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How does one deal with burnout in their respective field #Spring25?
I’m going into an undergrad film program and I’m afraid of getting burnt out creatively. I know it’s something I really want to do but I’m not sure how I will deal with burnout because it’s most likely inevitable in a creative field like filmmaking.
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7 answers
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Sukru’s Answer
Hi Camilla,
I hope you're doing well!
Burnout can be tough to deal with, but here are some strategies that might help. Taking care of your body by prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise can make a significant difference. Identify the causes of burnout and set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Seek support from colleagues, mentors, or mental health professionals, and reevaluate your goals. Practice self-compassion and acknowledge that it's okay to feel overwhelmed.
For finding inspiration, explore different mediums like books, movies, and music. Connect with nature through walks or gardening, visit art galleries, and collaborate with others in creative communities. Reflect and journal to tap into your inner thoughts, and try new experiences like traveling or learning new skills. Mindfulness practices can help clear your mind, and seeking inspiration online or reflecting on personal experiences can spark new ideas.
I hope these suggestions help.
Cheers!
Sukru
I hope you're doing well!
Burnout can be tough to deal with, but here are some strategies that might help. Taking care of your body by prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise can make a significant difference. Identify the causes of burnout and set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Seek support from colleagues, mentors, or mental health professionals, and reevaluate your goals. Practice self-compassion and acknowledge that it's okay to feel overwhelmed.
For finding inspiration, explore different mediums like books, movies, and music. Connect with nature through walks or gardening, visit art galleries, and collaborate with others in creative communities. Reflect and journal to tap into your inner thoughts, and try new experiences like traveling or learning new skills. Mindfulness practices can help clear your mind, and seeking inspiration online or reflecting on personal experiences can spark new ideas.
I hope these suggestions help.
Cheers!
Sukru
Updated
Salsabil’s Answer
Hello Nuria!
Being scared is good, it means you like what you are studying and the career path you are choosing, and want to do it the best way you can. I say, as long as you take breaks and understand that creativity does come and goes, you will be fine.
If you do get burnt out creatively, so what? Sometimes a blank slate is all you need, and starting over is not a bad thing.
Do the most mundane things you know, and your creative muscle will kick in!
Wishing you all the best,
Salsabil
Being scared is good, it means you like what you are studying and the career path you are choosing, and want to do it the best way you can. I say, as long as you take breaks and understand that creativity does come and goes, you will be fine.
If you do get burnt out creatively, so what? Sometimes a blank slate is all you need, and starting over is not a bad thing.
Do the most mundane things you know, and your creative muscle will kick in!
Wishing you all the best,
Salsabil
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello Camila !
Congratulations on choosing a Film Career path which is most exciting, satisfying and all good things ! I can see that you have a passion for film and I would like to assure you that you will not " most likely inevitable " get burnt out creatively. It's not going to benefit you to focus on that because it could become a self-fulfilling prophesy. Try not to worry about things that haven't happened yet and don't judge your future experience by other peoples'. You're going to contribute some very important contributions to film and you can't micro-think the future or it will become a barrier.
You are probably thinking like this due to the natural excitement college and a career naturally bring to a student and that's perfectly natural, but you must be careful of your mind set as a negative outlook can and does hold people back. You'll be perfectly fine if you pace yourself.
I say this because a huge part of a film program is that it is very inspiring for the students. There will be creative projects that you will be assigned and you'll get to work on that story you've always been meaning to do. This may be a great time to start expanding the types of films you watch and try to see all of the modern films, classic and old films and foreign films. Become familiar with all genres and films from different countries.
The collaborative experience is very helpful and you will meet new friends in your courses that have various targeted interests in film. Think about what messages are the most important to you. Keep a Journal of ideas starting now and refer back to them when you're in college. Read a lot about film from now till the time you start the film program. Let your life inspire you, always. You can and will do this and be successful in film !
You are going to always have an idea for a project since you have a passion for it. That will drive your creativity and keep it consistent. The best way to avoid exhausting your creativity is to think about all the stories that need to be told that only you can create. I believe that you will never run out of ideas.
