How I Made Over $100,000 As A Filmmaker Last Year

[@Elassyahmed]

I am sure you know but it's worth stating how unique your videos are - your honesty, openness, and desire to share things transparently is certainly not lost on us folks trying to make it into this career. A genuine thank you.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You’re most welcome Ahmed 🙏🏻

[@jamieandrei]

24 years.. an OG woah.. congrats for sticking it out man..

[@CarnerioTostado]

And here I am, a 22yo always comparing myself to people who've worked for longer than I'm alive. Still, it's good to see video like this where I can see that it's not something that happens over night like so many others say that it does.

[@sebfitzhenry]

The timing of this is crazy, after just having turned down a high rate job as I had social plans, this really helped! A lot of the freelance industry consists of last-minute, unorganised jobs that rely on freelancers uprooting their plans and life, often just the day before. So putting a foot down is hard, but as you say so important as it’s just not worth it.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Glad to hear it! Say no when you can :)

[@Avi_Kaye]

Thanks for sharing! As a freelancer in the film business its very refreshing to see what kinds of rates others are getting to put my own rates in context. Congrats on the successful year!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Thanks mate

[@urartcray]

This is awesome! Thank you for your openness and explanation, it is extremely helpful and inspiring

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You are so welcome!

[@KaiLangMedia]

Love the transparency! Congrats!

[@dqstudios]

Appreciate the honesty and transparency. Hope you’re feeling better!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Mostly :)

[@smepable]

Thanks so much for the insights and honesty also about burning out, how many days worked and the Intro!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Any time!

[@diegolozano8737]

Scott you are so sweet, thanks for sharing this. I'm a full time commercial director and these kinds of videos put things in perspective. thanks man!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You’re most welcome Diego

[@Theproudwall]

this was a very refreshing take on freelance life :) Have been thinking about speaking about my earnings as a freelancer and company for a long time and you absolutely nailed it

[@paynlucas]

Last chapter... Finally someone that speaks real about our industry. Been there. Felt that. Moved on, but never went back to working so extremely hard as before. Highly recommend that.

[@romain_do]

Love these breakdowns ! Make sure you keep your mental health in mind ! nothing is more important than that !

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Preach 🙏🏻

[@Puppiesforpeace]

Mental health bro ❤ make sure you stay balanced. People don’t realize, production work is tenfold on body, mind and spirit.

[@johnschoolmeesters]

the transparency and honesty in these videos is amazing! super helpful to hear

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Makes me happy to hear it :)

[@mikithehat]

Yes mate. Love the honesty and transparency. What everyone needed ❤

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Happy to hear it :)

[@yeniadenuga9626]

This is really inspiring, Thank you for sharing Scott

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You’re most welcome Yeni 👍🏻

[@lukerobinson1668]

man, this is so inspiring. love to see this long term journey coming to fruition. don't listen to the haters, this is gold

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Thanks Luke 🙏🏻

[@georgementchoukov2864]

Thank you for being so open. You've given me a lot more confidence to push for more in my career!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

No problem, I’m glad to hear it!

[@Owlbot]

Valuable video, presented honestly, and even entertaining. Thanks for sharing bud.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@i.amreis]

best video on youtube regaring money talks and filmmaking. would love to see how you track all manage all this classifications income/expense

[@ScottPetersFilms]

I use Xero accounting software

[@RobbieMcKane]

Thanks for putting this out there Scott. It can feel like a bit of an echochamber sometimes in this industry!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Glad you found it helpful Robbie 👍🏻

[@adambobroy1958]

Thank you scott. Loved the video. Really appreciated the burn out talk - happened to my end of last year learned at lot from it and yes - go see your friends and family members :)

[@alexwilliamsfilm]

Great video! The last year has been so rough, all my contacts seemingly evaporated, hardly made any money, and felt like a loser. But your video gave me a lot of good perspective, over the last year I’ve been able to primary care giver to my 1 year old boy, which has been so worth it. Thanks for the great perspective!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Really sorry to hear that Alex, but I know from so many that you’re definitely not alone in this feeling and experience! Getting to spend that time with your son at this point is priceless though right, and the work will return I’m sure.

[@alexmiller8177]

thanks for your transparency and encouragement. I'm a starting into the DP world but thrive on editing and motion graphics. :)

[@aalooprod]

Was waiting for this year, thanks for sharing as always!

