My First Feature Film Destroyed Me

The saga behind making my first indie feature film, "Social Norm" (2016), and how it destroyed me in every way possible.
As a passionate filmmaker, I grew up making home movies with my brother and cousins. We made dozens of comedy sketches as well as no-budget feature films but we had never made a movie with a budget or a crew... So around 2012, I decided to change that...
In this video essay, I wanted to share some of my experiences in making this little indie movie and how it shaped my life forever. Anybody who's ever made an indie feature film might share some of my feelings but I hope this retrospective will not just highlight the struggles, but will also inspire upcoming filmmakers to make their first film.
If you would like to watch "Social Norm," you can view it on any of these streaming platforms:
Amazon
www.amazon.com...
Google Play
play.google.co...
KZbin Movies
• Social Norm
If you would like to view more of my work, don't forget to subscribe to my channel where I plan to keep posting more and more content on my filmmaking experiences as well as my current films! You can also visit my website to get the latest updates and even some movie reviews!
www.dillonvibb...
If you would like to view my latest short horror film, "Somniphobia" (2021), you can view it here: • Somniphobia (2021) - S...
Thanks for watching!
#filmmaking #movies #essay

[@danielthehuman107]

You might not have ended up making the next "Clerks" or "Primer" indie film, but you did the thing most people just plan on doing or imagine doing. The experience you described made me think of this Jim Carrey quote, "My father took a safe job and got laid off years later. You can fail at what you don't want to do, so why not at least fail going after what you want to do!" As a film student and someone who currently just makes no budget stuff from home, I seriously look up to the creatives who stop dreaming of making a real movie and just throw themselves at one at any cost, because that's really what being a filmmaker is. I'm so glad you still make stuff, I wish you all the best on your future creative endeavors!

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you, kindly! I will say this: Although I've moved onto bigger projects since the 'no budget home movies' days, I do miss those days a lot. There was something exciting and freeing about making home movies when there wasn't so much pressure behind each project - they always looked like garbage but it was FUN. I guess what I'm saying is although I'm sure you'll make your first feature one day, just enjoy the smaller stuff now - you'll miss them when you get bigger.

[@ultimateeick2910]

Woah hey cool seeing you here

[@21stcenturyscots]

Daniel But today even a movie about a small almost unknown physicist like Oppenheimer makes millions of dollars. So since you have finished your film now money shouldn't be a problem.

[@WorkingCog]

As an indie filmmaker that's done 2 films so far, I totally felt the pain and just that weird Energy that happens while you're making a film. So much goes into making a film people don't realize what it's like. Great video man!

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you! Yeah, it’s an exclusive feeling when you complete a film. If I had to summarize it in one word. Bittersweet

[@anjomo96]

I love seeing filmmakers sharing their lessons (not failures) with everyone. I think these stories will help people realize it takes practice to master any skill.

[@ljpam6282]

Hey i used to work with this guy. I think i even took those picture at the chartroom😆😆😆 good job dillon, never doubted you, i always knew you'd be a good director/actor/etc. congratulations.

[@DillonVibbart]

Lou Jean! Yeah, I think you were the one that took that picture of me haha... To be clear, I have lots of great memories of the SBNC days but it took me awhile to realize that industry wasn't for me lol.. But thanks for watching and all the support!

[@kristjanpeturjonsson5580]

I made a feature film in my hometown in Iceland. It was a film about a messy teenage relationship and breakup, where both parties don't realise they're being manipulative and manipulated. Principal photography took one and a half YEARS to complete and was exhausting all the way through. It was a very personal story and in the end I felt like I failed. We screened the film in one of the biggest theatres in Iceland and everyone was excited, even the local news covered the event (A news station I would ultimately work for a few years later, funnily enough). A few weeks pass and I realise the film isn't very strong plot-wise. Mainly because of editing. It's too long. I think about going back to it and "finishing it" now that a few years have passed but I keep wondering if I should let it go or not.

