One of my favorite quotes about this subject comes from St. Bono: "Every artist is a cannibal/every poet is a thief/all kill for inspiration/and then sing about the grief." I love your stuff, Simon. Truly inspiring and educational.
Victor Nguyen Disagree. I tune into FR a lot, and they are still making great, informative, entertaining, & funny (depending on your preference of comedy) videos about film making.
KK Akuoku Bro, you should also read some of David Bordwell Blog entrys (he's a renowned film theorist), if you like Zhou you'll like him too. Sometimes Zhou sounds a lot like him but with other words. What he does is talk about different film techniques and styles compararings their uses throught film history (with images of course)
Great content as usual Simon. It's great that you mentioned CaseyNeistat in this video, and he put it best in one of his videos about "being original". You can copy a style. You can copy the mechanics. But the heart behind creating a great story can never be emulated, and that's where you can start becoming original.
I'm loving the new way of shooting videos! Much better than just sitting at the desk and talking, much more entertaining & creative! Keep it up man! :)
Your videos are always so helpful and entertaining to watch. Thank you for doing such a great job, it really shows how much you love what you're doing.
I loved how laid back this video was. I like the new formats of your recent videos, it's showing both how much your filmmaking knowledge and storytelling ability is growing, but it's also allowing us to get to know you as Simon more, as opposed to the talking head of DSLR Guide. Not of course that there was anything wrong with that "talking head" but it's nice to see you and your channel growing in confidence and ability
Man, you did it again! Great video! And you're also a great influence for a lot of people. BTW, just loved the apple trick for the cuts. :) Cheers buddy!
I really liked your quote at the end. I've seen many stuck up artists who "think" or at least say that they're completely original blah blah blah. It sometimes aggravates me, because you're right- we pick and pull from the things we like and admire to create almost a mix of things we like the best, and show it as our work. Because it's pulled from multiple sources, it kinda becomes original! Planes come from the idea of birds, and light bulbs from the sun. I saw one funny thing- someone said that books are just remixes of the dictionary- which is totally true and goes for everything!! This was a great video, definitely made me think a bit more. Thanks for making these quality videos, I'm just starting out, but I'm learning a lot and am able to start applying your tips to my own work!!
BYRDMAKES I love that thing about the dictionary! Every movie script, every comment, every conversation is using letters and words made by someone else - it's the combination of other people's ideas that makes it interesting! Super glad you're finding the videos interesting :)
I've watched a few of your videos and I have to say that they are really well-made and helpful for people like me who are interested in videography. keep up the good work, greetings from Iceland!
This is very relevant to recent events in my life. Recently someone made a video that blatantly copied two of my videos word for word without giving any credit (although even giving credit wouldn't give him the excuse to steal). This sparked a conversation between my friends and I about where to draw the line between inspiration and just plain stealing. All of us are inspired; none of us are completely original. We all are inspired by a wide variety of content and the melting pot of all those inspirations is when our own style begins to form. However, there is a point when you're not deriving your own style from inspirations and instead just creating a carbon copy of them (although usually of lesser quality). When you start to not only structure your videos the same as them stylistically, but also say exactly what they say, there's a big problem!! I really like what you had to say today - despite it being delivered in the overused format of jumpcuts! ;) I found it very interesting when you gave examples of people being inspired to do the opposite of what the culture was oversaturated with. I can't wait to see what you create next. Thanks.
***** that's tough situation - our culture + law system suggests that you can 'own' song lyrics or a film script, but that's pretty weird when you think about it. I guess you have some consolation knowing that people copying you will always be one step behind. Plus, the better we get the harder it becomes to copy - if something has heart and sincerity then that won't translate when someone copies the script. But, even with all of that, I totally agree that it hurts to be on the receiving end..