[@fruitfulforeman]

So refreshing Scott, thank you for this.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You’re very welcome Elliot 🙌🏻

[@stevediener2234]

Scott. You're my new hero!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Appreciate it Steve ❤️

[@alvinburrell]

This was a really interesting and honest video. very impressed.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@WeAllAdvertise]

Love it - I work in post for (mostly) commercial as well and find these number breakdowns very helpful. Thanks!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VincentStevenStudio]

In reality, I'd like to be a narrative film director. But Im starting to freelance because it's the only way I know how to make lots of money fast so I can finance a film.

[@mcsproductions3884]

Keep that dream alive man! Can you mentor me in freelance? I have the skills to create quality videos for ppl/businesses but I don’t have the business knowledge🙏🏽

[@the_flipside]

A really interesting video on a topic that doesn't get much attention- subscribed, keep it up and be easy on yourself. Also, great to see some fellow gingers in the industry!

[@AnthonyOrsino]

Respect; wish more pro’s made these types of videos

[@kevin-haggerty]

That's amazing Scott! Congrats dude and hard work, dedication is where it's at. All about that life dude and I am working daily to get there!!

[@ralphpeters4888]

Liked your last idea the most😊

[@janthony1980]

What a transparent and great video Scott ❤

[@ScottPetersFilms]

🙏🏻

[@burrdaddy]

I can relate. I'm director who shoots more than he should, DP's more than he should and really doesn't like to edit. I edit so much!

[@war0nheaven]

I'm just going to put it out there but I enjoy editing, so if you need someone to do that for you I'd be happy to fill that role!

[@ciaio]

You should make a series on how to get started in your line of work. You seem like the right guy :) cool works on your website too!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Persistence and spec work is the crux of it. But maybe I will. Thanks!

[@TolarRay]

I got to go to a Brighton FC match last summer. Loved it! (from the USA)

[@jannisnewiadomsky]

lots of love ! thanks

[@mandy]

After an insane 2 years, I was so burnt out the last 6 months myself so I took this year so slow and leaned into the quieter last few months that have happened in London this year. Hoping to feel more creative and inspired as I am ready to get back to directing more myself the rest of this year. Burn out man, the worst. I also want to drop doing editing work myself and leave it to my team this year. I feel like it's the biggest cause for me

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Heard. Slower is better if you can afford to do so!

[@mandy]

@@ScottPetersFilms This is true, I was lucky from a good 2021, back on it though now - just not a s much

[@die_dunkelheit]

Hey Scott, Thank you for the transparency. As I am taking steps to move into full time DP work this kind of straight forward "keep it real" material is gold... (or should I say ginger..?)

[@lawalfootage]

Great advice, honest and insightful. Thank you

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You’re most welcome 🤗

[@ChangtseQ]

YT recommended this video to me, and thank the algorithm, I’ve been in the industry for 9 in south america, where having this numbers in any of these countries as an individual is close to impossible with filmmaking, but I feel so many of the things you’ve lived gives me hope and desire to grow! I have a question! 1. How did you manage to manage your finances with such detail and all the divisions of work you’ve made, you mentioned a software, which one is it? Or do you have an Excel/Sheets/Notion, system to track all this?

[@Malldread]

Appreciate this channel

[@shueibdahir]

Serious question: When it comes to videography, did you include the days you were doing pre-production and post into it? Because if you did, that's mad impressive!

[@nightwingsurfer]

Thank you for your thoughts.

[@thatfilmfool]

this was amazing ... Glad you speaking for longer

[@DamianoPetrucci]

Thanks Mr. Peters! and congrats.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You’re welcome and thank YOU Damiano 🙏🏻

[@danielboulton922]

I hate editing. But I’ve had so many jobs this year where projects have asked me to edit the projects and day rate just stacks up even when I’m getting a good directing day rate. It’s turned out be one of the largest parts of my income… I don’t know what to think about that. My question for you Scott. How do you a balance a busy post schedule while directing and shooting still?

[@ScottPetersFilms]

At times I struggle... I also don't currently have a wife and kids to be there for, so if I need to work a weekend I can, but a lot of the time I just have to turn down new jobs to sub for editing work I've already committed to. It's a constant strive to get the balance right. And then of course there's times like last year when I just burn out.

[@wowpwnme]

Thank you for sharing! Really putting things to perspective

[@ScottPetersFilms]

My pleasure!

[@tomasvil]

Are your Editor days around 8hrs and your other roles more akin to 12 to 16 hour days?