[@DillonVibbart]

Oh that's tricky... I totally get the impulse to go back to older films and 'fix them' because I definitely feel like "Social Norm" could have used one more pass on the editing... but a part of me also believes that the film is never gonna be perfect and at some point, you just have to stop working on a project... So I guess for you, I would ask yourself if you can live with the film as it is? If you can't, then there's your answer... Let me know what you decide!

[@pedrojovelli8933]

Is your film anywhere at the internet where I can watch?

[@Krisselvlogs]

@@pedrojovelli8933 I'm gonna release it on my other channel @Crispyjon in the next few weeks. Along with other short films 😊

[@kristjan-jonsson-film]

@@DillonVibbart This is the same person, different channel. I decided to upload the film on this channel and you've inspired me to do a behind the scenes/story time on the making of it. I keep coming back to this video since it was uploaded. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@kristjan-jonsson-film]

​@@pedrojovelli8933 The film is here!

[@Katiemadonna3]

Thank you, thank you for posting this personal experience. As a filmmaker, there is this thorny way to present ourselves as completlely in control. Honestly my first feature ruined my life in ways I was not prepared for. I feel better knowing I wasn't the only one. Now that I made my second one, I feel better about it and see that it was very important path for me to walk on.

[@daanush468]

2 cents from someone who stumbled across this and instantly developed gargantuous respect for you. I was very down since the past year because I was unable to pursue my passion of music and filmmaking. Took to the latter recently by buying a decent phone and some gear and I won't lie, this is really the only thing I look forward to and the only thing that brings me joy. I wish to have someday the skill and courage to make my own film. More power to you man!

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks, man! I really appreciate the kind words and also the honesty about your situation. My 2 cents is that it's not supposed to be easy b/c then anybody could do it. Embrace the challenges and obstacles. I'll pray for you and I hope you can weather this storm you're going through at the moment.

[@Introvert_2001]

Thanks for sharing your story, it is very helpful for aspiring filmmakers, myself included. One of the advantages being a indie filmmaker is you don't have to worry about studios interfering with your script. I'm currently working on a short drama "I'm Watching You" about a guy who falls for AI girlfriend who blackmails him to pay for premium version. It's a story about the lack of privacy & loneliness. Keep loving what you're doing, good luck! I subbed. Cheers from Croatia🤞💪

[@mandasuzanne88]

This video was so interesting. Many people don’t realize what goes in to making an indie film from start to finish. It’s really unique and engaging to hear such a personal account of your experiences!

[@oneinchpunched3661]

Dude, thank you so much for sharing this honest story. Its so inspiring to hear and see REAL aspiring filmmakers trials through fire and not rose coloured instagrams of productions. Everyone whos done a film, small or big, knows the emotions and exhaustion that comes with it. So to get that confirmed like this, hearing that it was worth even though you lost money and an audience you hoped for, its weirdly enough motivating. Because it reinforces the feeling we "filmmakers" have deep down in our gut, that we would still want to do this despite if we didnt make a cent or if no one saw it. Because even if we tell the story to an imagined audience, in the end, we make it for ourselves.

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you for watching! I really appreciate the kind words and I'm glad to hear it's encouraging to others. Yeah, when you go through the gauntlet the first time, it really can break you down but there's a reward on the other side - even if that reward isn't what you expected it to be. None of it will in be in vain because there's always something you learn and at the end of the day, the film is always out there for anybody to see it.

[@ChrisLeeProducer]

Ugh I can relate with this so much. All the hats and logistics, shoots into the next morning. My first feature ruined me too. Once it was done, so was I. The high expectations for the finish, then it's done and it just feels like everything stopped after that. The cast and crew you bond with over the years disenegrate, along with your confidence. I have't been able to find that"next" great thing yet. After learning from all the mistakes, I've became a perfectionist, and can't just create anymore. Also, my film was premiered in November of 2015. We were producing our first at the same time! Glad to hear you're able to overcome all that dark stuff that comes with making an indie film.

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks, man! Yeah, it’s not an easy experience and I know what you mean about getting stuck in rut after the feature is finished. I actually made another video talking about the aftermath (and not to shamelessly plug one of my vids) but you should check it out because maybe it’ll inspire you to create something new. Best of luck and thanks for watching!