I've been meaning to say this for quite a while now and, after seeing this particularly inspired episode, I reckon its about time I do... Right now you are (in my opinion) among the top five film-maker/tutorial people on UA-cam. Not only is your practical advise very useful, but your videos show wisdom and insight way beyond your years. Furthermore, I love your approach to teaching film... There are countless tutorials on UA-cam about how to use cameras most people will never afford, but instead of telling us more about that, you talk about the philosophy (that word is so pretentious) of film-making. I also think that you're production value is excellent! I would be impressed by this channel if it was run by a 25 - 30 year-old. Keep up the great work man and I hope you don't mind me writing you such a long message. :)
Isaac Blanc Isaac - this very well articulated comment encapsulates a lot of the reasons why I do this channel. Thank you for the encouragement and support - it honestly means a lot!
Combination of lots of stuff and you make it original - more of you and and we only see you. A simple copy makes it someone else's stuff and stealing. This channel is original and I for one like it very much.
For me being original is taking all those influences and then putting them together and recreating them in a fresh way. I think that in every original piece of art you should be able to see some influences but it should never look like a copy. I guess that's how I draw the line between simply copying or stealing and using those influences in an original way. Here's another question for you, how do you make sure you are being influenced by good filmmaking/art?
***** I'm right with you, totally agree :) To me, there are only two things worth being influenced by : 1. things you like (not necessarily things that are critically acclaimed) 2. a range of things - new stuff, old stuff, movies books, paintings, photography, music, people etc etc :)
Really good and useful video. I like how you approach your videos and deliver your thoughts. Is subtle but effective. The color change at the beginning was class. Keep it up and thanks for inspiring
I thought eating the apple added much more genè sequa Like actors move around ALOT they don't just stand around during a conversation they do things move.
Its so interesting how people can change the whole society they are in. I mean Casey Neistat seems to inspire pretty much every UA-cam Creator right now and also you mentioning the trews just shows me what a big influence a single channel on youtube can have. :))
Brick by Rian Johnson was very original in its depiction of Neo-Noir because all of the themes and structures of the film are that of Teenage films and Westerns, when he went into the film with that attitude he created a truly innovative and original film :)
Casey neistat's style is so damn good that you might get tempted to copy,but we gotta find our own.The best way to do that is to chuck all clichés. Simon i like the creative change you have made to Dslr guide episodes.
It's strange that it wasn't until recently that I actually heard about Casey Neistat in videos where people were talking about originality. Apparently, he's been around for a while. I had seen a lot of other vloggers with a very similar style, but I didn't know they were inspired by him/ripping him off. But I didn't notice any styles in your videos, except maybe a bit of Dave Dugdale. Still, your videos are really great, informational, and inspirational! Cheers!
I remember recommending looking into Casey Neistat a while back, whether you discovered him back then or more recently - I'm really happy that you're drawing inspiration from him! I'm loving the new dynamic of the show man, keep it up!
God Job on this video Simon! I really liked it , can you please make a video about how to find or something else that's related to soundtracks for our short and long films , we making and how it can help. Thank you :)
I totally agree about everything you said. I just started doing my own show about filmmaking in finnish and i would lie if i say that i havent copied a little bit from you or Film Riot etc :D
Cynical quotes describing a cynical world. - The true artist in such a setting adds what hasn't been there before and thus transforms it into a less cynical world. *If you add something that didn't come from nothing, you really didn't add anything.* Dao De Jing #11: We work with something, but we use nothing.
Wow again really good video :D And funny ! Some people make time to do good videos, some do a lot of videos which aren't really great...but you, you do awesome videos every week !
Nothing is original if you think about it. Every single word I'm writing right now is something I learned from somebody else. When we are born our brain is just filled with the basics. Everything else is something we learn by imitating others.
My best ideas come to me while doing mundane work or while driving. Sometimes, I'll have so much input from songs, movies, and other media that I get sick of it all and suddenly need a break so that my own ideas have a chance to come forth. Apparently, all that input (which is a LOT!) is causing my brain to come up with variations on it all. So, yes, great art is derivative and that's just the way it is. Also, I believe great art has a deep back-story in terms of the development of the artist himself who in turn, must allow sufficient time to develop and manifest inward realities. Allowing ourselves plenty of thinking time to develop our stories will produce a richer, deeper, and more meaningful piece of art---hopefully.anyway, I'm kind of rambling or, I'm so tired that it seems that way....
