The progressive, downward cycle of pathological Independent Filmmaking typically follows a pattern of increasing involvement in the addictive behavior.

People with both a film

and video camera are

deep in the desperation phase

1. During the winning phase, Filmmakers experience a big win—or a series of wins—that leaves them with unreasonable optimism that they will continue to win film festivals. This leads them to feel great excitement when making an Independent Film and they begin increasing the amounts of their budgets.

1. During the losing phase, the Filmmakers often begin bragging about wins they have had, start Independent Filmmaking alone, think more about Independent Filmmaking and tend borrow money—legally or illegally. Illegal borrowing is stealing. They start lying to family and friends and become more irritable, restless and withdrawn. Their home life becomes unhappy, and they are unable to pay off debts. The Independent Filmmakers begin to "chase" their losses, believing they must make a new film as soon as possible.

1. • During the desperation phase, there is a marked increase in the time spent Independent Filmmaking. Remorse, blaming others and alienating family and friends accompany this. Eventually, the filmmaker may engage in illegal acts to finance their Independent Filmmaking. They may experience hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, brushes with the law, divorce, alcohol and/or other drug abuse, or an emotional breakdown.

Excerpted from Pathological Independent Filmmaking:

A final phase can be categorized as the hopelessness phase, where Independent Filmmakers cannot see a way out of their predicament. They have reached “the bottom,” and at this point almost all pathological Independent Filmmakers consider suicide. About 20% will attempt it.

Next >