[@Fairyland.Entertainment]

maybe you need creative input so you can produce "perfectly" on a budget :) good luck

[@ISRAADVISUALS]

This video is in itself a film..The story telling on this one is just amazing🎉

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you!

[@garrraty]

Came here from 922 Films' stream this afternoon! This video is fantastic! As someone working on pre-production for their first feature film (shooting this summer!) I've learned a lot from this video! You are an inspiration!

[@DillonVibbart]

Cool! I would love to hear more about your project and I hope the shoot goes well (remember to not make my mistakes haha) Thanks for watching!

[@The5DollarFilmSchool]

Fantastic video in the vein of Austin Mcconnell's "I made a movie. It Stunk!" I become aware of your channel from your brother Cody. Me and him have one small thing in common we both were nobody's who got a full video shout out from Austin Mcconnell. I LOVE seeing stories like this because I think its super motivating for people to see how possible the journey is if you have a little determination. Great video! Just subscribed!

[@DillonVibbart]

Cody??? Never heard of him.... 😎... but I have heard of you guys! I remember watching the Austin McConnell video about your film 'Chlorine' - that's AWESOME. Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing positive feedback. I'll definitely be subscribing to you as well because I think it's amazing the determination you both have for your films. Let's keep in touch!

[@ConfineLightFilms]

I love it when people share their experiences, mistakes, and advices!! It’s so helpful and inspirational! Thank you for putting this together!

[@Jersey_Jay]

Awesome video and more importantly awesome story. The fact that you actually got to finish what you set out to do, and with your friends and family, really is sick dude. No matter what happens throughout the rest of your life no one can take that experience and what came from it away from you. Hope your doing well my man and hope your still at it.

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you! Yeah, I’m happy to say I at least made one feature film in my life… still at it these days, but a lot has changed. More to come soon, but thanks for the kind words and for watching the video

[@JamesDewHall]

Hey Dillon, I want to thank you for sharing this video. I am watching the film now and I am amazed. I realized through watching this movie that if you truly have the passion for filmmaking, you can do it. You can make a movie. It doesn't matter what gear or budget you have, all you need it support, love, and passion. And other creatives to relate to - like you! Thank you for being a filmmaker.

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching the film! It was definitely a passion project and I hope it can inspire others to make their films. I appreciate it!

[@yusufbhaimia1987]

You’re an inspiration, Dillon! My friend and I are actually planning to shoot a feature film within a two week period too this year and watching this, despite the trials and tribulations you’ve been through, has made me want to make our film more than ever. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Your definitely going make it to the big leagues! Good luck and all the best. Yusuf from London, UK

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it. Best of luck on your feature film - let us know where we can watch it when it's finished.

[@Technique1995]

This was genuinely inspiring. I have been struggling with the idea of telling stories but being stuck in small town of India and family responsibilities it is hard to turn your life in direction of indie film making.

[@Yosef_X_]

Currently in that place of trying to make my first feature . I enjoyed your story.

[@deepstate768]

WOW... thankyou for the reality of the pain and frustrations. Congratulations on completing your film.

[@WillvonTagen]

I'm totally wearing the exact same hoodie right now as you are in the film, hahaha

[@jeffh9107]

This randomly popped up in my "recomended" and led to me watching "Social Norm" last night. Both the movie and this video need 100x more eyes on them.

[@DillonVibbart]

Wow! Thank you for checking out the film and the positive comments!

[@thefilmkindco1191]

This is crazy amounts of helpful, thank you!!! Am in the process of finishing my first feature film now, and it's overwhelming to say the least. I'll try not to give up on myself, either

[@GOJAGI]

Videos like this give me motivation. Thank you for this!

[@simbo57]

From watching you clips from "Social Norm", in this video, you seem to have a really good eye for shot locations and picture composure. I am a film maker in the UK. I find your channel very inspireing.

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you! I appreciate that very much

[@ThomasSchannel]

I also came from 922 Films' stream, the video was good! Both Informative and funny.

