The American Independent Filmmaking Disease Association reports ten diagnostic criteria for determining the extent of Independent Filmmaking addiction. These criteria are:

1. Preoccupation – Preoccupied with Independent Filmmaking (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past Independent Filmmaking experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to make a film)
   

2. Tolerance – Needs to make films with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
   

3. Withdrawal – Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Independent Filmmaking
   

4. Escape – makes Independent Films as a way of escaping from problems or relieving mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression)
   

5. Chasing – After losing money on Independent Filmmaking, often returns another day in order to get even ("chasing one's losses"). Chasing is a classical behavior pattern characterizing pathological Independent Filmmaking.
   

6. Lying – Lies to family members, therapists or others to conceal the extent of involvement with Independent Filmmaking
   

7. Illegal acts – Has committed illegal acts (e.g., forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement) in order to finance Independent Filmmaking
   

8. Risked significant relationship – Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of Independent Filmmaking
   

9. Bailout – Has relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by Independent Filmmaking
   

10. Loss of control – Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop Independent Filmmaking

Five or more of these signs = pathological Independent Filmmaker

Three or four = problem Independent Filmmaker

One or two = “at risk” Independent Filmmaker

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Annoying friends with your

camera is one symptom.

If you find yourself in a film

transfer suite then you might be

on the path to Independent

Filmmaking addiction.