What is the most valuable advice you received early in your filmmaking career?

One of the most impactful pieces of advice I received early in my career profoundly shaped my entire approach to filmmaking and producing. It might initially sound a bit distasteful or even cynical, but the truth behind it is incredibly valuable: "Sell out, then make art."

Every aspiring filmmaker enters the industry with passion projects in mind—films that stir deep emotions, carry profound messages, or showcase our artistic vision. We dream of creating dramatic masterpieces or personal narratives that reveal our talent and depth as storytellers. However, the practical reality of the film industry requires a strategic approach. 

"Sell out" doesn't mean abandoning your creative integrity or producing work you don't believe in. Instead, it emphasizes first demonstrating your value through commercially viable and financially successful projects. Producing films that appeal to broader audiences and meet market demands establishes your credibility, builds relationships with financiers, distributors, and studios, and ultimately earns you the trust and resources needed to pursue your true artistic passions.

It's a strategic stepping stone rather than a compromise. By proving you understand the business side of filmmaking—budgeting effectively, casting strategically, and delivering commercially appealing films—you gain the leverage necessary to later champion the deeply personal and artistically ambitious projects close to your heart.

This advice isn't about selling your soul; it's about understanding the industry's realities and navigating them wisely. Filmmaking is an art form deeply embedded within a commercial context. Those who grasp this balance early can successfully maneuver through the industry, achieving not only financial stability but also creating the space and opportunities to ultimately realize their passion projects on their own terms.

— David Brown, Founder of FilmMoney