[@magicalenzorizzuto7098]

This is so inspiring to me. I want to be a filmmaker someday, and despite your movie not doing as well as you had hoped, it's still a success story. You made a movie and chased your dream and that was so inspiring to me, and now you clearly have improved in your filmmaking, and I love watching your short films and behind-the-scenes videos, thank you for what you do!

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you for the kind words! I’m glad to hear this inspires you - that was the hope!

[@FilmJulio]

This was a great watch! I want to Direct my first film and this is great guidance. Thank you!

[@royall127]

Heeey you worked with J'aime! She was in my webseries! Congratulations on completing your film! I know MANY directors who started making a film only to have it fall apart halfway through and never completed or reshot

[@DillonVibbart]

Small world! Yeah, she was great as the lead and a perfect fit for the role. Appreciate the kind words!

[@dylanclark]

Really inspirational video. Also horrifying. Also cathartic. Thanks for sharing, these kinds of videos are so, so, so valuable to people who want to do this someday.

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks a bunch! Cool name, btw

[@dylanclark]

@@DillonVibbart thanks! Your name isn’t too bad either!

[@arrybonlyn]

loved it! It touches very near to my heart. Cheers from India!

[@kristjan-jonsson-film]

I made a video inspired by this one, where I talk about my own mistakes making my feature film. I relate to so much of what you talked about and I wanted to thank you for sharing this story. Peace

[@DillonVibbart]

That's great to hear! I'll definitely check it out soon but glad to know you found inspiration from this. Thanks!

[@phineqx]

Good on you to see it though, every film needs a champion! Congratulations to y'all

[@mikebarrett9987]

I just recently found your channel I'm a fan literally downloaded tubi just to watch social norm I have watched it more than once will watch it again for sure it's a good movie

[@DillonVibbart]

Oh wow, thanks! I really appreciate that and I'm glad you liked the movie! It was a labor of love, that film haha... Getting ready to release my newest short film this month so hopefully you'll check it out!

[@Cert116]

Hey man. Totally relatable video. My family and I are in the process of filming our first feature length film. To be perfectly honest, the experience so far has been far from fun. Everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. Despite the hardships my wife and I believe in the story and I think that is what's driving us forward and onward. We're scheduled to film 4 scenes tomorrow and more on Sunday. Knocking on wood for a good few days. Thanks for listening and good luck to you.

[@hamstercinemas]

All the best mate ❤❤ I'm an aspiring filmmaker too..... About to make my first feature film.... I hope, I can meet you soon for a collab 😉🖤

[@rabyoungthondengyalkhang6510]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing, I am in the process of making my first feature. Good to know what you went through.

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks! Good luck with your film and let us know where when we can see it!

[@rabyoungthondengyalkhang6510]

@@DillonVibbart Thanks! I will.

[@watsonryan907]

Hey man! I’ve actually watched this video a few times and it’s been super helpful. I just premiered my first feature film I made for about $7,000 and now if in the distribution phase. I have some good channels I’m going through. Thanks for telling your story. It helped a lot. Let me know if you want to watch it

[@DillonVibbart]

That's awesome! Thanks so much for checking out the video and congrats on getting your feature finished. It's always great to hear from fellow filmmakers so be sure to let us know where we can watch the film

[@watsonryan907]

@@DillonVibbart sounds good man! I’ll let you know when it’s up. Thanks. I appreciate the support

[@SevenPhotonsFilms]

You deserve 100 times more followers. Subscribed.

[@DillonVibbart]

Haha thank you! Appreciate that very much

[@DontCallMeGeorges]

Hey! I'm about to start production on my first feature film and this video helped a lot! It scared the crap out of me but also gave me inspiration. Thank you and good luck on your future projects!

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks! Good luck on the film and let us all know when it's finished!

[@jcscomputersupportltd6475]

Great video, thankyou for making it. All the best with your film career.

[@PedroGonzalez-oh8sb]

Great experience, life lived. Thanks for sharing.

