This is Why 90% of Filmmakers Don’t Succeed
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- Опубліковано 24 чер 2024
- How can filmmakers succeed in a highly competitive industry? There are plenty of factors that determine success in this business, but 90% of filmmakers out there are ignoring the basics - and it’s holding them back. In this video we’ll dive into dead 2 simple steps that will put you ahead of the pack.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - The story of two filmmakers
2:50 - Why taking action is the only thing that matters
4:12 - Prove your interest by consistently doing projects
5:25 - Real world example
7:13 - My personal experience
8:16 - A word from out sponsor
9:26 - It’s not what you know, it’s who you know
11:31 - An example of my latest networking email
13:54 - Final thoughts
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When it comes to working in the film industry, I turn to my man Rocky for the most poignant quote out there: "The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward."
Yeah. That’s so true too man!
Me, it's been almost a year since I entered film school and I ever thought of quitting. But what I remember is that I shouldn't give up because I can start applying all the things that I've learned to understand things more.
Read that in Balboa's voice too, damn..!! 😂
“That’s how winning is done!”
If you are trying to succeed, you have already failed. It's the process / effort (aka, pain, suffering, sacrifice) that you must ironically love, regardless of outcome (success or failure).
It was an honour to learn from Luc during our mentorship and his UA-cam videos are full of gold nuggets...
1. Make work (good or bad, there are lessons in both)
2. Meet people/network
3. Emails, internal psychological battles and never giving up
No secret formula, just consistency and creative growth on a weekly basis!
- DUY LE
I’m the second filmmaker. In college, I quit the film club - because they weren’t taking it seriously enough. Before I could afford a tripod, I won multiple filmmaking awards across the globe. Within three years from picking up a camera, I became a writer for PBS Kids, becoming a Producer for NatGeo, I am a professor at a university for Editing within Pr, and I now own my own filmmaking business. I am continuously busy. Probably too busy. I now live a comfortable life with a wonderful family.
Congratulations!
Inspiring!
Woahhh that's amazing!! I'm glad you didn't give up.
I love when people just share their regular life. Help me doze off
Your demonstration of networking correspondence is an absolute eye-opener. I'd probably have interpreted numerous months of silence to be a 'No' and wouldn't have wanted to pester them. Thanks for sharing such a personal/intimate aspect of your business.
The desire not to feel like a nuisance is much more powerful to me than the one to win the work. It's so good to be reminded that checking in doesn't have to be negative.
Really glad it helped!
This is basicaly what I'm doing wrong and know I need to fix. I used to take little to no action, but thanks to some therapy and fear of the future I started taking more action and now I hava a couple of jobs under my belt and a short film. I needed this reminder, thank you.
With you on this one, imposter syndrome, fear of failure and lack of self belief is a big problem and therapy to help with these obstacles really has helped me too. Good luck in your journey
Damn man that email chain was a huge eye opener. I don't like to feel like I'm bothering people but I guess I should try a little harder in that sense. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the video. It took me 4 years of extensive freelance work, 100+ emails, 100+ rejections before I actually got my first solid job offer.
There's also the fluctuating curve for artists/filmmakers.
I have done great stuff in the past, worked at a company as the in-house videoguy, making international flights to shoot for big companies.
And then covid happened.
Had to work from scratch again, and despite my resume, I have to prove myself all over again.
So did years of daytime jobs again, just to survive. But they were time-consuming.
I'm taking action now, but it's all still going very slowly (but steady). This video was a great call to stand up today, neverthless!
I feel you bro, in the same boat as you. Covid really shat all over my career but we will get there💪
You're not alone there, covid ruined everything I built up and I'm just now starting to try and get my career back on track.
Show don't tell is what got me ahead.. I would ask for tips and some folks replied many didn't and I just continued to work and put out projects. Won some fest here and there and some of those ppl who didn't respond started reaching out to me... And today I have a Emmy Award for my work and other cool trophies... And in development for Netflix doc... It is work. It is hard... And sometimes you are o ur way to giving up and the best calls in life will happen and sometimes the call never happens
I think alot of people don't realise that being this type of film maker or an adventure documentary filmaker isn't a job its a lifestyle. Its your everything. I went to film school and myself and my peers have all gone different directions. We're 15 years graduated and the guy who's out there working the hardest is making the most money, creating incredible work and working 60+ hours a week. He travels allot and gets to spend very little time with his loved ones. But he loves it. I went a more commercial route and now work a 9-5 in creating content for marketing for a company. It suits me, my wife and kids. I'd love to be travelling around the world with a camera but it doesn't suit my family. I'm also very happy being home every night for dinner and bedtime. 😂
Fascinating
What did you actually study if I can ask? Director, cinematographer, cameraman, editor?
