A lot of us became disillusioned with the genre when we realized we’re just watching tutorials on how to make tutorials when the creator doesn’t really have any work to show where they’re actually applying those skills to something they care about. Still very educational but I can’t believe people are still making videos to explain apsc vs full frame when it’s been done 1000 times. Love to see original content here and excited for your next projects!
Yes, but even with those 1000 videos there a lots of people who still don't understand the difference between APSC and FF (huge difference). Now imagine how few ppl actually understand the subtle difference between APSC and Super35 for example. Even those who consider themselves "professionals", often put an equation mark between these two but in reality it's not so. This was just one example. There are many things that are misunderstood and thus a room for further explanation and clarification. Something may not be original, but if it let us look from a different angle - that's good enough.
As someone who's in this space, I haven't been able to bring myself to make a new UA-cam video since the end of December. Is it creative block? Imposter's Syndrome? Am I just out of ideas? Or have I fallen out of love with making UA-cam videos in the filmmaking space? Actually, I think you completely nailed it with everything you're saying here, and it actually was the exact kick in the butt I needed right now to keep going and do my own thing. Always appreciate your content Eric, thanks for continuing to create!
Wow this video really hit home, I recently just got to 10K but I was only on 5k a few weeks back. I was making gear reviews and focusing on SEO for 2 years, I build what I thought was a good base of views per month (100k) and at the start of this year I decided to pivot, and experiment! I started to focused on sharing my experiences as a full time photographer and made a few educational videos, and boom! My channel not only grew to double in a few shorts weeks, but the engagement went tru the roof! I watched Matti's last ever UA-cam video, and his manager really explained what you just said perfectly! The audience wants your authentic advice and experiences within your niche! So tutorials aren't dead, you just need to give the info on a personal level, and share what you do! SEO Gear Reviews Embargoes are oversaturated, But SEO Gear Reviews of Gear you having been using for a few months, and sharing your personal opinions and experiences, and not specs! Vlogs are not dead, use it as a second story line in the information you are delivery, dont let the vlog before the A story, its always the B story! At the end of the day its about showing value, and receiving engagement and not chasing views!
I get overwhelmed every time I try to formulate what I should be making on UA-cam. All I know is I want to make stuff and I want people to see it. Making what I want and what makes me fulfilled definitely seems like a good start. Thanks for this video man!
Yup, I think you’re pretty much spot on, brother. I stopped watching a lot of filmmaking UA-camrs a while ago because I just thought, “I don’t care anymore about lighting, cameras, shooting film, traveling, and editing techniques, I just want something real.”. Not only that, but I had become so disillusioned with filmmaking itself that I stepped away from it and went back to my roots of graphic design and printmaking, I’ve been loving it so much. I’ve even grown to feel disdain for my Instagram and all the polished photos on there. Any day now I’m about to just start snapping photos on my phone of random boring things I think are cool and just hitting “post”; no color grading, no filters, no caption. no hashtags - just snap , and post. It all culminated for me when Matti H (god bless him, I think he made a great channel) bought a brand new ARRI camera for what seemed like the purpose of making UA-cam videos about it. And then started filming UA-cam videos with it! I was like, “what is happening!?” I guess I wasn’t surprised when he left UA-cam, he needs to find himself and so do a lot of us. Anyway, I don’t mean to be a downer; the space just needs to be refreshed. I tried to do UA-cam in the past and couldn’t hang, and now I have a super demanding job otherwise I’d jump in and help, lol. One more thing, I got on the Lewis Potts train way back, and I’m almost positive he was doing his thing before Carlos was. No shade to Carlos, just respect where respect is due. I could also be wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m not.
Eric this is so good man. I’m so glad you made this. I 100% agree. UA-cam isn’t dead. People come on here doing the same thing as everyone else because they want subscribers. I think the lack of authenticity and purpose is the issue. And that type of content is dying. But this kind of stuff, the direction you’re heading, is authentic and meaningful and I think there will ALWAYS be room for that kind of content. Pumped for your future projects buddy.
Love the channel recommendations. It has been incredibly hard to find quality channels to latch onto for many of the reasons you point out in this video.
I just started my "UA-cam" journey and have faced an identity crisis. I love this video and it's definitely made me ponder more on what and why I want to make UA-cam videos. Thank you!
What defines a film vs a video? People will watch what they find entertaining or useful, and I think even asking the question of, "is this a film?" can detract from the point of creating. But I do agree, many creators struggle to find where they fall among pleasing their audience vs. creating their passion projects.
