A Massive Career Decision for Documentary Filmmakers

[@JohnBarnett-u8j]

Thanks ,John Barnett ❤❤❤

[@MattNormanFilms]

With content and expertise you bring to this channel you are guaranteed success. I’ve watched everything on your channel and it has helped me grow as a filmmaker. Between you and mark bone I’ve learned so much about the craft even though I’ve been doing this and have won international awards for my work over the past 20 years. Keep at it. Love this channel.

[@LucForsyth]

That’s really nice to hear Matt - I feel like you’re never done learning in this job

[@MattNormanFilms]

@@LucForsyth I think that is the most important part of being a filmmaker. You NEVER EVER stop learning. As stated, I've won dozens of awards as a filmmaker and have been doing this for 20 years and yet I'm still getting educated on channels like this, Mark Bone and many others. This is a great time to be a filmmaker.

[@BertelHenningJensen]

One other avenue worth mentioning is corporate video. It’s relatively boring work most of the time since the bulk of it is CEOs talking straight to camera, but it has three big advantages. One: it pays fairly well. Two: it doesn’t require as much network/experience/luck as getting into advertising because there’s a maaaaaassive need for it. And three: even if it is simple, uninspiring work it still gets you a lot of experience in sound recording, lighting and directing, all of which come in handy even if it’s not part of the ‘real’ work you’re aiming at fx being a DP. In my experience having played all parts of a production will make you a way better filmmaker.

[@LucForsyth]

Love this, great tips here ☝🏻

[@_suryo_]

Thanks for bringing this up. I’m not as successful as you, but I too started as a photojournalist who jumps into videography. Nowadays I do mostly short docs and videos for clients like NGOs, brands or governmental bodies. It pays my bills and I have some on the side to make my own project. Love your contents, Luc!

[@LucForsyth]

That sounds like a pretty good business to me! And I always say that photojournalists make amazing filmmakers. Thanks for writing!

[@atlstudios]

Good job man! started following you when you had 700 subs! keep it up! ps: I'm a photographer / videographer from Ottawa 🤘

[@LucForsyth]

Yes! One of the originals!

[@TheOKellys]

I like what you’re doing here Luc. A lot of us vloggers in various genres meeting with accidental success but trial and error on the technical side. Thanks for the learnings!

[@LucForsyth]

You’re very welcome!

[@bayazidahmedmosanna4545]

I'm 21 year old.I love to make films.some times I find myself in nowhere.But your videos realy keeps me motivated.💙

[@KaidenGilly]

Been loving these videos luc. Just came across your channel and I’ve been binging. I’m shooting my first big documentary this summer and your videos are extremely insightful. Thank you for teaching with passion!

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome, glad you’re liking them. Good luck on the doc!

[@KaidenGilly]

@@LucForsyth thank you sir!

[@FilmshooterOH]

Grants through arts and humanties organizations is another way to go. It's a lot of paperwork and predicting what the organization will fund but it can work. Start small with projects with local interest with short films. I have gotten over $80,000 in grants over the last few years. It's not enough to live off but I teach filmmaking parttime at a collega and have my own production company. Another filmmaking side gig is stock footage which for me brings in $400-600/month which can buy gear or make a car payment.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

I agree with these pathways as I’ve done them or venturing to do them.

[@LucForsyth]

Nice!

[@asmrnaturopath]

So much value in your content. So happy to see a fellow Canadian here. 🇨🇦

[@LucForsyth]

We’ll take over KZbin, then the world! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@YuvalAloni]

Love your mentality and long-term approach

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Yuval!

[@brignole]

Thanks, your video are always very useful, greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@LucForsyth]

thank YOU! glad you're liking them

[@sardanapalos]

Many KZbinrs have referred to sponsors making them upload every week two or maybe more videos ….check a video by Gerald undone that he talks about it … I think KZbin is not so chilled as you make it sound if you are a big name … loved the first two points btw

[@LucForsyth]

Yeah, I guess I'll see that side of it one day, but for now the videos don't make any money so I can keep it pretty stress free!

[@sardanapalos]

@@LucForsyth sure mate, no hard feelings i was just saying ...btw when you become Mcforsyth please, please, please dont make only sponsored videos :P peace

[@EduFigg]

I would add to the list a couple of ways that an aspiring documentary filmmaker can do to earn some money: - corporate videos, which quite often can be short corporate docs. So it's a very good way to learn and practise storytelling and technical skills while you earn some cash. - stock photography and videography Luc, I appreciate your honesty in your channel. It's inspiring and pragmatic at the same time. Thanks!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! Yeah, great call. Maybe I should put together a video on things you can do for cash while you build your career...

[@kskashi]

@@LucForsyth yes please.

