Why can't filmmaking be done as a serious hobby or just for fun?

[Arch Stanton]

Why can't people get together to work on films just because they love filmmaking or want to have fun?

People use so many other things as hobbies/fun, why not filmmaking?

I've been trying to make films this way for years and can't find other people that feel the same way. They're either just in it for the money or claim it's their passion, but don't take it serious enough.

I'm starting to wonder if it's me, the city I live in, or if this is just a common problem.

Somebody please provide some insight

 

[directorik]

Filmmaking is seen as more of a business than an art.

Not always and not by everyone. Of course when a lot of MY
money is being spent then I tend to see it as a business. If
I'm spending YOUR money it's art.

It's hard to justify doing something just for fun/hobby when it takes so much time, effort, and money.

Lot's of hobbies take time, effort and money. And lot's of people
do their hobbies for fun while having a job to pay for their hobby.
I don't see making a movie as much different.

Most people are busy working on their own projects and are not really looking to collaborate.

Yep, that's an issue. It's rare for people to say, "I'll spend time,
effort and money on YOUR project."

But I know many people who do filmmaking as a serious hobby
just for fun. I still do it just for fun when I have the time. Take
the 48 Hour Film Project as an example. That's done just for
fun by thousands of people all over the world.

 

[WalterB]

............................
Take the 48 Hour Film Project as an example. That's done just for
fun by thousands of people all over the world.

The strength of 48 Hour Film Project is offcourse you know it will only cost you 3 days. (I know 48 hours is 2 days, but you need to prepare a little before and sleep a lot afterwards ) There is no 'danger' of getting stuck in a long term project.

 

[Arch Stanton]

Plus, there are incentives for the 48 Hour Film Project such as screenings, awards, competitive aspect, etc.

 

[JoshL]

The strength of 48 Hour Film Project is offcourse you know it will only cost you 3 days. (I know 48 hours is 2 days, but you need to prepare a little before and sleep a lot afterwards ) There is no 'danger' of getting stuck in a long term project.

I think you hit the nail on the head there. People have no problem spending tons of money and hours on a model train layout (for example)...in their own basement. Plus with "solo projects", you won't get stuck if someone bails on you. You can work on it in your own time, when you have time. With 48hfp, everyone knows the ONE WEEKEND it takes place during far in advance. Even still, lots of teams around here talk about people dropping out at the last minute.

All that said, there are people out there who enjoy filmmaking as just a hobby. But like music, for every one person doing it for fun, there's dozens who want to "make it big" (and a small handful that actually put the work in to make that happen).