Main difference is a story. Video can be without a story (go out shoot anything random). A film needs a story. But what about a video with a story, you may ask? And that's when aesthetic kicks in. We expect a film to be "cinematic". So... once you take a video, add a story to it and make it "cinematic"/filmic, it becomes a film. Or we can look at it from a creation viewpoint. Videos are just shot with a camera. Films need more things (story, script, set, art, shotlist, sound design, more elaborate editing, and if you shoot something a little bit complex - a crew).
This was really insightful! I still love filmmaking and applying cinematic things to my vlogs and videos for self expression and better story telling. Even though I am not a working full time filmmaker with crew and expensive gear, I love the art of cinema and that's really the voice that speaks to me.
As someone who joined the UA-cam space at the end of 2022 I agree, I'm still trying to figure out what it looks like for me, but I definitely don't want to just be making gear review videos over and over again. Great video!
Good and brief analysis. I jumped in with PM back in 2016, right at the start of my own business. I have felt the fatigue of certain repeats, copycats, etc, but your video helps break down why. UA-cam does best when it's a platform for the real world. Thanks!
I really think that this new time of actually making things instead of talking about making things is exactly up my alley. I've been a «filmmaker» or better «a guy making a career with his camera and gear» for the past 8 years, but never gotten into actually producing stuff for youtube. Instead I have been building my career and since a couple of years also a whole agency and actually making a life of my passion for filmmaking. Now that things are changing on youtube and social media I might actually get into this though. It feels like a direction I can resonate with - especially with such incredible inspirations like yourself and Danny Gevirtz.
Love this! And I love seeing the shifts happen across all social media platforms. I think, on UA-cam specifically, we are going to see alot more of that real, not overly produced content, start to break through, to give people a peek into the raw and the real aspects of whatever it is you are sharing, whether its a look behind the scenes on that feature film set, you showing some struggles of being a creative professional and how you continue to overcome that to move forward, or simply what your life looks like in any given situation. I believe THAT is what folks are looking for on this platform now.
This is exactly how we are feeling. We love making wedding films and are blessed to do it, but that being said it's time to continue creating real art for US again. Love this.
excited to see where you're creative journey take you next:) also excited to see what the first 2nd generation of youtube filmmakers do with this platform and their art. i see you, Danny, Matti and so many others as the OG's who bet on themselves and committed to learning their craft full stop. But you and others have also invested time, energy and education into entire communities of young men and women who not only have better tools than what you had, but they also have your insights to guide them. i don't think youtube filmmaking is dead, it's just going through a creator transition phase, where the first generation is ready to write a new chapter due to being in a different phase of life. But the generation behind is also coming with their own voices/talent/skillset (Carlo as an example of somebody who was directly mentored by Danny, and Shua as well who I found through you:) Exciting times..
So many people want to talk about gear or make tutorials, but people want to see the journey. That's why people are loving your running channel and following along on your running journey, and why people are so excited about Moving Still.
It's interesting, I've wondered why there are so many filmmakers making videos about filmmaking, when they could apply that knowledge to tell other great stories. I personally love what you're doing on the running channel!
As someone who started a UA-cam channel making camera and gear reviews, the recent changes in what is considered good for content has been a positive influence. For instance, it's now considered better to make review videos with a slower pace and less fast cutting. Instead, making them more personal and engaging. I haven't made a review video in a long time, because the hyperspeed videos I've been seeing were off putting and discouraging since it wasn't my style. Nowadays though, I am working on developing short films. Something that is closer to my own creative needs and desires. Thanks for this video. I think changes to what works on UA-cam is a good thing.
Bro you nailed it on the head. The rush of creators to the platform has really led to a stale state. Looking forward to this type of self realization throughout the community to begin an exciting 3rd era for the platform. Keep it up!
Yeah, he managed to sum up what we were all experiencing and thinking but couldn’t put into words. Let’s hope the 3rd gen of YT Filmmaking is a great one!
Wow! Lately, I've been trying to find inspiration and things I actually enjoy on UA-cam. And thought that everything was the same all the time, you nailed exactly how I feel right now about youtube. Other social medias as well needs to be reinvented. Anyways keep up the good work, enjoyed your video!
