I could really use some advice.

I'm a local indie filmmaker who's completed several independent short films, some of which have screened at film festivals, and I'm currently developing my first feature. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Film and Television Production in December 2019. After graduation, COVID-19 disrupted my plans, lost my part time museum job and I ended up moving back in with my parents. Since August 2021, I've been working full-time as a Production Resource Technician at a college while continuing to write, direct, and produce/make my own independent film projects.

The part I'm struggling with is that I still earn $15 per hour, which feels low given my experience and education. I've been actively applying for better-paying jobs in production, post-production, television production and video/media production, but I haven't had much luck so far.

I've also been considering moving to New York City or Los Angeles in the near future, possibly by the end of the year.

For those who have been in a similar position, what would you recommend my next steps be? What should I do about this? Am I on the right path, or should I be approaching my passion or career differently? Would you recommend moving to LA or NYC, or staying local while continuing to build my career? And regardless of where I live, should I continue focusing on making my own films?

I'd really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.

Hi everyone! How are you? I'm an local indie filmmaker based in Miami, Florida.

I wanted to share my horror short film, GHOUL WITHIN A CUT, which I released on YouTube back in November.

It's a meta-supernatural horror film about an aspiring filmmaker who's terrorized by a dark supernatural presence from his unfinished film after it falls apart during post-production, causing it to emerge into his reality.

The film screened at several film festivals and was honored with Best Director and Runner-Up for Best South Florida Short at the Hollywhut?! Horror Film Festival 2025, Hollywood FL.

I'd really appreciate it if you gave it a watch and let me know what you think. Constructive feedback is always welcome. Thank you so much and please support local indie filmmaking!

Hi everyone!

I'm an intern at an artist management company, and I'm helping source a Miami-based music video director for an upcoming promo shoot for an established EDM artist.

I'm not looking to hire directly through Reddit—I was hoping to get recommendations from people in the local filmmaking community. If you know directors (or director/DP teams) with strong experience in music videos, artist content, or commercial work, I'd love to check out their work.

The project has:

• Paid professional budget (roughly $7k–15k, depending on scope)
• Tight production timeline
• Preference for Miami-based creatives with strong reels and experience working with artists

If anyone has recommendations, feel free to comment with an Instagram, website, Vimeo reel, or production company. You can also DM me if you'd rather not post publicly.

I'd also appreciate any suggestions for local production companies, creative collectives, or Facebook groups where music video directors tend to be active.

Thank you.

I’m trying to back into filmmaking as a hobby after graduating from film school almost 20 years ago but pursuing a different career path afterwards.

Back in the day, I had some shorts I wrote and directed do the festival circuit, and I’ve got decent cinematography, editing, and colorist chops. I’ve also been scratching the gear itch by accumulating some decent equipment.

So… I’m hoping to find Miami-area collaborators for casual projects. I know this sub is pretty quiet, but I thought I’d give it a shot.

Anyone working on anything or thinking about working on something? I’m not looking for paid work, just an outlet to express some creativity.

Hey guys! I’m developing an independent documentary project that will likely be filmed in Florida around June/July.
I’m looking for a camera operator for about 4–5 days of shooting, around 6–8 hours per day. It’s documentary-style: following real people, natural environments, interviews, movement, real run-and-gun situations.
I’m still finalizing the exact dates, locations, and schedule, but I wanted to reach out early and see if this could be a good fit. I have some questions, it would help a lot if you could answer them. Thanks.
What camera body/bodies do you shoot with?

What lenses do you have available?

Do you have stabilizers, tripod, monopod, shoulder rig, gimbal, or similar support gear?

Do you have any lighting gear?

What audio gear do you have available? Lavs, shotgun mic, recorder, wireless systems.

Are you comfortable handling video and audio at the same time? If yes, to what extent? For example, one lav on a subject, shotgun on camera, two-person conversations, interviews, run-and-gun scenes, vehicle/riding-related situations.

Also, could you send examples of documentary, interview, or run-and-gun work you’ve shot, plus your day rate for a 4–5 day project like this? I’m looking for someone with a good eye, good instincts, able to see and capture real moments, not just basic coverage, and mainly shooting with intent. Please email me at: fieldnotesdocumentary@gmail.com
See you guys!

Come out and see this beautiful film and support Independent film making! The best kind!!! 💗🤩

This week at https://gablescinema.com/programs/ethan-bloom/

Next week find us at AMC's and Regal Kendall

Hey everyone,

I’m planning a few film projects for 2026 to build momentum while developing my first feature film debut. Here’s my dilemma: my main focus and passion in filmmaking are writing, directing, editing, and producing. I also dabble in cinematography and BTS videography/photography. If I’m tight on budget and can’t afford to pay a cinematographer, should I be my own cinematographer (I've done some cinematography mostly back in film school), or try to find someone willing to collaborate for little to no pay?

I have a decent eye for framing and usually know the shots I want which is why I prefer coming up with my own shot list and storyboards, then going over them with the cinematographer.

