Despite the Struggles - I Am Happy to Be an Independent Film Producer

I realize that I often sound like I'm complaining or whining or just plain tired of film producing. It's true that it's exhausting but it's a good kind of exhaustion and I really do love what I do. I have never once dreaded going to work -- even if it's sitting at my desk in my living room.

Do you ever take on tasks in life that you know are sapping all of your energy but you are still excited to be doing them? I pinch myself often thinking about the experiences I've had to date, working with amazing people on some really incredible projects - including an Academy Award winner.

So as I nurse my aching body and brain, I do feel a sense of pride that I took the road less traveled. I followed my dream and allowed it to take me places and meet people and tell stories that I could never have experienced if I hadn't thrown caution to the wind and just did it.

I guess what I'm saying is that despite my wincing and whining, I truly enjoy making movies and I can't wait to make another one. I'm already jonesing to be on set again.

So if your dream is to be a producer. Then do it. Jump in and never look back. If you know you need to produce or you will die then you need to produce. This is how I feel. I would die if I couldn't produce -- well maybe I wouldn't die but you need to feel a really strong obsession for making movies.

Don't question it. Don't give up. Your efforts will pay off. Give it time. Believe in yourself.

Could the process be easier? Yes. Could some of the people I need to deal with be nicer and less crazy? Absolutely. Could I make a steadier living? That would be nice. Is this career worth it? Completely.

In this business, the inmates are running the asylum. And I'm one happy inmate.