Love this man. Encouraging for me to press into bringing more original ideas to life. Constantly inspired by your perspective shining light on these important topics. The time is NOW, let's get it 🔥
This is the first time I’m watching one of your videos. You hit on all the things that made me so hesitant to create for this community because there wasn’t anything original that I wanted to add to the conversation. I’m thankful that I didn’t because it allowed me time to launch my company and just focus on building a client list and producing work for them.
I am several years late to actually putting something out (That I really like) in YT consistently. Lately I've come to terms that I cant be here for subscribers (for fame, money, etc.) but I have to be passionate at what I am doing and love it, to be able to enjoy it -- which is actually how I feel towards making short films and photography. I may be several years late but I am ready to join this 3rd era of Filmmaking YT.
i agree with most of this - but it's still a bubble perspective. we know these people, we know each other, but there's literally thousands of channels now doing phenomenal work in the gear space too, and if anything it's mostly that long form "gear" youtube is maybe dead, but holy F is that stuff ever thriving on TikTok/Reels - and every day my homepage is filled with creatives doing stuff we could never even dream of even thinking of a few years ago. i'm not here without embargos, I wouldn't be able to talk to real DP's, Arri etc or even have the voice i have today if i didn't grind out the experiment of just buying a thing and talking about that thing. i don't see that ever going away. i'm personally not interested in the whole "i make real things now and i just talk about it on youtube' trend - make everything you put out the real thing. just do what makes you happy, and if that's sitting at a desk talking about lens, it's no better or worse than making a short film imo.
The space profited off of a bunch of dreamers. People who wanted to be just like their favorite youtuber. People see through the formula now but thats why i think it died was because creators tried to pretend it wasnt a formula. 1 by 1 each youtuber stopped working professionally (quitting weddings, photography, etc.) to just do youtube, sell a lut pack, make a course and review products and filmed everything in 4k60. There was no relatability factor and viewers knew they only showed up for a paycheck. Riding a one wheel, filming with a sony a7siii and 16-35 were all just expectations at that point. They sold a lifestyle rather than naturally sharing. A job with little to no purpose so when they dont get "inspired" they disappear. We enjoy the videos but hated the lack of transparency. Thats why we love your channel so thank you.
Looking forward to the new Eric era! Another UA-camr I would add to that list is Luc Forsyth, a great documentary filmmaker offering practical industry advice
I personally don't think UA-cam is dead and I feel it still has a lot of opportunities. People who feel the platform is dead have reasons but me I strongly believe in this platform. Thanks for the video Eric
Well UA-cam filmmaking kind of took off with the Canon 5D Mark 2 and then the cheaper cameras. I think people just watched for and that's all it really was. Its the same in photography. Most the people are just watching gear reviews and won't even by 90% of what they watch. Filmmaking and photography now are kind of meh. People see amazing photos and videos now its just not special anymore. When smaller filmmakers got their hands on a Canon 5D Mark 2 and could ditch their camcorders it was a game changer.
I am the founder of a small production company where we all have severe MH diagnosis - and I couldn't agree with you more! I used to be a pro 'tuber in the days of 5* ratings (so ollddd lol) - but it is WAY harder to get traction today! We ourselves want to use youtube content to train up MH peeps on how creativity can be used as "therapy". We also want that content to appeal both to amateur filmmakers but also those with MH, where we are open and transparent about how our health affects our ability to actually make the thing you're watching - and also how we get work as crew in the indie space... However it feels like we left it too late, as the views in the space have tanked in recent years for reasons you pointed out - it's quite demoralising to make something and it not get many views, yet we're not yet sure how to boost engagement whilst staying true to our charity's goals?!? 😢
ERIC! Love love love this take and call to action, I've been feeling this but haven't had the words to formulate the thought. I'm feeling so inspired lately to create more and consume less and this video just helps reinforce that (ironically since I was sitting down to "consume" this but you know what I mean haha)
2:27 - "How many ways can you film something inside? Turns out not a lot" Yet Eric has undoubtably been one of the most creative in making different, pleasing, well framed, indoor scenes in all of his videos/films. And can we just take a moment to shout out that smooth intro song? Hooked me right away.
I’ve felt for awhile that “filmmaking” UA-cam has turned into a brokerage system where influential people sell product on behalf of a brand in hopes for a cut/referral. Every week these folks are hyping up the next new piece of kit as if it’s a game-changing revelation. That’s why Stigs is one of my favorite organic creators on this platform. He gives all this great info and a peek into the profession and, as of now, asks for very little in return.