[@jaassonnha]

Thanks! Been trying to get into the doco industry, currently working on making some money through work so I can fund a doco web series and hopefully build an audience as I go!

[@LucForsyth]

Sounds like you’re on the path then! Just a matter of time and repetition

[@RedFrameTech]

Hi Luc! Recently found your channel and subscribed after watching only one of your videos. Your videos are so informative, easy to follow, nicely paced and inspiring. I have a KZbin channel myself that’s a more technical video related channel, since that’s a topic I happen to know things about. But what I really want is to get into documentary making. I’m at a point in my life where I have the opportunity to make a switch in my career, at least timewise. Financially it’s tight atm. I am finding it very difficult to get into the doc world. I’m 36 years old, been a professional sailor and boatyard worker for most of my life and only have ‘hobby’experience when it comes to filmmaking. I don’t have a showreel and don’t know where to start.. Your channel is teaching me a lot. Thanks! 🙏

[@LucForsyth]

That's great to hear, and very cool that you're switching gears. I got into all this relatively late as well, so don't worry! My first decent photography projects were about working in forestry because that's what I knew, so if I were you I'd think about starting there. Make stories about the things you have access to, then share them, network, and repeat!

[@RedFrameTech]

@@LucForsyth Thanks 🙏 that’s very encouraging 🙂

[@jan-jans143]

can you make a video about this question: do you pay people for your documentary? how do you ask people and make them want to be in your documentary?

[@DanielLeinhardt]

Am learning alot from you Man. We should be friends 😅 Your are gonna be a big influence in documentry Influencers and filmmaking teachers

[@LucForsyth]

I’ll be your friend for sure!

[@jaymesmean]

Thanks for all your vids...from a fellow Canadian 🙌

[@LucForsyth]

You’re very welcome! 👊🏻🇨🇦

[@danielesenatore75]

Thank you very much, tomorrow i Will start my First documentary, It Is about the Life of a young MMA champion

[@MateenManek]

I love your videos but also you’re Canadian too???? Damn we’ve got some amazing filmmakers out there!

[@LucForsyth]

There’s so many of us! I think that our smaller market draws us to share with alternative audiences, but it’s getting pretty full of Canadians out there on the internet!

[@luucamNY]

This channel is dope keep it going 🔥

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks, I’ll do my best!

[@ajwillie4052]

I started making wedding videos to help pay for gear for making docs. But I do have a full time job right now to pay the bill also.

[@LucForsyth]

Keep hustling!

[@JourneyDude]

another awesome video :) thank you

[@LucForsyth]

You’re welcome!

[@Ryan-Payne]

Great video Luc! Love the content keep it up.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Ryan!

[@kiddo2260]

Thanks for making these videos!

[@LucForsyth]

You're welcome!

[@dustmote3020]

Another great video! I'm also a fan of Mark Bone's work, and took his course. Question - where were you shooting those tree planters with the mountains in the background? Looks familiar!

[@LucForsyth]

Nice! I’m actually doing a review video on the course soon…that was near Valemount, BC

[@dustmote3020]

@@LucForsyth looking forward to hearing your thoughts on AOD. And Valemount is a lovely spot, unless your'e slogging 100 lbs of trees up a mountain!

[@jahosaphat]

Win the lottery and fund your addictions, film making and etc... Or just work smart. Thanks for the valuable advice.

[@inspiresouls2209]

Thanks. Great tips.

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome!

[@leeroyntini]

Love your videos man, keep it up👌

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Leeroy!

[@OfficialTomEO]

You could also build skills such as video editing to freelance online

[@LucForsyth]

good tip!

[@BrisbaneChannel]

Thanks for the practical advice! That's really helpful to me as a documentary photographer hoping to transition into documentary filmmaking. I'm quite excited to have just this week secured a gig where I can work as both photographer and DOP on a project (my second ever paid gig working with film, but this time it's on a collaboration between a university and a city council, which is a step up from the first, which was shooting footage for a large KZbin channel). This year, I've also worked/am working on a couple of projects helping out film students with their projects (one of which I think may end up leading its maker to get funding for a bigger version of the film where they'll be able to actually pay me). I wonder what your thoughts are on doing this as a way to build my skills/confidence while also networking and building a resume? I know I'd never do any photographic work for free, and I always try to dissuade others from doing so, so part of me is reluctant to volunteer despite the benefits I see. But I do feel that maybe it's a good way to go, being at such an early stage of my career as a filmmaker and not having the benefit of formal training in film. I guess the difference I see volunteering for these projects is the film students aren't making money from the projects, and so I don't feel providing my services for free equates to being taken advantage of (I definitely was sure to negotiate a good rate for the KZbinr's gig). As someone who's come from somewhere similar to where I am now to where I'd like to be, I'd really appreciate your insight.