The ability to just get out and make stuff is the exact reason I fell in love with filmmaking. The fact I can have a cool idea for a short film, and just a few months later it can be edited and up on UA-cam or submitted to festivals, means there are no gatekeepers or hurdles. Yeah the initial outlay in equipment and computing power isn't cheap, but companies like Blackmagic and Apple making it cheaper every year. The key to success in filmmaking? Make stuff! And keep making it.
This is one of the most honest filmmaker advice I have come across on YT, it is usually a tough pill to swallow but yeah even if you gat it already, you still have to establish networks and working relationships. It is so good that you have shared yourself as the best example, very inspirational and I can relate 100%.
Thank you.
Probably one of your most important videos to date. Great content. I've been telling people this for a while, only thing you can do is take action, and that will put you SO far ahead of everyone else. That's the difference between Good and Great.
It's smart to continually message them. Keeps you fresh in their mind when you're persistent. Same as interacting regularly on your socials with these people. Keeps you in people's minds. Great advice.
You make valid points. Everyone can buy a new camera, but few can produce content that speaks for itself, positively. It is hard work to produce quality content as it requires planning, initiative, money and time.
I don’t know in the States, but in Italy all the major players in cinema and television, as well as many small clients, seem to be only concerned in lowering costs. And they find wannabe videomakers at the rate they want. That’s why I’ve switched from 10 years working full time as editor on major productions for primetime shows, to do it as second job for small companies. I work less but for companies that look for quality, respect the professionality and pay higher rates. This way I can keep doing it while preserving my mental sanity.
This is great. For every gear video I watch, I gotta balance with this reminder that it’s all about these principals of action.
Also, your videos are getting better, too - always we’re so helpful, but the more personality the better it all works. Two cents ya didn’t ask for/can disregard.
Luc dropping some serious knowledge. Met you during a pickup shoot in NY and have been following you since. Keep it up!
Good stuff, Luc. Thanks for saying the things that need to be said. I completely agree, the number one thing stopping people is thinking that they need to wait to create stuff. Just do it. You learn by doing. Everyone has someone or something they can produce a story about.
Thanks for this video, its nice to hear and make total sense. The is another side to buying gear is you buy expensive gear thinking it will motivate you to start your ideas / projects or creative work, in some cases it will, but most often it wont be the edge needed to make it an action, your own push is the most important to start your creative journey.
Solid advises as always! So far done 3 documentaries, zero money back but happy so far and learning. Action is key, but preparation is also crucial as some subjects can be burnt out and it's kinda not as appealing to revisit them back with better plans. Even if I don't get successful from a financial point, I wanna feel proud to have left good knowledge to be learned or some good entertainment.
Hey Luc.....Well said! It is a tough world out there. We're making our first full feature doc in Africa about the conflicts between communities and wildlife. We're constantly reaching out through a Woodpecker campaign looking for partners and sponsors. It's working but slowly. However, we are building a network of relationships in the wildlife conservation world as well as the business world, and every couple of hundred emails we find someone thats interested in a zoom call to find out more. So yep, building relationships, being consistent and the old "never give up" is what it takes!
Inspiring stuff Luc! It’s interesting how many of your tips and videos apply to me as a wedding filmmaker as well.
Keep it up!
Thanks! Will do!
Appreciate your insight Luc! I needed a shot of "keep creating it!" Got another Short Film in progress now...
That Pablo interview helped a lot. Also he reminds me of one of my gym coaches. Your plug was clean. I also just filmed a class on my own, it's probably going to be pretty lame and I probably didn't do it right. I think that's how I learn though. Thank you for doing what you do.
90% in a three act tragedy: Act 1: Film maker says "I'll do whatever it takes" Act 2: Film maker meets prospect. Prospect concludes: "But you haven't" Act 3 - Both smile at each other.
Thanks for the great advice, as always. Keep it up!
Super useful advice. Thanks Luc. My sights are zeroed in again!
The essence of charisma is genuiness. Remember slick willie’s “I feel your pain”? Great advice in the video. Thanks.
Great stories Luc. And great advice. Thanks 🙏🏽
Thanks Luc, great video!
Thanks for yet another great video 🙏🏽
Thank you so much!!! This inspired me so much more than I can even explain!
This is such great advice for any business, not just filmmaking.
Stuff like this is why I keep coming back to this channel. 😊
Inspiring, thanks! I feel pumped. Completely broke, but in the highest possible spirit. I'm on it! :)
VALUE CONTENT !! Thanks for sharing to us your experience, it's so illustrative !
Couple years ago, I was supposed to help some students out Cannes shooting something.