Solid video ! All those guys you mentioned are great, especially Danny Gevirts. Havent heard of Lewis Potts though so going to check him now. Totally get how you feel about UA-cam, I just recently started this channel and I didn't want to be another gear review channel as theres tons, so I toom thge route of just trying to challenge myself to learn new things and leveling up my skills whilst documenting it on UA-cam. New sub, love the idea of this channel. Revive filmmaking UA-cam!
I can relate on so many levels. Views are down across the board it feels like in the filmmaking niche, and maybe it is cause everyone’s doing the same stuff now. Gotta forge a new path forward! I always wanna create original narrative content, but it typically takes the most time and gets the least views 😅 Struggle.
3:12 this is true I made a few videos where I had something of substance to say/teach, they all became bangers and I went from 400 subs to 3.7k subs in about 3 months Be valuable, the generic unboxing and the Sam Kolder My Year eras ate both behind us
My days now i wish more photographers could do like Vlogger style types. I think the raw vlogs are what I am into now but i have watched UA-cam for years. But i watch a lot of UA-cam while i work my 9-5
With all the monotonous gear peddling, the copy paste format as rampant as ever and the oncoming AI revolution that is sure to completely saturate this platform, it’s so important for us to embrace our creative intuitions in a radical way. Great video Eric, looking forward to more.
Me personally, I don't think that this side of UA-cam is dead. If anything, I find it to be a renaissance period (if we can all it that). So many great filmmakers, especially Gen-Z creators, are crafting amazing content. We're really transitioning from the old UA-cam camera world (specs, tests, and camera reviews) to something that really embraces being a filmmaker. Why is it that I'm so much more interested in content shot on simple set-ups, camcorders, film-cameras than I am with the past two eras? I think it really comes with to people embracing individuality and trying to make the best content with the gear we already have. Many of us, once again Gen-Z creators, don't really care for the latest RED or lenses. We just want to create with the things we can realistically afford for an audience that is likely in a similar place as we are.
This was actually awesome. Thank you for the video!! I absolutely love the posters of The Office, The Bear on your wall. Could you please direct me to the source?
With the perspective that younger creators like Life of Riza, Colt Kirwin, Vuhlandes take on filmmaking.. I think things are evolving, definitely not dead
Man this is a question I've been tackling with myself for a while because I really do want to do more youtube but I LOATHE just constant tech and gear reviews and the same tip videos over and over again, but I don't have the consistent creative work to post, which is something I would to do more of with youtube.
Very interesting, I don't watch any of the very biggest channels. Many years ago they were relevant. The very largest channels just copy and reproduce each other's content. Incredibly boring to watch. Seems like they no longer have ideas, or that they are no longer motivated. Many of them say they are quitting or about to quit. I think this is just an excuse to draw attention. Seems like many people on UA-cam are saying the same thing these days, UA-cam is dead. I don't think so, this is just content that is in at the moment.
Man Eric I like you and have followed your work for a while but this is kind of an ego-driven elitist perspective. It feels like you are saying that anyone who decides to do gear or tutorial videos without also participating in the "traditional" industry doesn't really have value. I can understand how you got there, it's a those who can't do it teach gym perspective. Every single person who is probably making gear or tutorial videos wants to and is likely still striving to do the "creative work" you are referring to it's just hard to make things for free or make it in a suffering film and commercial industry. Filmmakers need to stop lying to themselves if they think all the "traditional" work we have spent all our years trying to get better at is here to stay in its current form. The entirety of film needs to adapt and improve to the gigantic threats to the art we all want to make. The self-indulgent "I want to just make the next A24 moody thing" isn't a dream everyone is going to be able to keep in 20 years when AI is that much stronger a threat to the attention that films and TV shows are losing to other industries and content. I am not trying to say I don't agree with some of your sentiments here but I think every filmmaker UA-camr knows deep down that our entire industry is in trouble and just trying to make "creative" content with value mostly to your own egos is not going to be what solves it. Create things with a cause and value to some greater good to the world not just art for art's sake. The best painters who ever lived were mostly commissioned by royalty or rich people to make their work that was the purpose it's just remembered as amazing work on its own. I respected your approach to YT up until this point but you honestly are just coming across as a tortured artist D-bag filmmaker in this video.
Not sure if it was ever that popular tbh. Most of the things I watch are just people talking casually, while filmmaking YT is a lot of low tone/ melancholy music and not really personal. I used to make videos like that too, until I realised came it across as super flat
I rarely comment. But I abandoned my larger UA-cam channel and created this anonymous channel for this very reason. I still make films but not for UA-cam.
