I'm in the thick of pre-production on In-World War and have been seriously stressing about the huge amount of work that wasn't getting done yet.
I realized that I needed producers.
Sure, I may like to think I'm making this film "myself", but I can't do it alone and neither should you. DIY filmmaking is about not asking for permission and making things happen -- not being an overworked masochist. In filmmaking and other team sports, that means you build a great team first and foremost.
And that really starts with having a producing team -- people who have experience in putting together film productions and have some interest in helping out.
They might be motivated by self-interest (builds their resume), by money (because you pay them -- if you can afford it), by philanthropy (they want to help you specifically), by curiosity (they haven't done something like this before and want to try it out), or even by boredom (your project is an exciting departure from their usual fare). Regardless of motivation, these wonderful, talented, driven, A-type personality people are out there and you need to bring them onto your leadership team.
For In-World War, as the anxiety mounted, I realized I needed to hire production leaders like this. I reached out via my blog and twitter, plus a few lists and via friends. As it turned out, everyone I am inviting onto the project -- the most interested prospects too -- were all referrals from friends, family and professional colleagues. That's why networking and making your intentions known are so key.
You need to have a wide circle of people connected to many others in the field and then put it out there when you need something.
And if you're like me, a writer/director of features, that something (at the moment) is serious producer-level help.
First, admit you have a problem -- and then act to find the team to get the job done.
Afterall, DIY doesn't mean Do It Alone.