[@watsonryan907]

Hey man I’ll totally tell you about my new exciting feature film coming up

[@DillonVibbart]

Great! Send me the details

[@j06films33]

I just finished principal photography for my first feature film yesterday. Im 17 years old, and first began a little before i turned 16. It took a year and three months, and I felt a huge relief lifted off of my shoulders. However, as soon as I finished editing the last scene. I had this thought: “Ok, yeah, that was really difficult, but I want to do it again”.

[@DillonVibbart]

That’s awesome! Congrats on finishing your film. It’s a great feeling and it sounds like you’re off to a great start in your career. Definitely let us know where we can watch when it’s available

[@j06films33]

Thank you ! And I will ! I sort of left this out before, but its not an original creation. Ive always been interested in superheroes, with spider-man being my favorite. And, thats what it is. A No Budget Spider-Man Movie just so I can see myself as my favorite character of all time. I hope you, as well as anyone else wont look down on it because It was very original.

[@Fairyland.Entertainment]

Thanks for sharing :) i enjoyed the editing too. We started shooting a thriller short movie a week ago

[@-Just-Keep-Going]

Great Video. I'm currently in the early stages of Pre-Production on my low budget feature film, and I found all of this very helpful.

[@ActorsWithIssuespodcast]

I decided to restart work on a script I initially started before the pandemic. Determined to finish the script this year and start pitching in 2023. Taking all of your advice with me!

[@DillonVibbart]

Awesome! Good luck on the script and look forward to hearing what’s next

[@novocaneboy]

i like the detail you went into about your bank card!

[@aston98]

Thank you for sharing this

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you for watching!

[@raynaudier8622]

*WAUW!!* - Somniphobia was *EXcellent!!* Now I want to watch your first film😁. I'm not even a fan of horror films, but.. very well done!!

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you! I appreciate the support, it helps motivate me to keep making more stuff!

[@adrianrale]

Very insightful video. Thanks for sharing your story and kudos to making a feature film! It's still a very impressive feat that not everyone has achieved!

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks a bunch! It was definitely a journey and I learned a lot from it.

[@shantelwithers758]

Randomly clicked on your video. It was great!!! It would be my dream to make a film. I have a story I want to tell. I wrote out a trailer and just want to film that to use to pitch my story.

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks for watching! You can certainly make a trailer, but I’d recommend making a short film / do a scene for it - that way the project can show off your storytelling talent. Either way, I hope you make the film!

[@shantelwithers758]

@@DillonVibbart Thank you!

[@CyrionWillems]

I'm about to wrap up post production on my first feature and a lot of this feels so familiar ;)

[@DillonVibbart]

Congrats! Be very, VERY careful on your distribution deal when the time comes... but let us know when we can see the trailer!

[@Lichcrafter]

That sounds really rough, but I'm glad that you were able to learn from it and improve! I liked Somniphobia, and I hope your future projects go great

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks a bunch! It was an adventure to say the least, but glad I went through it. More short horror films to come later this year so stay tuned!

[@JagwireFilms]

Great video. I’m planning on making my first feature in the next year or so on a script I’ve written. I’m still figuring out the whole distribution side of filmmaking rn before I go into production. I’ll have to check out ur film.

[@DillonVibbart]

Very cool! I hope the production goes well. I know 1000x more about distribution now and it's complicated... but I'd be happy to pass along any advice or notes about it to help you out. Best of luck!

[@isaacruddell7940]

Thank you so much. Such a valuable resource for someone like myself

[@DillonVibbart]

You're welcome!

[@ChrisButel]

Awesome vid bro.

[@AntoineMatuttis]

Great video! Respect, dude!

[@BluePuffinMedia]

This is incredible bro. Proud of you

[@RafaelGarcia-jk4bz]

I'm starring short films and documentary films. Love your experiences.

[@onlinepoool]

This deserves so so so many more views

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks! It actually has doubled in views over the last two months so maybe its time has come haha

[@RunningScaredMotionPictures]

This was awesome. Sorry for your struggles but great video

[@ptm4000]

I respect Social Norm even more after seeing this story.

[@mandasuzanne88]

Maybe the guy who got a migraine disliked it BECAUSE he had a migraine. Migraines make me hate everything.

