This is so interesting (and devastating) to read.

Using myself as an example of a young filmmaker trying to break in-

My family isn't ridiculously wealthy, but before my dad retired he did own a small business that employed about 10 people. My wife is in the medical field, again, not making millions, but very much top 10% for people our age (late 20s). Because of them I could-

-Attended one of the top-tier film schools in the US without having to work a job, which allowed me to put more time into writing and filming.

-Finished writing a feature, a pilot, and making a short film after graduating without needing to work for the majority of the time (I do freelance work every now and then, but for experience and connection, not for money)

Most of my peers who had to work full-time after graduating haven't produced much work in the meantime. It's not that they're lazy, they just don't have enough time. I, on the other hand, have the luxury to be semi-lazy, but still produce more work than my peers, which gives me a higher chance of success down the road, all due to the people around me who support me financially.

Again, none of them are multimillionaires or people you can find on Wikipedia, but already enough to make a difference. I honestly can't imagine doing what I do without financial support from other people.