I have left some links below to online articles that address creativity in film. Remember that your courses are going to provide abundant ideas for you to make come alive.
So please do not predict or think far ahead about challenges or lack of creativity because creativity happens in the moment so there's no use in thinking about it now. Keep a Journal, watch a lot of film, read up about film from books and websites and you'll be in a superb frame of mind for starting college as a film major. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
HOW FILM MAJORS FOSTER CREATIVITY https://www.educationworld.com/how-filmmaking-schools-can-foster-creativity-all-learners
THE CREATIVE PROCESS AND INSPIRATION FOR FILM https://www.motionpictures.org/2013/08/creativity-in-hollywood-film-visionaries-on-creative-process-and-inspiration/
IMPROVING YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS https://nofilmschool.com/2013/10/science-of-creativity-understand-improve-creative-process
CREATIVITY IN FILMMAKING https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/blog/creativity-in-filmmaking/
Congratulations on choosing a Film Career path which is most exciting, satisfying and all good things ! I can see that you have a passion for film and I would like to assure you that you will not " most likely inevitable " get burnt out creatively. It's not going to benefit you to focus on that because it could become a self-fulfilling prophesy. Try not to worry about things that haven't happened yet and don't judge your future experience by other peoples'. You're going to contribute some very important contributions to film and you can't micro-think the future or it will become a barrier.
You are probably thinking like this due to the natural excitement college and a career naturally bring to a student and that's perfectly natural, but you must be careful of your mind set as a negative outlook can and does hold people back. You'll be perfectly fine if you pace yourself.
I say this because a huge part of a film program is that it is very inspiring for the students. There will be creative projects that you will be assigned and you'll get to work on that story you've always been meaning to do. This may be a great time to start expanding the types of films you watch and try to see all of the modern films, classic and old films and foreign films. Become familiar with all genres and films from different countries.
The collaborative experience is very helpful and you will meet new friends in your courses that have various targeted interests in film. Think about what messages are the most important to you. Keep a Journal of ideas starting now and refer back to them when you're in college. Read a lot about film from now till the time you start the film program. Let your life inspire you, always. You can and will do this and be successful in film !
You are going to always have an idea for a project since you have a passion for it. That will drive your creativity and keep it consistent. The best way to avoid exhausting your creativity is to think about all the stories that need to be told that only you can create. I believe that you will never run out of ideas.
I have left some links below to online articles that address creativity in film. Remember that your courses are going to provide abundant ideas for you to make come alive.
So please do not predict or think far ahead about challenges or lack of creativity because creativity happens in the moment so there's no use in thinking about it now. Keep a Journal, watch a lot of film, read up about film from books and websites and you'll be in a superb frame of mind for starting college as a film major. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Nuria’s Answer
Dealing with burnout, especially in a creative field like filmmaking, can be tough, but there are ways to manage it:
-Take Breaks: Step away from projects to recharge your mind.
-Find Inspiration: Watch films, read, or explore other art forms to spark new ideas.
-Pace Yourself: Avoid overloading yourself with too many tasks at once.
-Collaborate: Working with others can bring fresh perspectives and lessen the pressure.
-Set Boundaries: Balance school, work, and personal time to avoid overworking.
-Celebrate Progress: Appreciate small wins to stay motivated and remind yourself why you love filmmaking
Burnout is manageable, and staying mindful of your limits will help you thrive creatively. You’ve got this!
-Take Breaks: Step away from projects to recharge your mind.
-Find Inspiration: Watch films, read, or explore other art forms to spark new ideas.
-Pace Yourself: Avoid overloading yourself with too many tasks at once.
-Collaborate: Working with others can bring fresh perspectives and lessen the pressure.
-Set Boundaries: Balance school, work, and personal time to avoid overworking.
-Celebrate Progress: Appreciate small wins to stay motivated and remind yourself why you love filmmaking
Burnout is manageable, and staying mindful of your limits will help you thrive creatively. You’ve got this!
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Hi Camila, I just moved from Houston to New York, so it is nice to speak with someone from Texas! Howdy!
