Lack of Support

Most folks don't understand when I tell them that I am a filmmaker. I get quizzical looks and then the usual question.

"What does that mean?"

It means that I make films. While a lot of my work consists of weddings, commercials, promo videos, and web vids I also spend my time making narrative films. When I'm not shooting them I'm thinking about them, writing them, planning to shoot them, and talking about them. I have stories that I'm trying to tell and the medium I'm using is film.
People don't understand that I can do this without being in Hollywood. That I am able to do this in my town with very little money is really hard for them to understand. I think this is why people don't take the time to help support the local filmmaker. It's because they don't understand.
Indie and local film making is very different from big budget films. A studio will make a flick for millions of dollars and then spend nearly as much as the film cost to make putting it out in front of the public eye in the form of commercials and posters. We don't have that kind of money. We rely on word of mouth for the most part. Friends telling friends. When our own friends won't spread the word it kills a lot of momentum for our films to get out there. I don't think they do it on purpose it's just that they aren't used to having to spread the word about movies. They are used to letting the studio do all the work and for us poor local filmmakers that just isn't gonna work.
It takes everyone telling everyone to get these films out to the people. If a local filmmaker asks you to help out then I beg you to do your part. Even if the film isn't your cup of tea let it be known that this form of film making is out there and let people decide if it's for them or not. I also encourage discussion about the films. If there is something that doesn't work for you speak up and lets discuss it. Don't bash the film but come at it with a reasonable argument and lets chat. That's part of the fun about making the films. I want to hear what you honestly think. Who knows... you may change my mind on things and the next film will be that much better.
In the end it comes down to keeping the film out there. If it's sent to you then share it. Don't let the film stop on your doorstep and think that you don't need to help because someone else will probably do it. Support the local artists. Tell people.