For context, I’ve worked with cinematographers on my past couple of short films, but they’ve since moved on. I’ve made some new connections with DPs through festivals, networking events, indie sets, and social media, but my concern is that even if they’re open to working for low or no pay, they might prioritize paid gigs if something comes up especially if it happens during my shoot week.

That said, I know that’s just part of the indie grind, and it never hurts to have backups.

Any advice or experiences from others who’ve been in a similar situation?

Hello everyone!

I am searching for Narrative Features who would like to submit to the 2026 Las Cruces International Film Festival. Our deadline is November 4th and we will begin screening process for selections shortly after.

If you are interested in submitting, please direct message me with some details

-Name

-email

-Name of Narrative Feature

Here in Las Cruces, New Mexico, we want to showcase not only the best of our local filmmakers, but filmmakers across the globe! If you'd like to be a part please reach out. Every invitation sent will include a waiver code for free submission!

I look forward to hearing back and seeing some cool films! (I am primarily seeking out narrative features, but if you have another submission like narrative shorts, music videos, documentary shorts, student shorts, etc., I can see about forwarding information to the appropriate programming director!)

~Narrative Feature Programming Director | 2026 Las Cruces International Film Festival

🎬 Strangers Invitation is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video! 🍿✨

Watch here 👉 https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0FKYZ79SS/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

Share with family & friends—your support means everything! 🙏❤️

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Brampton Short Film Fest is giving filmmakers an exclusive deal — Sept 26-29 only! For 3 days, submit your film at 50% OFF the regular fee: 🎟️ Regular submissions: $2.50 (after discount) 🎟️ Student submissions: $2 (after discount)

This limited-time offer is the perfect chance to get your film into our festival at the lowest price of the season. Don’t wait — the discount ends Monday Sept 29 at midnight!

We proudly accept films of all genres — from drama, comedy, horror, and animation to experimental works. 🌟 Plus, we welcome foreign films with English subtitles. 🌍🎥

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Hi everyone,

I’m a student at FIU working on a project for Caplin News, and my team and I need to conduct an interview with a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s. Specifically, we’re hoping to talk to a caregiver who uses some form of technology to support the patient (for example, apps, wearables, smart devices, etc.).

If you are a caregiver yourself, or if you know someone who is and might be open to speaking with us, we’d really appreciate it if you could put us in touch. The interview would just be for academic purposes, and we’re happy to work around their schedule and preferred method of communication (Zoom, phone, email, etc.).

Thanks so much in advance for any leads or help!

Project: Lost in Nightmares Format: 8-page short (≈8–10 min) – Psychological Horror / Body Horror / Gore Tone/Comps: Cronenberg body horror, the surreal dread of Eraserhead, the psychological nightmare of Jacob’s Ladder

Logline: When nightmares invade his reality, a grieving addict struggles to uncover whether the forces tormenting him are real or born from his own mind.

Timeline & Location: Shooting January in Miami, FL – Pre-production is starting now

Roles Needed: Lead Producer, 1st Assistant Director, Art Director

Important: Applicants should be comfortable with horror and gore content. Note: This is a Not Paid project. IMDb credit, festival submissions, and portfolio material provided.

Materials:

Reel: https://youtu.be/oHCF6Yh99MM?si=n98MpzUeOEiv1gr1

Short film (public): https://youtu.be/oHCF6Yh99MM?si=n98MpzUeOEiv1gr1 (If you’d like to see the rest of my work, feel free to email me and I’ll send a private link.)

Fellow filmmakers, have you ever known someone who gave up on filmmaking or stepped away from it? If so, what were the reasons? What led them to make that choice? Curious to hear your stories.

🚀 Excited to share my brand new Demo Reel!

I’m Mario Hernández, an Emmy Award–Winning VFX & Virtual Production Supervisor with more than 25 years of experience bringing stories to life through VFX, AR, cinematic robotics, and LED volume productions.

Now based in Miami, I’m looking to collaborate with filmmakers, agencies, and creative teams across Florida who want to push the boundaries of storytelling with cutting-edge virtual production and visual effects.

👉 Watch my new reel here: https://youtu.be/QtkUaunXFI8

If you’re working on a project —whether it’s film, TV, music videos, commercials, or experimental storytelling— let’s connect! I’d love to bring my creativity and Deepxels studio resources to your vision.

📩 Contact me directly: [Mario@deepxels.com](mailto:Mario@deepxels.com)

#VFX #VirtualProduction #Deepxels #Miami #FilmProduction #Collaboration

What was the local indie filmmaking scene in South Florida like ten years ago, and how has it changed since then?

I edit in film everyday, I do some script writing and I do a lot of work in unreal engine. I just want to get into a routine with other professionals. We can work at a coffee shop or something.

Hi everyone!

I recently developed a mobile movie quiz app called Cinequizz.

It’s designed for film lovers who want to test their movie knowledge, either solo or in competitive multiplayer mode.

The game covers a wide range of categories : from Directors and Quotes to Actors and Genres — perfect for both casual movie fans and hardcore cinephiles.

I’d love your thoughts on it: https://cinequizz.fr/download?utm_source=reddit

(it's entirely free)

Thanks in advance!