Lights. Camera. Respect.
Let’s get real—filmmaking is not a walk in the park. It’s a walk through fire, with a camera on one shoulder, a deadline on your back, and a budget that somehow always feels allergic to your vision. But hey, you still do it. Why? Because you’re a storyteller. A dream-chaser. A mad genius in a director’s chair. And for that, you deserve more than applause. You deserve respect—and proper value.
So why are so many filmmakers still undervaluing themselves?
The “Exposure” Epidemic
If we had a dollar for every time someone said, “We can’t pay, but it’s good exposure,” we could fund a feature film with Denzel and CGI lions.
Truth is, exposure doesn’t pay rent. And it sure doesn’t buy camera lenses or feed cast and crew. While every artist starts somewhere, staying stuck in “free mode” for years is not noble—it’s harmful.
Your Talent Is Not a Hobby
You studied. You practiced. You’ve failed, learned, and evolved. So why act like your skills are just a side hustle? Filmmaking is a profession, not a favor. Treat it like one. When you undercharge, you train people to see your work as cheap. When you stand your ground, you teach them that good stories cost good money.
Price Is Not Just About Money
Your rate reflects your process, experience, creativity, and mental health. Charging what you’re worth doesn’t mean you’re greedy—it means you’re professional. It tells clients, “This is not guesswork; this is craftsmanship.”
And let’s not forget: underpricing creates a ripple effect. If one filmmaker does a N1M job for N200k, the client begins to expect everyone to work at that price. Stop normalizing struggle.
Know the Value You Bring
A well-shot film can make an audience cry, laugh, or change their perspective. A great advert can double a business’s sales. A wedding video can become a family heirloom. That’s power. You’re not just clicking buttons—you’re creating legacy.
Collaboration, Not Exploitation
Let’s be clear—valuing yourself doesn’t mean being arrogant. It means setting healthy boundaries, being clear about expectations, and choosing projects that align with your vision and growth. You can say no politely. You can negotiate smartly. And yes, sometimes, you’ll take passion projects—but even then, you’ll do it from a place of choice, not desperation.
Final Take: Be Your Own Fan First
Before anyone else believes in your work, you have to. Value your time, your vision, your team—and the sweat that goes into every frame. When you do that, the industry follows your lead.
So, dear filmmaker, stop dimming your light to fit someone else’s budget.
You are not “just a filmmaker.”
You are an architect of emotion.
A builder of dreams.
A storyteller with a lens sharper than any sword.
Charge accordingly.
Respect yourself fiercely.
Create like a god, negotiate like a boss.
- AOS Films