Well said. I would say the real filmmaking on youtube is being done by creators like HeyxNatalie, Life of Riza, Valspire family. The real, raw films about life.
I feel like it's just getting started , I don't get this take ? Almost everyone can afford a Sony zv e1 which produces beautiful cinematic footage so its only going to get better and better , people are just going in there backyards and making a beautiful film about their dog taking a shit , I don't consider a video of a review of a lens filmmaking , but im glad they are out there as they help me make purchases
If you'd like to learn from working DPs at the highest level (Hoyte, Bob Richardson, Bob Yeoman, Erik Messerschmidt, etc), I've got a weekly podcast called Frame & Reference on my channel and all podcast platforms. 134 Episodes and counting, all about an hour long and talking about *doing the work* not the gear or whatever.
@@POW.CREEPER I was growing my own filmmaking channel right around when he was at 20k subs and doing the Neistat daily vlog format, his 5 camera tricks video or whatever it was went viral and then he unlisted every other video before that one so it looked like had a fresh channel. I decided I couldn’t compete cause he was basically in my head with like every video idea and could produce them faster, like a year later he was at a million and I looked like a Peter clone! 😂👍🏻
Knowing Peter personally, I can honestly say he's one of the kindest people I've ever come across on the internet. I'm so thankful for all he's done for the space!!
It's a bit silly to say one person can kill a whole genre. If you want to change the status quo, make something more compelling. People watch his videos because they get something out of it. @@BrendanMiranda
@@EricFloberg I definitely respect Peter and his path he’s carved for creators on the platform, wasn’t trying to bash him, it’s just that his success unintentionally shifted the paradigm to be more materialistic I feel like and then other channels followed suit.
@@seancarruthers7289 This was 6 years ago and he changed the status quo doing the exact type of content I was doing. Obviously 99% of that was my own perception and decisions at the time (6 years ago) he simply had opportunity meet luck and skill at the right moment and then worked really hard to earn his spot at the top :) I am not disagreeing with you necessarily but the rules have changed many times since then on the platform.
I dont a think talking head plus pulling a few shots out of your a55 is considered as filmmaking. I rarely see actual filmmaking in UA-cam. Endless gear reviews, self-promoting and such are what I mainly see. I, I, me, me, I is what I hear most people talk about, and also they film themselves.
The problem is you've far too many people that have zero foundational tertiary education or real world professional experience in actual filmmaking / tv / doc / video production starting UA-cam channels and purporting themselves as experts when it's immediately clear to professionals that they are simply not. Because of this lack of pro level backgrounding their content is shallow, very often incorrect, and has brought a significant crop of "filmmakers" up with incorrect understandings and practices. The other key issue is the glut of "reviews" that are either very basic, regurgitated press releases; OR straight rip-offs of other UA-camrs' content - which is of course never going to achieve traction as there is very little substance. Finally, there is also a tendency for UA-camrs to track trends of other "competing" channels, they see what's working for them and immediately jump on the bandwagon or simply "trendhop". The key issue is there is very little originality or substance with most channels over time. And perhaps this is unfortunately also due in part to the demand of publishing content frequently. You mentioned Carlo.... Yes he does produce some nice imagery and is often orchestrating some clever BTS imagery which he uses to promote his personal brand / stature very well. This being said, I've also seen quite a bit of his BTS content and final product samples in the past where it is VERY obvious that he's still very much in the "early growth" part of his career. Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to intentionally knock Carlo, however the problem is UA-camrs and viewers in general tend to put each other on pedestals that often aren't entirely valid. Sure it's good to be thankful for any info or techniques and practices shared, but it's not good practice to pass on bad habits or bad practices, because these people ever end up on real sets where REAL DOLLARS are being invested, they tend to get found out pretty quickly to not be up to the task required, and that is where quality of deliverables fall short and people lose jobs, clients and money. Spec ads are absolutely fun opportunities for practice and personal development, plus can provide you with a produced output to help you land new clients, however they are something anyone can do.. It's a far bigger step to produced something ie for Nike when Nike has actually engaged you to work with them through an agency after a long vetting / quoting process, and then to deliver on their expectations in time / cost, and deliverables. I personally went through the whole tertiary education process with filmmaking; from theoretical, technical, to protocols and every aspect in between. At the time and in the years following I thought it a bit redundant myself, but the longer I progress in my career the more I draw on that knowledge, and am thankful for it. Sure, there is the belief that you can in essence train yourself to work in the industry through practice, putting in time on lower level sets and learning through forums, published articles and UA-cam...100% it can get you to a state where you "can" work and earn money in various segments of the video production industry, and absolutely this is a very helpful "starter", but you will only get so far and will absolutely lack depth in your approach without legitimate study and training...