[@Lichcrafter]

Yep understandable

[@chitranshutapas]

Your story is inspiring, all the mistakes you did are lessons for us. Thanks mate! What are your doing now?

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you! Working on a few things: Got 2 new video essays I’ll be releasing soon. After that, gonna move into pre-production on my next short horror film

[@airatakhsaka]

Budget is the real world limitation of imagination

[@randomstuffs9103]

You are awesome, I know you'll become a successful producer one day for sure. Just saw your horror short Somniphobia and man that was awesome, the best short movie ever for me, it was really like something from a major production. Love and greets from india. ✌

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words and I'll do my best to keep delivering great content

[@reggiehughes7577]

Ambitious

[@sverrearnes7769]

Fantastic film about a film. I'm beginning to understand that I was a lucky pig who got lucky when K-film, with me as scriptwriter and director, got my short feature film made in 1988. K-film didn't lose money. But one thing is certain: We (I) didn't earn a shit either!

[@DerykRonk]

Somniphobia rocked!

[@DillonVibbart]

Thank you!

[@NEOSOBASED]

Proud in you man

[@Cymatic18]

Dope video!

[@LilytheLargeRescueCat]

Can you make a video on what you wished you knew about distribution beforehand?

[@DillonVibbart]

That's not a bad idea, actually... might be awhile as I'm releasing my next short horror this month but I'll definitely consider this

[@southlondon86]

1:07 Sir was that the T1000 run?

[@DillonVibbart]

😎

[@saiganesh7944]

Definitely inspiring ❤️

[@BrickcoProductions]

Its insane that this has less than 1k likes. just hasn't blown up yet.

[@DillonVibbart]

Haha thank you! It’s been getting a lot more views lately so maybe it will. Appreciate the support!

[@DerykRonk]

Thanks for being so open! I'd love to interview you on my channel sometime! If you're interested hit me up. Coincidentally, I just finished writing my first short script. Lol

[@DillonVibbart]

Definitely! Would like to see the short when it's finished so keep me updated!

[@KRahulkumar]

Fantastic Video.Same happening with me

[@DillonVibbart]

Thanks! Where you at with the film?

[@JustAnotherFallenAngel]

If you don't have a sense of humour in this business, you're had it.

[@jdsantibanez]

El Mariachi. Robert Rodríguez's film, for about $5000 (or something like that)

[@BrendanCescon]

Did the film end up making a profit or not so much?

[@piercekadrielvincentgarcia1674]

Wow #relate

[@CaiominTwin]

12:22 it's okay to need a "handout" (aka financial support) when you tried to make some art and then a bank screwed up and deprived you of money

[@currentphonograph7487]

Great story. You can ruin yourself with personal loans & credit card debt, as you did. I would save up, then spend

[@CinemaGatesPictures]

👍😎

[@CERTIFIEDBABEWRANGLER]

Acting and directing will always be a bad idea

[@Rocketryman]

You make movies, not films. You are a moviemaker unless you have worked with film. Film, filming, and filmmaking are the most misused words in the industry. :-)Digital Video and film require different skill sets. Having DIFFERENT historical and TECHNOLOGICAL timelines spanning 150 years. Educate by having pride in the gear we use including the words that describe what we do. Our tools are Digital Video, Non-linear, and CGI. We are moviemakers, not filmmakers. Videographers and/or cinematographers. We video, we do not film. That's the other professionals who know how to use film and film cameras, like an ARRIFLEX 435 Panavision R-200 and Steenbeck flatbed film editors. Know the difference and be better at your craft. Want to know how Orson Wells shot Citizen Kane you need to understand film. Differentiating between the two. How Lucas produced Star Wars you need to understand the filming process and its difference from video. Differentiating between the two. Lucas was keen enough to remaster his films to Digital Video once the technology was available. Respect, and keep up the great work.

[@Dex-jc8pj]

Are you still broke? lol

[@DillonVibbart]

lol fair question. I managed to pay off the loan within in 2-3 years, so it wasn't terrible. I'm currently wealthier than I've ever been so things are looking good haha

[@Dex-jc8pj]

@@DillonVibbart Fuck yeah, awesome to hear pal!