THE BUSINESS OF THE FILM BUSINESS IS BUSINESS. Paraphrasing the words of Calvin Coolidge, also known as Silent Cal, this is a reality that is hard for us creatives to grasp. Let me explain.

I come to film as a writer and director. At an early age I was inspired by great literature and movies. They provided a glimpse into a larger world, expanded my consciousness, gave me hope, made me a better person. I decided that is what I wanted to do for others, and so decided to become a filmmaker.

But something unexpected happened along the way. Films – at least the films that most people see in theaters and on their TV screens – cost money to make, a lot of money. Therefore, to be a writer or filmmaker, you need to have someone with connections to money either hire you or back your project, or you have to raise the money yourself.

For most creatives, this is the last thing they want to do. They would much rather be patronized, like a Renaissance artist. They can’t be bothered with the nasty business of raising money. They want to be loved, honored and adored for their creative genius. They are like small children who expect their parents to forever take care of their childlike desires.

No judgment here – just stating the facts as I have experienced them. Yes, I was once an “artiste” who felt entitled to patronage, and resentful when wealthy people didn’t choose to lavish small fortunes on my visions of grandeur.

Well, resentment doesn’t get you very far. It is perversely satisfying to the ego, which gets to play victim, but at a certain point, one realizes that is no real payoff. Ultimately, whoever you are, whatever you’re doing, you must accept what is.

And what is? Films are a business. Business does not have to be a dirty word. It just is. The sooner a filmmaker makes his/her peace with this reality the better. And the sooner you make your peace with this reality, the more effective you can become at the business game.  Yes, it can be seen as a game, and a pretty challenging (in a positive way) and intriguing one. Nay, dare I say it, even a fun one.

A few years ago I was in a financial pinch. I had lost my job working as video Writer/Director for a Silicon Valley company. The great recession of 2000-2001 was on. There was virtually no work to be had. What to do? Long story short, I got a real estate license and went to work as a mortgage broker. I had some background in real estate, and the mortgage boom was just hitting full swing. Every day I went to the office and called everyone I knew, attempting to start up a new business, which couldn’t have been further from filmmaking. I cried a lot. It was a humbling experience. It was also one of the best experiences of my life.

Here’s why – I was forced to get grounded and embrace business and guess what, I found that it wasn’t so bad. In fact, it was rewarding. Not just financially, but also in terms of relationships. I talked with people all day long and ended up working with hundreds of them. I provided a valuable service. I learned about business and money. I made friends. I realized that it’s not what you do, but how you do it that counts.

Eventually, I became involved in a major real estate deal that allowed me to leave the mortgage business and become a filmmaker again. I don’t know if I would have been able to do that without by business experience. And I don’t know if I could have successfully produced a film, with all the business concerns it entails, without an interest in and knowledge of business.

Today, with my finished film in hand, I am considering distribution deals and talking with attorneys. Knowing about the business side of the film business will empower you as a filmmaker. Don’t wish for someone else to come along and do it for you. There’s a famous Chinese proverb: “A peasant has to stand on a hillside for a long time with his mouth open before a roast duck flies in.” Love those Chinese proverbs.

Don’t wait for a roast duck to fly into your mouth. Go out, find one, cook it yourself, and then enjoy. The most important thing is not eating roast duck, but knowing you have the power to make it appear on your plate.