HOW DO I MAKE A LIVING as a FILMMAKER?

As a freelance filmmaker, I generate most of my income through client work. My 2013 documentary film Sriracha still earns revenue on several platforms. I also let YouTube run ads on many of my videos, but that revenue stream is not as strong as affiliate links.

What are affiliate links?

When you click one of my affiliate links, I may receive a commission for any purchase you make on that site—even if the purchase isn’t the same product I linked you to. You don’t pay any extra, but it’s important that you know that your action may earn me a small commission fee from the retailer.

*From here down, every link is an affiliate link.*

Which retailers am I affiliated with?

I list all the filmmaking equipment I use on a site called Kit. Most of those product links point to B&H, some to Amazon. I’m an affiliate with each, so I receive a small percentage of any purchase you make.

Vimeo gives me a commission if you sign up for their Plus, PRO or Business plan. (I use Vimeo PRO.) You save 25% using my referral link.

I use a license-free music library called Artlist. It’s $200/year to put as many songs as you want in your videos. By using my affiliate link, you get 14 months for the price of 12, and I get $20 when you sign up. In addition, my referrals have already earned me a lifetime subscription.

I have a filmmaking class for sale on CreativeLive. As the teacher, I’m paid a royalty for each sale, but also by referring you to their site, I can receive a commission if you sign up or purchase any class.

And I’ve done paid work for Panasonic. They’ve given me free cameras and lenses to shoot with.

WHY AM I SHARING THIS INFORMATION?

First of all, it’s required by the Federal Trade Commission. Whether I’m affiliate-linking, or talking about a product that I received for free—you need to know that financial relationship to judge my credibility.

I hope you find me sincere and trustworthy. I hope you find the content I share useful. And if you want an easy way to support my work, clicking an affiliate link does just that.