Filmmaking is often romanticized as a lucrative career, but Brady Corbet’s recent revelations suggest otherwise. Despite his latest film, The Brutalist, earning 10 Oscar nominations and grossing $30 million worldwide, Corbet claims he’s financially struggling.
In a candid conversation on Marc Maron’s WTF Podcast, Corbet revealed that he and his writing partner, Mona Fastvold, received “zero dollars” for their last two films. The financial strain has been so severe that he recently took a commercial directing gig in Portugal just to make ends meet. “It’s the first time that I had made really any money in years,” Corbet admitted.
What’s more shocking is that Corbet isn’t alone. “I’ve spoken to many filmmakers that have films that are nominated this year that can’t pay their rent,” he said, emphasizing how the industry’s financial model often leaves independent directors in precarious situations. Unlike major studio-backed filmmakers, indie directors don’t always receive substantial upfront payments, and extensive promotional commitments—often unpaid—leave them unable to take on other paying work.
This revelation highlights a stark reality in Hollywood: acclaimed artistry doesn’t always translate into financial stability. Many indie directors, including Jonathan Glazer, Bennett Miller, and Spike Jonze, have reportedly turned to commercial work to sustain their careers. Meanwhile, major studios, particularly Marvel, continue to lure independent talents with the promise of financial security, often at the cost of creative autonomy.
While Corbet’s financial struggles are surprising, his rising industry reputation post-The Brutalist suggests that his next project could land him a major studio deal—whether he chooses to take that path remains to be seen.
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Source: World Of Reel
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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