One topic I get asked about all the time is crowdfunding:

“Why do it if you don’t HAVE to?”
“Doesn’t it make you look cheap?”
“Isn’t it just begging your friends for money?”

I’ve been on every side of it. I’ve supported projects where the creator ghosted. I’ve spent years delivering on my promises for indie projects. And I’ve finally landed on what I feel is an essential strategy for creators in the modern film and art ecosystem.

What’s your follower count? Views? Income?
Our world is ruled by attention. And it can feel like your influence is your greatest currency. We see it flexed every day.

Let me tell you… as artists this is toxic.

You spent five years making the movie you thought would be your calling card.

Called in every favor. Spent every dollar. Kept going long after everyone stopped answering your emails.

Now you’re done. Ready for a deal. Ready for the money, the validation — maybe the momentum to make the next one.

Then the slap of reality hits.

I’ve made dozens of short films and two features. They have won awards and played at festivals. But I still wake up wondering if I should keep going.

That’s the honest truth.

The advice you hear most when you're starting out is, "Just go make something." It sounds empowering. But now — after two decades — I’m not so sure it was ever good advice.