Hey Simon, Any tips on video stabilizers for run and gun dslr shooting? I know of shoulder mounts, steadycams and simply carry it from a tripod, but what do do use or recommend for this situation? Thanks! Really helpful videos!
Tim Fryer if your shooting something where you need to hold the camera for a long time in one go (long interviews / event work) then a monopod would be great, or a tripod. Shoulder mounts are okay if you're not going to be using it all day, or for long continuous shots, just remember they can get ridiculously expensive. those are my tips
For the last few weeks your channel has not showed up in my sub feed. this has happened from time to time with other channels. I just wanted to get you a heads up in case you have seen a drop in viewership. I had to go looking for your content. BTW I love Casey Neistat's content. I am in awe at the amount of effort he puts into his daly vlog.
DIYCameraGuy thanks for letting me know - seems like YT is going towards the facebook model of showing you what they think is best for you to see.. I'm right with you - Casey sure is a hard worker.
Hi simon, in the episode "How to use any camera for filmmaking" you said you are going to make a video about cheaper filmmaking equipment. Do you know around you're going to make this video? :)
One of my favorite quotes about this subject comes from St. Bono: "Every artist is a cannibal/every poet is a thief/all kill for inspiration/and then sing about the grief."
I love your stuff, Simon. Truly inspiring and educational.
You and Ryan Connolly are my favorite film making teachers. You guys have both inspired me too become a film maker. Thank You.
Really liked this video, you seemed much more human and down-to-earth, maybe it was the apple
You and Tony Zhou from Every Frame A Painting are honestly the best film school teachers I could ask for.
KK Akuoku Ha! So true, i was thinking the same thing. Maybe throw Film Riot in to the mix and you're golden.
killuah Film Riot has fallen I think. They talk about the basics too much.
Sadly have to agree with you about film riot, I never see anything new there now
Victor Nguyen Disagree. I tune into FR a lot, and they are still making great, informative, entertaining, & funny (depending on your preference of comedy) videos about film making.
KK Akuoku Bro, you should also read some of David Bordwell Blog entrys (he's a renowned film theorist), if you like Zhou you'll like him too. Sometimes Zhou sounds a lot like him but with other words. What he does is talk about different film techniques and styles compararings their uses throught film history (with images of course)
That final quote was great!
You've been pumping out great videos for quite a while now, awesome work! Kudos
killuah thank you!
Great content as usual Simon. It's great that you mentioned CaseyNeistat in this video, and he put it best in one of his videos about "being original". You can copy a style. You can copy the mechanics. But the heart behind creating a great story can never be emulated, and that's where you can start becoming original.
Glad you addressed this topic Simon on originality, your quote at the end says it all!
I'm loving the new way of shooting videos! Much better than just sitting at the desk and talking, much more entertaining & creative! Keep it up man! :)
you changed that blue tone in the initial! You almost got me
that line in the end, was AWESOME! love your work!! keep it up.
A nother interesting, creative and original characteristic of your videos is that apple you like it during explaining something :)
Your videos are always so helpful and entertaining to watch. Thank you for doing such a great job, it really shows how much you love what you're doing.
I loved how laid back this video was. I like the new formats of your recent videos, it's showing both how much your filmmaking knowledge and storytelling ability is growing, but it's also allowing us to get to know you as Simon more, as opposed to the talking head of DSLR Guide. Not of course that there was anything wrong with that "talking head" but it's nice to see you and your channel growing in confidence and ability
CaptainCookieCat99 thanks - really glad you're open to things changing! thanks for being here :)
I love the mix up in this episode. Adds more depth and personality/attitude. Love it keep it up man!
Man, you did it again! Great video!
And you're also a great influence for a lot of people. BTW, just loved the apple trick for the cuts. :) Cheers buddy!
I really liked your quote at the end. I've seen many stuck up artists who "think" or at least say that they're completely original blah blah blah. It sometimes aggravates me, because you're right- we pick and pull from the things we like and admire to create almost a mix of things we like the best, and show it as our work. Because it's pulled from multiple sources, it kinda becomes original! Planes come from the idea of birds, and light bulbs from the sun. I saw one funny thing- someone said that books are just remixes of the dictionary- which is totally true and goes for everything!! This was a great video, definitely made me think a bit more.
