I like filmmaking, I don't like shopping! I just don't like searching all over and comparing prices. It's exausting.
That is the essence of being a filmmaker - you have to "shop" for the right script, "shop" for the right talent on both sides of the camera , "shop" for your locations, "shop" for distribution... you get the idea? You're going to sacrifice one of the most important aspects of your craft because you don't like shopping?
You also have to do your own research and formulate your own opinions. I could tell you exactly what to get and what to do. But am I the next big thing in audio post/sound design three steps away from an Oscar, or am I just another pathetic wannabe who can talk the talk but has never taken one step on that path? How do you
really know? That is why you must perform your due diligence. You search the 'net, read and participate in the forums, network face-to-face with other members of the filmmaking community, work on projects besides your own, read books. The better, reputable vendors have "sales favorites" listed on their sites; do the research and find out why they are favorites. Are they quality products or are they popular because they're cheap/inexpensive. What to do the professionals use?
Why do they use them? You may not be able to afford what they are using right now, but it is important to know what features they value and why them value them as there may be a product that is just a little more expensive that will provide you with more powerful creative options.
And get used to being exhausted; that is another aspect of being a filmmaker. You are going to have endless weeks of 20 hour days, most of which will be filled with things that are not the "fun" side of filmmaking - budgeting, scheduling, management, mediation - all squeezed into odd in-between moments while you are in preproduction, shooting or in post.
You want to hear about shopping? I spent last weekend combing Good Will, Salvation Army and similar stores looking for shoes (as well as other items) for Foley work. As long as they fit on my feet it doesn't matter what they look like, it matters what they
sound like. And you have no idea the kinds of looks I get when I'm trying on ladies high heels and pumps. I've also spent dozens of hours preparing for my next software upgrade - compatibility, pricing, prep time, studio down-time...
So if you're looking for sympathy you've come to the wrong guy. I've worked my tail off for close to 40 years and earned every single dime of my own money. I'm currently working 16 hour days and still manage to cram in some time for my wife and kids. And before I get some snide comment about "well what are you doing on the 'net when you claim you're working" the fact is that I'm waiting for a download of some audio files to come into my system. BTW, you'll notice that the bulk of my posts are after 2am before I get to bed or early afternoon when I'm waiting for clients to arrive.
I am now going to close up shop for the day. A couple of friends are coming over and we're going to enjoy a well-deserved evening watching the Stupid, I mean, Super Bowl.