How to Build a Successful Career as a Filmmaker: Real Stories, Big Lessons, and the Indie Spirit

What does it mean to “MAKE IT in the world of film? If you’re a filmmaker, creative, or movie buff, you know that getting from vision to screen is a marathon—one filled with dazzling highs, humbling lessons, bizarre twists, and the ever-present question: How do I get my movie to stand out and actually connect with an audience?

If you’ve ever wished you could eavesdrop on a freewheeling, real-talk conversation between filmmakers who’ve actually lived through the indie trenches, sharpened their craft, and come out with a story worth telling—well, look no further. The latest episode of the Make It Podcast is rich with wisdom, laughs, and practical takeaways that every ambitious filmmaker should hear. Hosts, Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs, are joined by acclaimed indie director and producer David Parks—whose journey winds through sports broadcasting, scripted features, documentaries, iPhone cinematography, and heartfelt stories of family, faith, and friendship.

This is your behind-the-scenes pass to lessons you won’t find in film school.

From Law Dreams to Lens Dreams: The Story of David Parks

David Parks didn’t always picture himself behind the camera. In fact, he started college thinking he’d be a lawyer, majoring in political science at Syracuse University. Then, an elective course in TV and radio flipped a switch—making him realize there was a whole world where storytelling paid the bills and fueled the imagination.

As David tells it:

“I took a class as an elective, just like a TV, radio introductory class. And this sort of light bulb went off…wait, I can, like, get paid to work in television?”

This is a running theme in the conversation: the winding, sometimes unpredictable journey of a film career. David’s path tBC Sports, through news and reality TV, and eventually into the world of independent filmmaking—accumulating skills, connections, and life wisdom at every stop.

His most recent work, the feature film The Short Game, shines as a case study in the creative, practical, and ethical choices involved in telling authentic stories—especially about topics like neurodiversity and family.

Indie Isn’t Just A Budget—It’s A Mindset

When audiences see an indie film, they might marvel at how resourceful and creative you have to be without studio resources. But what’s less obvious is the mindset you need—the mix of humility, hustle, and self-belief that gets you through a shoot when the heat index is over 110°F, you’re out of money, and your next scene depends on borrowing a golf course or turning an iPhone into your main camera.

David’s story radiates this spirit. The production of The Short Game, a heartfelt drama about a high school golfer and his autistic brother, required relentless flexibility—from rewriting scripts to fit location realities, to sourcing authentic talent (including casting a truly autistic actor), to addressing feedback that came after what they thought was the “final” cut.

Quote:

“We actually went out and shot a new scene…that gave Jeremy the chance to be sympathetic and more loving and understanding of his brother. It explained, out loud, that he’s autistic. And it all blended together nicely…thank goodness for that input, or people would have been confused.”

This humility—the willingness to listen, adapt, and improve—happens both on set and after, in the editing room.

The Art and Agony of “Killing Your Darlings”

If you’re into film, you’ve probably heard that one of the hardest things to do is to “kill your darlings”— to cut the scenes, lines, or shots that don’t serve the story, no matter how much you love them. But as David, Chris, and Nick discuss, it’s so much easier said than done.

For David, the key is objectivity:

“I have these questions that I look at every scene and ask myself, and this isn’t unique to me…does this scene progress the story? Does it propel the protagonist’s journey? If it doesn’t, it doesn’t need to be in the film.”

But emotion is always there, lurking:

“You fall in love with lines, you fall in love with scenes. And there are elements that were cut out—now I can’t even tell you what they were, because the film works so well without them.”

Lesson: Trusting your editor, your team, and the story itself can set you free from perfectionism and overwork. Sometimes your smartest move is asking for outside eyes—a diverse test screening, honest colleagues, or even your executive producer—to see what you’re too close to notice.

Teamwork, Trust, and The Real Value of Executive Producers

Indie filmmakers often see executive producers as checkbooks. But as David shares, the best executive producers are collaborators, sounding boards, and community connectors. Case in point: when COVID sidelined a key actress during production, the executive producer didn’t just rescue the film with cash—he lent his house, his network, and a son with filmmaking chops to make reshoots happen.

“Don’t think about exec producers as just the money. They can bring so much to the table—even housing, or a whole film crew for a pickup day.”

That goes for every role: build your creative circle wisely, seeking trust, openness, and a shared vision. No one succeeds alone.

Mistakes, Pranks, and Lessons You’ll Never Forget

It’s not all hustle and hardship. One of the joys of this episode—and David’s story—is the lighthearted side of filmmaking: epic pranks on set and at home, behind-the-scenes gaffes, and those moments for which you can only laugh and learn.