Thanks for making these quality videos, I'm just starting out, but I'm learning a lot and am able to start applying your tips to my own work!!
BYRDMAKES I love that thing about the dictionary! Every movie script, every comment, every conversation is using letters and words made by someone else - it's the combination of other people's ideas that makes it interesting! Super glad you're finding the videos interesting :)
Love this dude!
Will Paterson cheers Will!
Really liked this episode .Defenetly felt for natural and real unlike the others with a script learnt of by heart good job
thanks simon! appreciate all your knowledge and for being an inspiration for all "starting out" film makers (:
I've watched a few of your videos and I have to say that they are really well-made and helpful for people like me who are interested in videography. keep up the good work, greetings from Iceland!
Good one dude. And that apple chewing thing in the scene was good " not annoying". I use to hate when one of my teacher did that in lesson.
This is very relevant to recent events in my life. Recently someone made a video that blatantly copied two of my videos word for word without giving any credit (although even giving credit wouldn't give him the excuse to steal).
This sparked a conversation between my friends and I about where to draw the line between inspiration and just plain stealing. All of us are inspired; none of us are completely original. We all are inspired by a wide variety of content and the melting pot of all those inspirations is when our own style begins to form.
However, there is a point when you're not deriving your own style from inspirations and instead just creating a carbon copy of them (although usually of lesser quality). When you start to not only structure your videos the same as them stylistically, but also say exactly what they say, there's a big problem!!
I really like what you had to say today - despite it being delivered in the overused format of jumpcuts! ;) I found it very interesting when you gave examples of people being inspired to do the opposite of what the culture was oversaturated with.
I can't wait to see what you create next. Thanks.
***** that's tough situation - our culture + law system suggests that you can 'own' song lyrics or a film script, but that's pretty weird when you think about it. I guess you have some consolation knowing that people copying you will always be one step behind. Plus, the better we get the harder it becomes to copy - if something has heart and sincerity then that won't translate when someone copies the script. But, even with all of that, I totally agree that it hurts to be on the receiving end..
I've been meaning to say this for quite a while now and, after seeing this particularly inspired episode, I reckon its about time I do...
Right now you are (in my opinion) among the top five film-maker/tutorial people on UA-cam. Not only is your practical advise very useful, but your videos show wisdom and insight way beyond your years.
Furthermore, I love your approach to teaching film... There are countless tutorials on UA-cam about how to use cameras most people will never afford, but instead of telling us more about that, you talk about the philosophy (that word is so pretentious) of film-making.
I also think that you're production value is excellent! I would be impressed by this channel if it was run by a 25 - 30 year-old.
Keep up the great work man and I hope you don't mind me writing you such a long message. :)
Isaac Blanc Isaac - this very well articulated comment encapsulates a lot of the reasons why I do this channel. Thank you for the encouragement and support - it honestly means a lot!
oh goooood, you've probably got the best youtube channel i've ever seen. Never stop, please!
I'm really liking your videos lately, keep it up!
Amazing video, your videos are only getting better and better.
to be completely honest, I LOVED the jump cuts.
Combination of lots of stuff and you make it original - more of you and and we only see you. A simple copy makes it someone else's stuff and stealing. This channel is original and I for one like it very much.
Thanks for being here!
The original quote was
"Great artists steal from elderly women in an alley
using dirty syringes'.
Some of it was lost in translation from the Spanish.
For me being original is taking all those influences and then putting them together and recreating them in a fresh way. I think that in every original piece of art you should be able to see some influences but it should never look like a copy. I guess that's how I draw the line between simply copying or stealing and using those influences in an original way.
Here's another question for you, how do you make sure you are being influenced by good filmmaking/art?
***** I'm right with you, totally agree :) To me, there are only two things worth being influenced by :
1. things you like (not necessarily things that are critically acclaimed)
2. a range of things - new stuff, old stuff, movies books, paintings, photography, music, people etc etc :)
I was thinking the same thing. :)
Really good and useful video. I like how you approach your videos and deliver your thoughts. Is subtle but effective. The color change at the beginning was class. Keep it up and thanks for inspiring
Thanks Matt, that means alot!