Thanks for asking the question about burnout..., I think burnout is possible in any profession....In my opinion, avoiding burnout is about life skills :).
Having a well rounded life is super important! My life has to be about more than my profession (creative or otherwise). Having non-judgemental friends and family that you can share your goals and dreams with are super important! I have always tried to surround myself with people that are my cheerleaders...we may not always agree or have similar goals, but their opinions are the ones I rely on to get me through life.
I also have outside hobbies different than my profession. I am a contract manager, so I read legal documents all day! However, you know where I'll be after work???? in my garden with my dogs! I am an avid gardener that fulfills my need for creativity and doing something with my hands...building something...even this hobby fuels my day job as it teaches me patience (things take time to grow) and so many other skills for life.
So I guess I am suggesting to expand your life outside your profession...it will give you a ton of experience to apply to your professional!
take care!
Thanks for asking the question about burnout..., I think burnout is possible in any profession....In my opinion, avoiding burnout is about life skills :).
Having a well rounded life is super important! My life has to be about more than my profession (creative or otherwise). Having non-judgemental friends and family that you can share your goals and dreams with are super important! I have always tried to surround myself with people that are my cheerleaders...we may not always agree or have similar goals, but their opinions are the ones I rely on to get me through life.
I also have outside hobbies different than my profession. I am a contract manager, so I read legal documents all day! However, you know where I'll be after work???? in my garden with my dogs! I am an avid gardener that fulfills my need for creativity and doing something with my hands...building something...even this hobby fuels my day job as it teaches me patience (things take time to grow) and so many other skills for life.
So I guess I am suggesting to expand your life outside your profession...it will give you a ton of experience to apply to your professional!
take care!
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
Take breaks from what you are doing. Do something different that does not add to burnout, take walks and meditate.
Updated
Devin’s Answer
Hi Camila,
Michelle M. has a lot of good advice and I heartily agree that focussing on a fear of burning out isn't productive. In my opinion, burnout comes from doing too much of one thing that you aren't particularly passionate about, and not maintaining a healthy balance between work and play.
Two tricks that have saved me from burnt out over my 35 or so years in the film industry are :
A. do your own projects whenever you can. I frequently work on other people's films as DP and/or editor (and sometimes other roles), but when I have any down time, I make my own films, even if it's just a simple weekend project.
B. work on other people's films as often as you can, and in different roles. The fun part of college is you have a large amount of freedom to play. Be a prop person on one film, then a gaffer or grip, then an assistant camera person, then a producer, then an actor. This is the best way to learn the roles of the people who make films. It also serves as a hands on way to figure out what you gravitate towards - what you're most passionate about. The great side effect of this approach is that the likelihood of burnout is extremely low because you're too busy learning something new. Even if you aspire to someday be the director, having experienced a variety of filmmaking roles will make you a better director.
I think the reason I've never burnt out in all the years I've been in the film business is because every film project has new things to learn and new challenges to overcome.
I wish you the very best on your filmmaking journey!
Michelle M. has a lot of good advice and I heartily agree that focussing on a fear of burning out isn't productive. In my opinion, burnout comes from doing too much of one thing that you aren't particularly passionate about, and not maintaining a healthy balance between work and play.
Two tricks that have saved me from burnt out over my 35 or so years in the film industry are :
A. do your own projects whenever you can. I frequently work on other people's films as DP and/or editor (and sometimes other roles), but when I have any down time, I make my own films, even if it's just a simple weekend project.
B. work on other people's films as often as you can, and in different roles. The fun part of college is you have a large amount of freedom to play. Be a prop person on one film, then a gaffer or grip, then an assistant camera person, then a producer, then an actor. This is the best way to learn the roles of the people who make films. It also serves as a hands on way to figure out what you gravitate towards - what you're most passionate about. The great side effect of this approach is that the likelihood of burnout is extremely low because you're too busy learning something new. Even if you aspire to someday be the director, having experienced a variety of filmmaking roles will make you a better director.
I think the reason I've never burnt out in all the years I've been in the film business is because every film project has new things to learn and new challenges to overcome.
I wish you the very best on your filmmaking journey!