone from assistants to production assistants (“PA’s”) to whomever. The people that are PA’sand assistants now will be agents and producers in 5 to 10 years.
Find people that have drive and talent and stick with them. At some point, they will be in a place where they can help you out.
But, you have to be the kind of person they would want to do a favor for -- so to me it all goes back to how you treat people.
The other thing is to dive in and bust your butt. Start working as a PA as soon as you can and be the kind of person that is eager and jumping at opportunities (even if it's grabbing coffee) and not the PA that sits around and pouts because he thinks he better than the position.
There is no substitute for hard work.
Plus if you are a PA on set, you can check out all the different positions and see if there is something you like.
Big festivals, help I guess. But, unless they are ones the industry cares about -- it doesn't matter. Nobody cares if your film won the best picture at South Dakota International Film Fest, you know.
4). What are a few of the key steps one would take to eventually end up working on the set of a big-budget film?
Definitely start meeting people that are doing things now.
Getting experience -- helping with student films, low budget, whatever to get that experience and meet more and more people working on set.
And be fearless -- if somebody asks something of you, go for it!
5). What are some of the film production roles that are in high demand? How about post-production/editing? Any idea what kind of income one could expect in those roles?
Not sure on this one.
And if it's income or more solid work [you are looking for], a good option is going into unscripted TV. Many of those pay decent rates and, if you get in good with the company, can just have you flipping to the next show when each show wraps.
Anything else to add?
I hope that wasn't discouraging! I just wanted to give you perspective that is realistic. It's definitely a hard road -- I know I've questioned myself time and time again as to why I took this career path.
The answer is I love it!
So, if you love it that much that it is worth the sacrifice, go out and put in the work, start making those connections and be fearless. You'll be just fine!
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Thank you again, Chris Dowling! This was super helpful and always best to get the unvarnished truth of what it’s like to be an indie faith-based filmmaker.
Next week, we’ll have more answers to our Top 5 filmmaker Q & A from another great faith-based filmmaker…so be sure to check back!