The Plight of Independent Filmmakers: An Interview with Brady Corbet Exposes Financial Hardships
In an interview on the "WTF with Marc Maron" podcast, Brady Corbet, the director of "The Brutalist," an acclaimed film nominated for ten Academy Awards, revealed a sobering truth that has sent shockwaves through the film industry: Despite the film’s critical success, he has not profited financially from it.
Corbet’s candid statement has sparked a broader conversation about the economic challenges faced by independent filmmakers, particularly those who create ambitious works on limited budgets. Despite the accolades, "The Brutalist" has generated negligible financial gain, leaving Corbet and his team struggling to make ends meet.
"I’ve Made Zero Dollars on the Last Two Films I Made"
Corbet recounts his recent experience directing three commercials in Portugal as his first source of income in years. He emphasizes that both he and his partner received no compensation for their previous two films.
Upon hearing this, host Marc Maron expresses astonishment, prompting Corbet to reiterate, "Yes, actually zero. We had to just live off a paycheck from three years ago."
"You’re Not Paid to Be Promoting a Film"
Corbet explains that the relentless schedule of awards season has prevented him from taking on new projects. "Our film premiered in September, so I’ve been doing this for six months and had zero income because I don’t have any time to work," he says.
He laments that the industry does not compensate filmmakers for promoting their films, exacerbating their financial difficulties.
"I Can’t Even Take a Writing Job at the Moment"
Corbet notes the irony of being unable to afford basic expenses while his film garners critical acclaim. "I’ve spoken to many filmmakers that have films that are nominated this year that can’t pay their rent," he says. "That’s a real thing."
"It’s Not a Very Lucrative Medium"
In a previous interview with Variety, Corbet had described the arduous journey of making "The Brutalist" on a budget of $10 million, a figure considered low for a film of its scale. "I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, because it was just years and years of essentially working for free," he said.
He further elaborated to The Hollywood Reporter about the seven years it took to bring the movie to fruition, emphasizing the financial toll it has taken. "I can barely keep my head above water financially," he confessed. "Most filmmakers I know in America — they live in one-bedroom apartments until they die. It’s not a very lucrative medium. You work on something for years. You don’t get paid much, or if you do, it’s not enough money to live on for four to seven years until you’re able to get your next film off the ground. It takes a lot out of you."
Implications for the Film Industry
Corbet’s revelations highlight the systemic challenges faced by independent filmmakers who often operate on shoestring budgets and rely on passion and perseverance to create their work.
The financial struggles endured by Corbet and countless others raise questions about the sustainability of the independent film industry and the need for more equitable revenue-sharing models.
The plight of "The Brutalist" serves as a stark reminder of the discrepancy between critical and financial success in the film industry and the challenges faced by those who create ambitious and thought-provoking cinema.