I thought eating the apple added much more genè sequa
Like actors move around ALOT they don't just stand around during a conversation they do things move.
Je ne sais qoui ;)
RYSE *quoi
Emma Khoury haha, thanks for making me look like an idiot :s
well you missed one word on four it's not that bad :P
Totally agree with everything you said here, great vid as always
Its so interesting how people can change the whole society they are in. I mean Casey Neistat seems to inspire pretty much every UA-cam Creator right now and also you mentioning the trews just shows me what a big influence a single channel on youtube can have. :))
I really like the style of videos you've been doing the past few weeks. You seem alot more confident.
Phillip Gray thanks Phillip - glad you're on board for change!
Wow your videos are amazing. I've learned so much by watching them!
Brick by Rian Johnson was very original in its depiction of Neo-Noir because all of the themes and structures of the film are that of Teenage films and Westerns, when he went into the film with that attitude he created a truly innovative and original film :)
Great video, i think best way is telling a story in the video which affects the audience
That first phrase perfect!
your videos just keep getting better and better!! Keep up the good work. DSLRguide
Naoise Kettle thanks Naoise!
It would be awesome if you made an episode that was reading the script from a Film Riot episode, and Rye Guy would probably love it.
Casey neistat's style is so damn good that you might get tempted to copy,but we gotta find our own.The best way to do that is to chuck all clichés. Simon i like the creative change you have made to Dslr guide episodes.
Great video as always! I really loved the apple lol.
Great video! I think my short films are very original, although I am sometimes influenced by other creators
It's strange that it wasn't until recently that I actually heard about Casey Neistat in videos where people were talking about originality. Apparently, he's been around for a while. I had seen a lot of other vloggers with a very similar style, but I didn't know they were inspired by him/ripping him off.
But I didn't notice any styles in your videos, except maybe a bit of Dave Dugdale. Still, your videos are really great, informational, and inspirational!
Cheers!
I remember recommending looking into Casey Neistat a while back, whether you discovered him back then or more recently - I'm really happy that you're drawing inspiration from him! I'm loving the new dynamic of the show man, keep it up!
Yeah, It's only recently that I've started enjoying his videos haha :) glad you like the new style!
Great video as always Simon. Keep it up:)
That was great
everything is a copy of a copy, but once copied enough, somehow its becomes "orginal" to those who do know where that copy came from.
Eh b0ss
Good point that a way to find your voice is to figure out at least how you _don't_ want to do it.
God Job on this video Simon! I really liked it , can you please make a video about how to find or something else that's related to soundtracks for our short and long films , we making and how it can help. Thank you :)
You videos are getting better
Great video Simon!
I totally agree about everything you said. I just started doing my own show about filmmaking in finnish and i would lie if i say that i havent copied a little bit from you or Film Riot etc :D
Honestly mate , your a bloody genius
Great Quote! I can even use it for my dance! :)
Love that quote lol!
Really like this different approach!
Thanks Phillip!
Great quote!
Holy shit, I fell in love...
Casey Neistat... What a legend! His vlogs are out of this world.
Recent subscriber, these are really fantastic vids :) thank you for creating them! x
HayStelEm you're welcome!
Great ! Love your videos which keep motivating me :)
Cynical quotes describing a cynical world. - The true artist in such a setting adds what hasn't been there before and thus transforms it into a less cynical world.
*If you add something that didn't come from nothing, you really didn't add anything.*
Dao De Jing #11: We work with something, but we use nothing.
Great video! I have to agree 100% with that quote you said.
Sam Mansbridge thanks Sam! After making this video I heard this quote which is a bit more concise: 'Originality is the art of hiding your sources'
haha in subtle ways, very well said : )
I don't really like your videos, but this one was AMAZING!! You're getting better and better. Keep up the good work brother ;)
karl wedele haha I'm glad you liked this one :)
You are my favourite person that looks like both
Princess Diana and Weird Al Yankovic.
Troy Nguyen haha your one of a kind Troy..
