After completing university in 2014 and deciding that I wanted to pursue a career in the film industry, I soon realised that the road ahead was far more challenging than I had anticipated. The entry into the industry seemed like a daunting journey, especially after a guest speaker in our final year session advised us to pursue stable careers while relegating our creative passions to the side-lines. This advice left me and my college peers feeling taken aback and frustrated, given the dedication we had poured into our studies over three years, not to mention the mounting debt we had accumulated.
Despite winning an award for outstanding achievements in screenwriting and receiving glowing support from my tutors, rejection letters from top broadcasting firms flooded in, shattering my confidence and leaving me with a sense of uncertainty. The slew of rejections, even for the most basic positions, was disheartening to say the least. At that point, I felt as though the doors of the industry were firmly shut, with entry seemingly reserved only for those already on the inside.
Prior to university, I had pursued acting with great success, but life circumstances led me to shift my priorities after having my second child. The rejection I faced in the film industry made me realise that breaking into the field required more than just talent—it demanded insider connections and resources that seemed out of reach.
Determined not to be deterred by rejection, I decided to take matters into my own hands and set up my own production company - A Scott Productions. Drawing on my passion for storytelling and my desire to depict my British Jamaican culture, I embarked on a journey to create opportunities for black and diverse talent while staying true to my vision.
For years, I worked tirelessly, independently producing films and gaining momentum. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, financial constraints brought my projects to a standstill. Once again, I found myself back on the conveyor belt of rejection, this time armed with experience and a robust network. However, the competition had intensified, and the rejection emails poured in relentlessly.
Despite the challenges, I refused to give up. The rejections fuelled my determination to succeed on my own terms. I took feedback onboard, strengthened my projects, and explored alternative avenues for funding. I now have two features with producers in development and working on some new projects in the background. In 2023, I founded Filmmaking Planner, a company dedicated to providing custom filmmaking tools to empower creatives and make the industry more accessible and affordable.
By shifting my focus from knocking on closed doors to building my own path, I've learned to pursue my dreams relentlessly, with or without the support of the industry. Rejection no longer defines my journey—it merely fuels my determination to succeed on my own terms.
In the realm of creativity, rejection is an inevitable reality on the journey toward success. Whether you're an aspiring writer, artist, musician, or any other creative soul, facing rejection is practically a rite of passage. However, while rejection may sting, it doesn't have to be debilitating. In fact, it can be a powerful tool for growth and development.
Let's explore how creatives can embrace rejection and use it to their advantage.
Understand that rejection is not personal: One of the most important things to remember when facing rejection is that it's not a reflection of your worth as a person or the quality of your work. Rejection is often subjective and can be influenced by a myriad of factors that are beyond your control. Separating your identity from your creative endeavours can help you maintain perspective and resilience in the face of rejection.
Learn from rejection: Instead of viewing rejection as a failure, try to see it as an opportunity for learning and improvement. Take the feedback you receive, if any, and use it to refine your skills and strengthen your work. Each rejection can provide valuable insights that can help you grow as a creative professional.
Keep creating: The best way to overcome rejection is to keep creating. Don't let fear of rejection paralyse you or prevent you from pursuing your creative passions. Use rejection as motivation to push yourself further and explore new ideas. Remember, every masterpiece was once a work in progress, and every successful creative faced rejection along the way.
Find a support network: Surround yourself with fellow creatives who understand the challenges of rejection and can offer support and encouragement when you need it most. Whether it's a writing group, an artist collective, or an online community, having a support network can help you stay motivated and inspired, even in the face of rejection.
Practice resilience: Resilience is a key trait for any creative professional. It's the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward despite obstacles. Cultivate resilience by practicing self-care, staying positive, and focusing on the aspects of your creative journey that bring you joy and fulfilment.
Celebrate your successes: Finally, don't forget to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Every acceptance, every positive review, and every milestone is a testament to your hard work and dedication. Take the time to acknowledge your achievements and remind yourself why you embarked on this creative journey in the first place.
Rejection is an unavoidable part of the creative process, but it doesn't have to hold you back. By reframing rejection as an opportunity for growth, learning, and resilience, you can overcome its sting and continue to pursue your creative passions with confidence and determination.
Embrace rejection, learn from it, and let it fuel your journey toward success.
Written By: Aysha Scott