The Power of Networking in Filmmaking: Collaboration vs Competition

Fire dancers perform a mesmerizing aGoGo dance with flaming palms, lighting up the night at Chinook Blast.

I believe in the power of filmmaking. As a solo filmmaker, I’ve realized that while I can create independently, reaching my bigger goals won’t be possible without a team. Many filmmakers fall into the trap of viewing peers as competition rather than potential allies. The truth is, no one can do it all alone. Success in this industry is not a zero-sum game. It’s about building connections, supporting each other, and growing together.

The Myth of Competition in Filmmaking

One of the biggest misconceptions in the film industry is that there’s not enough work to go around. While breaking into the industry can be challenging, the demand for quality content is higher than ever. The rise of smartphones and accessible video technology has only amplified this demand. Now that everyone can shoot video, the challenge becomes creating truly excellent content that stands out.

I believe this is an exciting time to be a filmmaker. With the flood of amateur content, professional filmmakers have the opportunity to set themselves apart by producing truly next-level work. To succeed, we have to constantly push ourselves, refine our artistry, and scale our capabilities. The industry is evolving, and embracing the challenge provides endless opportunities to grow.

Collaboration Leads to Bigger Opportunities

Filmmaking is inherently a team sport, even at smaller scales. As a solo filmmaker, handling the workload of even modest projects can be overwhelming. Landing the kind of contracts that allow you to support yourself usually means they are at a scale that requires a crew of professionals to execute. When you reach that point, you’ll want solid relationships in place.

Teams built on collaboration, trust, and respect are the ones that succeed. The relationships you cultivate today are the key to assembling a reliable team when that big opportunity arrives. By supporting other filmmakers, you build a network of people who will vouch for you, recommend you, and bring you along when they land their own projects. A rising tide lifts all boats.

The Industry Has More Work Than You Think

Companies, artists, and organizations are constantly seeking compelling visual storytelling, and the demand continues to rise. Those who tap into growing markets like corporate videos, branded content, documentary work, music videos, social media content, and live event coverage realize that there’s an abundance of projects out there.

Consider your own capacity. How many events happen every weekend? How many artists and companies exist in your province? Could you physically serve all of them at once? You can only be in one place at a time, and there are only 24 hours in a day, especially if you’re still working a day job to support yourself. The reality is, no single filmmaker can take on everything alone.

Each successful project by your peers builds demand for all of us and strengthens the industry. Also, consider that there are multiple niches, and certain projects excite us more than others. Even if we could do everything, we wouldn’t want to. Instead of trying to be a generalist, focus on getting really good at what you do and then branch out. When you become known for something, you become the go-to choice—someone sought after rather than someone who is just "good enough."

Final Thoughts: Build, and Collaborate

The best thing you can do for your career is to invest in your network. Collaborate, support, and uplift other filmmakers. The more you give, the more you’ll receive in return. By fostering genuine relationships and focusing on growth, you’ll create opportunities not just for yourself but for the entire community of storytellers.

At Kiamythos Films, I believe in the power of filmmaking and coming together to tell powerful stories that resonate. Let’s build the future of film together.