What is a filmmaker?

I was reading an article that pretty much said everyone that works on a film is to be considered a filmmaker. They listed actors, directors, stunt people and even craft services as filmmakers. I have to disagree. I don’t want to diminish anyone’s work but just because a nurse or orderly works at the hospital doesn’t make them a surgeon.

I would classify the positions of director and producer as the only true jobs that should be considered a filmmaker. The producer and the director are the only jobs that can get a film made. No matter how exquisite the writing or amazing the actor, the film can not be made without the director and/or producer spearheading the project.

I’m not saying that directing and/or producing must be the primary job, but it has to be a portion of the resume if you want to be considered a filmmaker. I am originally a writer. I was forced to direct and produce to get my own film off the ground. And, I would do it again in a heartbeat. As someone that has written (or co-written) more than two dozen scripts and developed (to some extent) a hundred ideas or so, I had always thought that I would direct a few films while continuing to write other scripts.

What is your definition of a filmmaker?

Don.