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Exactly Tomas with the editing days, 8 hours and the other on set roles are normally 11 hours or less, not including travel time, which here in London often adds anywhere from 1-4 hours on to the day 😬

[@DarraghCox]

Fantastic Video. Thanks for the transparency.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

My pleasure!

[@tobymitchell2607]

Excellent video! So relatable

[@tsollersergey3480]

burnouts are fun but not as fun as continuous burnouts! those lasts for weeks so you kinda get used to it! thank you so much!

[@films3productions849]

Very nice video. U gotten a new subscriber

[@cmcgvisions2244]

Great video

[@lucasruas8164]

Congrats!!!!

[@The10.000ThingsOfficial]

good video and info thanks!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MatthewRumble]

Do a video on how to get clients consistently who can afford your editing rates

[@ScottPetersFilms]

For me it’s just been a question of time, the more clients you build up over the years as you up your rates you start your lose the ones that can’t afford or don’t want to pay them, but if people trust your skills and like working with you they will continue to work with you. There are editors who charge more than I, and if you’re using an editor via a post house you’re certainly paying a higher premium than any of my day rates so there’s a market of people, agencies, brands and businesses that will pay more for quality.

[@DuncanSmith]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

No problem Duncan! 🙏🏻

[@jordssrichard]

very inspiring, thank you

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You are so welcome!

[@mahutaproductions8498]

Thanks algorithm, you earned a subscriber, loved the candid and transparent approach and will look into your other videos. I'm about to say my biggest "no" so far and drop my biggest client which keeps me full time busy but is not in the niche I want to be/doesn't earn me enough.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Big moves, I’m sure you won’t regret it in the end

[@jacobsklar]

How did you get your start in film? I didn't go to film school and am finding it very hard to break in to the industry. I have volunteered on a handful of student films and done some photot/video work, but I want to PA on something that will actually air.

[@thomaswhite4847]

One thing you didn't account for is how much time and effort it takes to make these brilliant videos. Bravo sir!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Thanks Thomas 🙏🏻

[@TheHumorousDaze]

What services do you use for your bookkeeping/invoicing?

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Xero accounting software

[@RobCurd]

Thank you! Find this hugely inspiring. I am in the category or do it all videography, how did you or do you move into the more specialist roles like dp etc?

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Sacrificing earning to rent kit and bring in other crew members, as well as making spec pieces to prove I could do more, and cold emailing production companies showing them my work and sharing my enthusiasm for there’s.

[@RobCurd]

@@ScottPetersFilms Amazing thank you so much! Have a great rest of your weekend.

[@therealmoonstone]

thank you !!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You're welcome!

[@calebgrahamfilms]

This is the type of video Im here for🤝. I've found filmmaking videos on youtube a bit out of touch in the past and leaving you wandering.. 'Yeah this person makes nice test images but how the f*ck do the actually make a living?' haha. And in a lot of cases I feel like its not from actually grinding it out as a working filmmaker in the industry. Nice work man with this kinda real talk, keep em coming.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Thanks Caleb 🙏🏻 I shall :)

[@videowien]

If you did the same video but go through how you found the clients and what it took to get the job then that would be amazing. Finding out dayrates in your area is fairly simple and learning how to make better videos takes a lot of time and effort but with enough practice and youtube tutorials is far from impossible. But the main problem myself and most people in the industry I speak with face is actually finding clients who want high quality content and have the budget to afford it.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

If you check out some of my job breakdowns I often explain how I got the job. At this point in my career it’s mostly recommendations and existing contacts, but when I started it was just emailing people asking for experience and cold contacting lots of production companies showing them my work and asking to meet to say hi 👋🏻 eventually someone says yes :)

[@JonasStuart]

Great stuff. Like to hear a breakdown of what gear you add to an invoice as rental and what comes with you regardless - especially what gear gives you the best return for your money as direct rentals!? I'm more at the all-in-one level of things (shooting with a BMPCC 4K) and want to get some more high-end gear (Ursa Cine 12K) but don't want it to come along with me by default. Interested to know if I'd expect it to pay for itself with work/direct rentals rather than just making my work better at no financial benefit for me!)

[@DIGITALBREAD_]

Loved this video! Other than “you can always find more money” as that’s unfortunately the opposite of my situation as landing regular work is like making it to mars. I’ve got lots of experience in a variety of industries, high end equipment (for videography/photography), & feel like I’ve tried everything. I just don’t know where to find the clients who have a budget & work. I’ve got the skills & experience but it’s a blank for me actually connected myself with work. If you or anyone else has advice I’d love to hear it:)

[@clemensjurk_dop]

How do you get clients?