From pranking his own mother into accidentally announcing a fake engagement, to trading tales about who walked out of which “classic” film, this episode reminds us that film is family—and that laughter is the ultimate stress reliever during a marathon shoot.

Plus, there’s a hilarious sidebar about making a slow-motion golf shot work with just an iPhone, some creative angles, and a whole lot of “throwing golf balls until it looked perfect.”

Takeaway: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Almost every indie film—heck, every major studio film—has “if they only knew” stories. Embrace them, and know you’re not alone.

The Best Indie Advice: Hybrid Skills, Bold Moves, No Regrets

What are the real skills that help you last—and thrive—in a film career? For David, Chris, and Nick, it’s a hybrid of the artistic and the entrepreneurial.

• Learn the business, not just the art.
• Know marketing, distribution, and how to talk to real audiences (not just studios or festival programmers).
• Don’t let perfectionism stop you from putting your film into the world—but don’t settle for “good enough” if you can make it great.
• Use social media: not as a chore, but as a creative playground and audience-builder.
• Always, always make room for learning from others.

David’s mantra says it best:

“Don’t live with regrets. Every once in a while, you have to take a leap of faith…if you look back and say, ‘I’m happy with my decisions,’ you’ve probably lived a pretty fulfilling life.”

Studios, Indies, and the Future of Real Storytelling

Where do indie films fit in a world of tentpole blockbusters, endless sequels, and billion-dollar franchises? The podcast tackles this debate head-on. While 76% of their audience says they’d “rather pay for Hollywood movies,” all agree that indie film is where new voices and real stories are born.

David’s take? Many of Hollywood’s hottest new directors started in indie, short films, or even YouTube. Authenticity, creative control, and personal vision are what make indie possible—and increasingly, necessary for an industry hungry for fresh perspectives.

“Indie isn’t just about money. It’s about getting to tell stories that matter, stories that change you and your audience. Don’t give that up.”

Distribution and Marketing: Don’t Wait Until “The End”

One of the biggest risks for indie filmmakers is waiting until after the film is finished to start planning distribution and marketing. As David and the hosts highlight, early thinking (and ideally, a dedicated team member focused on these aspects) can be a game changer.

• Consider festival strategy, digital distribution (VOD, SVOD, TVOD), and direct-to-community partnerships (like working with autism organizations for "The Short Game").
• Know that there are more outlets than ever, but also more competition. Curating your audience and building relationships matter.
• Cultivating a balanced skillset—creative, technical, business, and community-building—can set you apart.

“Marketing is like understanding the wind. It changes, and so should you.”

Eat, Laugh, and Stay Inspired: The Culture of Filmmaking

From deep-dish pizza in Chicago to jumbo slices in the Adams Morgan district of Washington, DC, food and culture are recurring characters in any filmmaker’s life. The podcast covers favorite cheat meals, memories of late-night snacks after wrap parties, and the value of eating together as a crew.

Beyond food, it’s about finding joy and community in what can feel like a lonely or overwhelming pursuit.

• Get to know your local food spots.
• Bring your team together around the table.
• Take time to appreciate the journey, the friendships, and the memories you create along the way.

The Question That Matters Most: What Does “Making It” Mean to You?

As the episode winds down, David shares that his definition of success has changed from seeking external validation to finding internal fulfillment and connection.

“For me, making it is only about what I think about my work and what I’m doing…not measured in awards or financial success, but in whether I’m proud of what I put out in the world, and whether it moved people.”

This is the real gift you can give yourself as a filmmaker: Measure your triumphs by the stories you tell, the people you impact, and the growth you experience. No one else can define “making it” for you.

Watch or Listen to the Full Conversation

No matter where you are on your filmmaking journey—dreaming, scripting, shooting, second-guessing, or celebrating—you’ll find fuel, comfort, and plenty of “aha” moments in this remarkable podcast episode.

Don’t miss:

• First-hand production stories (the real deal, not the sanitized press version)
• Practical tips you can use at any stage of your career
• Hilarious, sometimes jaw-dropping tales from the trenches
• Wise, unfiltered advice about art, business, and staying true to your filmmaking vision.

Ready to learn more, laugh more, and find your people?

👉 Listen or watch the full episode of this conversation on your favorite podcast app or on YouTube. Just search for “The Make It Podcast” and look for the episode with David Parks and “The Short Game.”

Hit subscribe, drop a comment, leave a review, and—most importantly—keep creating. The world needs your stories.

Be better. Be creative. Be engaged.
Thanks for reading—and we’ll see you on set, or in the next episode!