Yyour videos just get better and better and really helpfull good job!
heyits celia thank you!
Wow again really good video :D
And funny !
Some people make time to do good videos, some do a lot of videos which aren't really great...but you, you do awesome videos every week !
nicoprod84films that means a lot, thank you!
Nothing is original if you think about it. Every single word I'm writing right now is something I learned from somebody else.
When we are born our brain is just filled with the basics. Everything else is something we learn by imitating others.
Saphir3000 exactly. the second we step down from our high horse about our originality, then we are free to make the stuff we want to make!
DSLRguide I disagree with that statement.
Great work!
Another great episode, considering the time you had to film this one in. :) keep it up!
C4Fernandez - Chris Fernandez thanks Chris!
thanks, i did learn something.
Love your videos Simon, but i miss some background music. I think it will make your videos even better. :)
My best ideas come to me while doing mundane work or while driving. Sometimes, I'll have so much input from songs, movies, and other media that I get sick of it all and suddenly need a break so that my own ideas have a chance to come forth. Apparently, all that input (which is a LOT!) is causing my brain to come up with variations on it all. So, yes, great art is derivative and that's just the way it is. Also, I believe great art has a deep back-story in terms of the development of the artist himself who in turn, must allow sufficient time to develop and manifest inward realities. Allowing ourselves plenty of thinking time to develop our stories will produce a richer, deeper, and more meaningful piece of art---hopefully.anyway, I'm kind of rambling or, I'm so tired that it seems that way....
ToshiroHoshi it's really interesting how differently everyone works! thanks for sharing your process!
Waaaw this help!!
Great video!
This video holds true, its how i create
I see what you did there: An episode of DSLR guide a day keeps the doctor away.
So cool
I really want to work with and learn from you man !
Feeling like leaving my home country and start working with u ... You're a prodigy
Great video! Very entertaining, especially at the end :-)
Thanks Martin, glad you liked it!
The big pot analogy was brain storming 101, btw. Highly recommended.
Aaron DC Photography + Video +1 to Trews.
Aaron DC Photography + Video hey mate good to see some attitude. You're coming out of your shell (?) and it's good to see. Keep up the good work.
Aaron DC Photography + Video thanks Aaron!
Great video man! It was very entertaining. I like your quote better than Picasso's :)
Quote of The year
Dope.
YES CASEY
Great artists also knows how to combine the things that they like from others artists, and make something new out of it.
Exactly - and that is where all the creativity comes in :)
Nothing comes from nothing.
Hey Simon,
Any tips on video stabilizers for run and gun dslr shooting?
I know of shoulder mounts, steadycams and simply carry it from a tripod, but what do do use or recommend for this situation?
Thanks! Really helpful videos!
Tim Fryer if your shooting something where you need to hold the camera for a long time in one go (long interviews / event work) then a monopod would be great, or a tripod. Shoulder mounts are okay if you're not going to be using it all day, or for long continuous shots, just remember they can get ridiculously expensive. those are my tips
Fantastic Video! =)
This video was too true.
Great information, despite the jump cuts ;) Were you so short on time that you had to eat during the video?
CKProductions I'm not going to let a video get in the way of my apple!
DSLRguide I love it! Great stuff man, keep it up.
Newton and the apple?
For the last few weeks your channel has not showed up in my sub feed. this has happened from time to time with other channels. I just wanted to get you a heads up in case you have seen a drop in viewership. I had to go looking for your content. BTW I love Casey Neistat's content. I am in awe at the amount of effort he puts into his daly vlog.
DIYCameraGuy thanks for letting me know - seems like YT is going towards the facebook model of showing you what they think is best for you to see.. I'm right with you - Casey sure is a hard worker.
Hi simon, in the episode "How to use any camera for filmmaking" you said you are going to make a video about cheaper filmmaking equipment. Do you know around you're going to make this video? :)
Will try to do it within a month I think :)
DSLRguide thanks!
You are smart
"There is nothing new under the sun."
- Ecclesiastes 1:9
Love this *eats apple* video!
Vikrant Jadhav (vviikkrraanntt) thanks Vikrant!