I want to produce & act in my own films. Need advice

I'm kind of conflicted right now. I'm not sure anyone here can give me some advice on this but if I can get some answers, that would appreciated! Basically I'm in my late 20's and I'm conflicted on how I should pursue this if I choose this is the path that I want to go on. In my heart of hearts I really want to start a production company with someone, where we make our own films, short films, etc. Right now I don't even have know anyone to start it with. I was thinking of taking some acting classes and trying to possibly network with some people like that. Another challenge even if I find people to start this journey with is the promotional aspect.

Youtube is not what it used to be, getting views is umpteenth times harder than it used to be. I honestly have absolutely no idea how anyone gets views anymore, let alone hundreds of thousands? Are people pumping thousands of dollars for promotion or is there some secret formula that I'm missing? I've tried using good tags, thumbnails, and even paid promo (which most of them were fake by the way) and I eventually gave up because I wouldn't get any substantial growth. I really want to do it this way because I just find the whole game of trying to get an agent, than auditioning 5000 thousand times for one yes, on a gig you probably don't even wanna do just to get an opportunity not really worth it in my opinion, especially at my age I just don't see chasing the "holly wood" dream realistic anymore.

I feel like even if I fail i'd find it more fulfilling to create my own stuff but being your own content creator these days is a lot harder because every thing is over saturated as hell. I know this sounds more like a rant but I guess I'm wondering what is the best way to go about an actor who wants to produce and act in his own films but have it be seen. I guess film festivals is one way but I don't know any one who is passionate about this like I am or anyone who is interested in this kind of thing. I also feel like the window is slowly but surely closing because late 20's doesn't seem that old in general but when you're starting again from absolute scratch it kind of is considering the fact that anything you pursue is a slow build. I pissed away most of my youth dealing with mental illness, loneliness and a bunch of other stuff but that's a whole story I won't get into. This is a lot to unpack but I hope I can get some genuine feedback, not troll type answers or condescending vibes. I'm just genuinely trying to get another person's take on my situation

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uncalled4 · 56-60, M

There's no easy way. You have to get out there and "hit the bricks" and go on auditions and such. My cousin's kid is in Terrifier 2, but that was the result of countless auditions, voice over work, bit parts in movies and TV shows. You'll want to move to(or close to) an LA or New York.

GhangisKhan · 31-35, M

@uncalled4 You clearly didn't read my post. In my post I said I was trying to produce my own stuff, not do it the "holly wood" way and that's exactly what you're telling me to do. Also at my age countless auditions will probably just age me right out of the market. That shit takes time which is why most successful actors started young, at least by the time they're in their earlier 20's. Starting from scratch in your late 20's, yeah is it possible? Yeah but it's just not likely. Most late actors just end up doing these small background roles forever and get stuck with agents that don't do shit for them. Trust me I heard a lot of horror stories of actors my age trying to get in the game late

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

@GhangisKhan No, I did read it. That's my take. You don't have to agree with it. But I don't think you have anything to lose by learning how to shoot/edit, etc.

GhangisKhan · 31-35, M

@uncalled4 Well it doesn't seem like you grasped it because as I said in my post I said I wanted to produce my own stuff and you told me I should audition and move to NY or LA. That's apples and oranges. Also I said I wanted to produce my own stuff, not be a cinematographer. Two different fields. I'm an actor. I'm not trying to be a camera man

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

@GhangisKhan If you want to have success in the biz, it helps to be where it's happening. And if you know the biz, you know that many successful directors began as cinematographers--Barry Levinson for example. To know how the whole thing works can certainly be of value and certainly increases your chances of getting work.

GhangisKhan · 31-35, M

@uncalled4 Again it seems like you don't even know the difference to these fields. I'm not trying to be a director either. I'm trying to be an actor/producer. Each field is unique to their own and deserves it's individual respect. You can't just do all of these things at once on a whim. I do however agree that even trying to do it on your own, it's better to be surrounded in an area where a particular field is dominant because you can still network with other folks who want to do it my way as well. I guess moving to another state in my current situation is another challenge in it of itself. So there's that

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