So I packed up my gear and they canceled a week before we took off . Long story short I went ahead and kept my gear packed and shot a feature documentary on Cannes while I was over there. Like you said, the main thing is to do it and then do it again and do it again and do it again.
Nice video
I am a photographer but found this video one of the best and most eye opening. Thanks Luc! I shoot all the time and do outreach about once a month but give up after two brush offs. I will definitely keep emailing.
Thank you for this video, Luc. Your advice is so on point and just what I needed to hear. Thank you for all you do!
Happy to help!
Thank you very much for your very interesting insights and thoughts.
Appreciate your transparent wisdom Luc! So good!
My pleasure!
Those advises apply not only to filmmaking but to other jobs as well.
Your videos are something else. I love your way of sharing the truth. You have to be open-minded to find ways of connecting with colleagues and clients. It can be frustrating, but extremely rewarding as well
I appreciate that
Thank you for sharing 👍🏾
I wish mentorships and internships were actually beneficial. I've had 2 so far, one was live sports, and the other was abusive. My first week on the second one I was taken to Chicago and stayed awake for 36 hours driving 6-8 hours at a time after a day of hauling literal tons of equipment with my bare hands up 7 flights of stairs. Never got paid for my 8 months working with him, never got the projects I worked on with him sent to me, never listened to advice I'd give, nothing. I just wish internships were actually professional and used to boost people up, not keep them as your full time unpaid Grip and hauler
Luc I really appreciate these videos. Thank you
My pleasure!
Damn, the hard truth that we're not always trying hard enough. Honestly, after the first brushoff, I drop off the grid, feel sorry for myself and make a youtube video 😅
I've been following your channel for quite sometime. Awesome content. May I ask what transmitter that is on your camera? Thanks
I agree. Great video.
great content Luc!
5 Steps of the creative process: 1. Get an idea. 2. Find out what you need to implement it. 3. Get what you need. 4. Do it. 5. Put it in the world, let go so you can start again from 1 and make it better this time.
You can get stuck at each of these points. Everyone knows people who have lots of ideas but never even think about doing something with it. Or those gear collectors that never do anything or that perfectionist that never release anything because he never can let go. Don´t be like them.
Can I screenshot this ❤
@@Ankh-he3wi of course, it's not from me. I heard it 20 years ago from someone. Brought me forward 😀
this is GREAT ADVICE THANK U
this video was amazing
Love your raw honesty and helpfulness. If I ever decide to do doc work, you're def who I'm buying the course from 💯
Thank you Charles!
Lovely.. this is a Life Advise,.. common to all...
Effort and persistent. Hands on! Great Video!
Thanks!
Love this. Probably the best bit is about 12 mins on.
Wow. Extremely encouraging and helpful. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Anxiety and risk avoidance.
Yep, checks out. :P
And related, I'm not sure if it's a recent thing due to the explosion in tutorials for absolutely everything these days or the desire for hyperoptimization across all facets of life, but there are an incredible number of people who expect other people to be able to tell them what to do for EVERYTHING in their life.
I see posts like the email at 4:30 on reddit all the time, across all my subs. "Should I go to college for X degree?" "Is it worth it to do X as a career" "Recommend me a X" "Should I quit my job?" "Should I apply to this job?" "How do I do X?" "Should I buy an X" and on and on and on and on
It's like people are so afraid of ever making a wrong decision that they stop making any at all, with the added benefit that if things go south, they can blame it on "I got bad advice, it's not my fault."
Thanks man this was the final kick in my ass to start doing it!
Glad you liked it!
Great video, Luc. Well done. Thank you.
My pleasure!
I am willing to go to Canada and start my filmmaking career there.
You’re absolutely right… and I hate it. I want to do film full time with every fiber of my being, but I just don’t have enough content of a high enough quality to get the paid gigs I need. I know they say I should “say yes” as often as I can, but I would hate it for both myself and the client if I ended up working on a project I hate. Should I bury my feelings and bite the bullet to get paid work? Or stick to my principles of only working on projects that I’m passionate about?
informative content
Great reality check ! thanks mate
Glad you liked it!
Action. Yes. You have to take your camera THERE. You have to tell a story, and you have to GO and tell the story. You will be uncomfortable, you will have to stay focused, you will have to deliver. Making things requires DOING. Take your gear and GO. When the action is done, then you get to sit and edit and do the safe/relaxing things.
Let’s be honest with ourselves! If you're lucky enough to be part of any big-screen production, it's because you know someone who knew someone or someone recommended you. It doesn’t even matter what camera you own or your knowledge; one day your buddy will ask you to be his first AC or even B cam, and voila, you're a cinematographer working for Netflix and TV channels like NBC, Disney plus, etc. Nat Geo? Yeah, that’s cool, but how much money do you make out of it?