[@LucForsyth]

I’m actually a big advocate for working for free if it gets you skills. When you’re already at a high professional level and people ask you to work for exposure I’m totally against it, but if there’s new skills and networking opportunities there, I’d definitely go for it. If you think you’ll lean something or meet someone who can help you, that’s almost as good as getting paid for me. But if its nothing that excites you and they just don’t want to pay, then run!

[@BrisbaneChannel]

@@LucForsyth Thanks for confirming my thoughts. I really appreciate your taking the time, and I'm looking forward to the exponential growth I'm sure your channel will have. I for one am glad you decided to explore this path.

[@nojourneytoofar]

Love your content, thank you!

[@LucForsyth]

You’re welcome, glad to have you!

[@franklinrashid8804]

Great points!

[@LucForsyth]

Glad you liked it!

[@davidschwan]

Wow Great yt Channel keep going pls!!!!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks, I plan on if!

[@JesusMartinezCreates]

I film commercials for a marketing agency but I want to be freelance just a bit scare to make the jump.

[@LucForsyth]

Yeah, it's terrifying! You're not alone there

[@scottjohnnyhelgemoaune2951]

I respect this guy! He Isn’t a "KZbin Filmmaker", he is a "real filmmaker". He knows what he is talking about! I especially like that he mentioned at the beginning how most of these "KZbin Filmmakers" are missusing the word filmmaker. Sure, I used to call myself a filmmaker when I was a kid. But that was because I wanted to become a real Hollywood filmmaker. And I still do! And I just made homemade short films and fan films.

[@LucForsyth]

Haha, i still want to be a real filmmaker too!

[@scottjohnnyhelgemoaune2951]

@@LucForsyth Like in "feature film" filmmaker. Because it sounds like you’re already in the real game when it comes to documentary filmmaking😎💪

[@danielkeegan7238]

Your videos are getting more and more engaging. You're definitely growing an audience here on KZbin, your experience and knowledge is very useful. I don't see a huge difference in the quality your providing compared to the doc giants on KZbin like Mark Bone or Danny Gervitz. I can see your channel growing extremely quickly once people find your content! Keep it up, big fan of your work.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Daniel, I’m a big fan of both of those guys and they were each a big inspiration for me in starting this channel. I’m just starting here on KZbin and I’ve got a long way to go still, but I appreciate even being mentioned in the same league! 👊🏻

[@Balebambootv]

I am also very happy to make video films but unfortunately my videos are not crowded to watch, I know I still have many shortcomings and need to study harder, maybe friends can help with corrections where I need to improve in making cinematic videos, thank you

[@LucForsyth]

You’re very welcome! Good luck!

[@wektor1972]

Szuper thank you

[@LucForsyth]

You’re very welcome

[@XPLR-FILMS]

Luc, have you watched Ken Burn's masterclass? He describes how he funds his 100% independent career. He applies for grants or just straight up asks for money from businesses and foundations. It works. I can confirm it.

[@LucForsyth]

I haven't seen that one, but I don't doubt it works! It's totally possible to make projects happen like this, really cool that you're having success! I guess I've found that situation to be pretty rare, so for the majority of us out there (myself included) we will need to work on other things as well between the passion projects. Dreams though!

[@dannypgrizzle]

I've long suspected that most of the filmmakers on KZbin are well-spoken, intelligent & presentable young people who are burning through a trust fund left to them by their grandparents.

[@LucForsyth]

That sounds pretty nice to me! But unfortunately no family money here…

[@danquattro6662]

who

[@pochanSarith]

You're a journalist at Cambodia? How many year did you stay here sir?

[@LucForsyth]

I used to be! I lived in Phnom Penh for 4 years working for newspapers, but I left in 2015. Susedei bong!

[@pochanSarith]

@@LucForsyth Yes, Susesdei 😍, 2015 I not start this field yet, if so we might meet hehe, Now I start this journey to be filmmaker. Now working on short film. btw nice to know you sir :) love what you're sharing

[@nyceflix]

Get to the point.

[@LucForsyth]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@uktruecrime]

Just get to the point. Clearly he doesn't spend all his time shooting stuff, he spends most of it not getting to the point. 3 reasons? yes, like what? Yawn Yawn. Right, first tip is get a lucky break with a major organisation. Sure, simple. In short, he recommends having a day job, either for National Geographic, Ad company or having a KZbin channel thats not suppressed by KZbin. Make your your documentarys are not something controversial that KZbin wont like.

[@LucForsyth]

tough crowd!

[@matthewtoddbelonio]

That’s not you…yet. 😜🫢love the optimism…