[@AtomicPixel]

This was great. Thanks for sharing! As shown, many of us creatives have to find multiple channels of income to keep the income steady when we’re running our own business. I’ve taken on teaching part time at a local college and many in Canada look for working professionals so there another avenue if anyone is reading this. It gives one stream of income that’s consistent as you work on getting new gigs rolling in. All the best to you and to our fellow creatives! 🍻

[@ScottPetersFilms]

You’re welcome! Good advice this too :)

[@MrKlein17]

Thank you for sharing this information Scott. I had a boss a while ago that when someone was stressed he would say "Relax, we dont work in a hospital, its just a video" Do you focus on looking for jobs mainly as a director? or a combination, directing/dp whenever you can? Have your clients cared about that in the past? I imagined that for big agency work they want a whole crew, each doing their thing no? Thanks again! May you make much more this year!

[@ScottPetersFilms]

To be honest at this point I don’t really look for jobs, aside from reminding people that I exist. Most of my work comes from repeat business or recommendations, but I increasingly get jobs to just direct. As in do clients care if I do both or everything? No. They want what is right for the job. I’ve done jobs for an agency with a crew of 2 and I’ve done jobs for the same agency with a crew of 40+ it just depends on what the budget allows and what is needed for the job.

[@MrKlein17]

@@ScottPetersFilms Thats great! Thank you Thank you!

[@filmPilotPro]

I am 1 min in and already this video is great

[@AbdulbasitYT]

Legend

[@BrianBenjaminDwyer]

Fair play man. Honest and insightful. I'm sure there is a lot of loneliness too in being the main person leading the charge. Best of luck going forward.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Thanks Brian 🙏🏻

[@tomasvil]

I aspire to be like you one day

[@AliBFilms]

Ledge

[@jonnynoakes9070]

First video of yours I’ve watched - loved it and subscribed! Really useful and can’t wait to watch more, thanks you handsome ginger P*%{% - last bits a joke x

[@Anwarmeahkat]

You are handsome, you are ginger but not a prick. Thanks for sharing

[@okryvych]

Great video as always! Would be curious to learn if you've made any money from KZbin. As a director it's a constant question whether joining the KZbin community in a financial sense is worth it.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Not yet it’s not worth it no… I’ve probably collectively made about £2000 over 3 years worth of work with a lot of dedicated hours. It would probably equate to something like £3 an hour I’ve put into it so far. Maybe long term it might be

[@okryvych]

@@ScottPetersFilms damn! That sucks! Thanks for the information!

[@grahmdoughty]

​@@ScottPetersFilms do you feel like it's lead you to any work/relationships etc. you otherwise might not have got?

[@ScottPetersFilms]

@@grahmdoughty at least 1 that I know of - Instagram has been more fruitful for relationships.

[@ThePlaceForThings]

you rock 🪨

[@ozzythemighty2767]

Thanks for the titbit into your life.. click and subscribed.

[@ScottPetersFilms]

Welcome aboard!

[@mmnotes95]

Why would you ever use anything but your best gear? Do you want to work to look the best it can be

[@dumidumibabi]

I did it too. But it damn near killed me over 7 years. Hyper competitive market. Not suited for people with kids and family. You younguns have at it. I’m out.

[@salvadorfilms]

Rad! Thanks brother. This was really honest and unexpected. Keep on the good dream, you handsome ginger $&#%

[@nacfilms3259]

awesome video! I have to add that money can never guarantee a stable future, but faith and belief that God has the best in store for you will relieve you of all worry if you let it

[@habocky]

Starting something with "it's not a brag" is usually a brag... so good job

[@Big-GVideo]

Good Video. Fat Llama isn't worth the hassle and the risk of loosing your kit

[@WhySteve]

Bro, this year so far I made $1000 total and I'm probably going to be homeless by the end of the year 🙃 😂

[@ScottPetersFilms]

That sucks mate. Time to look for some temp work? I know you're not alone in this over the last year.

[@WhySteve]

Haha no I just really suck at networking 😅 retainers also turn into "one and done" jobs. So it's a mix of bad luck and bad business skills lol

[@cornellouis]

Thumbnail promised $7000 a day. Then you say $100k/year? sketchy.

[@GodfreyOkafor]

2:24 that’s where he made the 7000 in one day. Gotta read the fine print. Learn some legalese bro

[@towned]

7000 a day is 2.5 million. Get your math right before post a spammy video.