Not saying this is the case 100% of the time but I’ve been in this industry for too long now to see it that way
Solid!
How much for a consultation call? Out of curiosity and where would we sign up
thank you
thanks
Hey Luc, this question might merit a longer answer but: was there a reason for moving from Vancouver to Toronto? More accessible connections and pitch possibilities for unscripted work? Just curious!
Thank you for the downloads.
Luc, was that wilderness (wildfire I think) footage in Alaska?
Commenting for the algorithm. This video made me feel like a deer in the headlights, but in a good way. I guess. Thanks Luc!
Damn bro. Where you talking about me with that commerical fisherman line 😂😂
Superb
I agree Follow Up is the Most Important Thing. I did Commercial Photography for 30 years. It’s Not the First Contact it’s the Ninth, the Twelfth. Always Follow Up that’s Where the Money’s At. Dave
Did you film in La Jolla shores haha I recognized the beach 👍
We did!
@@LucForsyth sweet man haha I'm a filmmaker from there
Hey...... I just saw your vedios.... Its all really awesome... With proffesional way of conveying.
. Im a degree student from india .
And Im really obsessed with nature and it complexions and the horrible impact it face.... I really wanna work with you actually😅Im a BSC. Botany modell 2 Voc. Plant biotechnology.
Is there any chance of a miracle I asked for?
Thank u so much man, your content is a true blessing, thanks and i hope to get to work with you one day!
604 represent!
I needed to hear this! Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
when I started it took me a WEEK to find 4 hours of work in LA, Been running my business for 3 years now to learn from it, through hard networking and countless hours in reference groups and shooting small gigs constantly I crave for more. I still don't know my company's niche or identity and its hard to build one when you can't afford to pick and choose your jobs. That's why I been spending extra hours trying to find business owners and realtors who will let me shoot some example work for them, I hope it works out. I do feel like I'm stuck at the bottom of that ramp for 3 years now, but I defiantly won't stop. Struggling working 2 jobs (including this) and raising my family I just know one thing, my craft is getting better, this is what I love to do, and I wont stop. I have a lot to learn still.
Thanks Luc
I just changed from Epidemicsound to Audiio, you sir saved me 50EUR. If that's not good enough to like this video/channel, I don't know what is!
Where can we watch Duy's Vietnam film?
Here: ua-cam.com/video/oc2qtDhJDgY/v-deo.html
Dude you're videos and perspective are so valuable to me in my filmmaking career, thank you so much for putting in the work to give your insight to people like me who at the beginning of their career! 🤘
Appreciate it, thanks!
Hey Luc, thanks for the insides, tips and motivation! I find your videos super interesting but for me they are exhausting to watch because you talk non stop. Just take a breath, this would make your videos even better in my opinion :)
You just confirmed what I was thinking about myself. Thanks man
Success as in FINANCIAL success applies to securing a distribution deal.
100% of my income comes from filmmaking, mostly low level branded content but some doc stuff. I have to be thankful for the career I've somehow stumbled upon, but still...I need to hear things like this video. I want to do more, and I want to try harder, and even now it is so easy to do that preparation end of things and always wait for the right moment. Interestingly, I am most happy and fulfilled when I am taking some kind of creative action, even if it is unfunded and could amount to nothing. Life feels rich when I'm doing that, and poor when I'm sitting around looking at gear or wondering why some other filmmaker is doing 'better than me'.
That’s amazing Martin, keep it up brother🙏🏽
It's also in the Bible
"A body without a soul is dead and a Faith without works is dead also"
What about the guy, who shoots things, edits, grades and then... is too scared to put them up.. or do social media website ...etc
You where not be brushed of they just didn't need you at that time. By being polite fully persistent you caught them at the right time. I had a client that had I not caught them a just the right time I would have missed out on hundreds of thousands of dollars of business over 20 years. Just don't stop circling.
Ok withall the platforms, and how easy it is to make or have a website made for you, why is there a film industry anymore? We can make this at home. And im not talking cgi or ai. Hell me and my buddies like 15 years ago were doing movie makeup and filming and writing. He went off to do more with film i leaned more to animation. Point is whi needs the industry? We can (pretty close) instantly broadcast our "films". Advertise and get the word out about them our selves. What would the even do that we couldnt? Lets get a artist coalition. Set up a hub, to collaborate and work together and share resources. Screw the industry. We can do it better ourselves.
🎉
Step One: follow Nike's advice and "Just Do It". Step Two: do quality work and let them see it. Most likely, they will want you before you want them. Thanks, Luc, tell it how it is.
And what about the other 10% ? What is their reason for not succeeding ?
You've got an idea? Now turn it into a story. Show that story. Repeat.