Most people are hobbyist and don't have the time to really put into content creation which is how we get a lot of people trying to just do gear reviews to attempt to buy back said time. Then there's the one man band thought process. The solution is to hire more people or get better...and hire more people. Unless you're able to duplicate yourself. If you're able to do that we'll know why you disappeared 😅
A lot of us became disillusioned with the genre when we realized we’re just watching tutorials on how to make tutorials when the creator doesn’t really have any work to show where they’re actually applying those skills to something they care about. Still very educational but I can’t believe people are still making videos to explain apsc vs full frame when it’s been done 1000 times. Love to see original content here and excited for your next projects!
Yes, but even with those 1000 videos there a lots of people who still don't understand the difference between APSC and FF (huge difference). Now imagine how few ppl actually understand the subtle difference between APSC and Super35 for example. Even those who consider themselves "professionals", often put an equation mark between these two but in reality it's not so. This was just one example. There are many things that are misunderstood and thus a room for further explanation and clarification. Something may not be original, but if it let us look from a different angle - that's good enough.
This was so timely brother. Certainly a great commentary on the space as a whole on UA-cam. It def feels like it is time to shake things up
Let's go, my man. :)
As someone who's in this space, I haven't been able to bring myself to make a new UA-cam video since the end of December. Is it creative block? Imposter's Syndrome? Am I just out of ideas? Or have I fallen out of love with making UA-cam videos in the filmmaking space? Actually, I think you completely nailed it with everything you're saying here, and it actually was the exact kick in the butt I needed right now to keep going and do my own thing. Always appreciate your content Eric, thanks for continuing to create!
Wow this video really hit home, I recently just got to 10K but I was only on 5k a few weeks back.
I was making gear reviews and focusing on SEO for 2 years, I build what I thought was a good base of views per month (100k) and at the start of this year I decided to pivot, and experiment!
I started to focused on sharing my experiences as a full time photographer and made a few educational videos, and boom! My channel not only grew to double in a few shorts weeks, but the engagement went tru the roof!
I watched Matti's last ever UA-cam video, and his manager really explained what you just said perfectly! The audience wants your authentic advice and experiences within your niche!
So tutorials aren't dead, you just need to give the info on a personal level, and share what you do!
SEO Gear Reviews Embargoes are oversaturated, But SEO Gear Reviews of Gear you having been using for a few months, and sharing your personal opinions and experiences, and not specs!
Vlogs are not dead, use it as a second story line in the information you are delivery, dont let the vlog before the A story, its always the B story!
At the end of the day its about showing value, and receiving engagement and not chasing views!
cool how I randomly looked at your channel and turns out I watched one of your videos!
I get overwhelmed every time I try to formulate what I should be making on UA-cam. All I know is I want to make stuff and I want people to see it. Making what I want and what makes me fulfilled definitely seems like a good start.
Thanks for this video man!
Yup, I think you’re pretty much spot on, brother. I stopped watching a lot of filmmaking UA-camrs a while ago because I just thought, “I don’t care anymore about lighting, cameras, shooting film, traveling, and editing techniques, I just want something real.”.
Not only that, but I had become so disillusioned with filmmaking itself that I stepped away from it and went back to my roots of graphic design and printmaking, I’ve been loving it so much.
I’ve even grown to feel disdain for my Instagram and all the polished photos on there. Any day now I’m about to just start snapping photos on my phone of random boring things I think are cool and just hitting “post”; no color grading, no filters, no caption. no hashtags - just snap , and post.
It all culminated for me when Matti H (god bless him, I think he made a great channel) bought a brand new ARRI camera for what seemed like the purpose of making UA-cam videos about it. And then started filming UA-cam videos with it! I was like, “what is happening!?” I guess I wasn’t surprised when he left UA-cam, he needs to find himself and so do a lot of us.
Anyway, I don’t mean to be a downer; the space just needs to be refreshed. I tried to do UA-cam in the past and couldn’t hang, and now I have a super demanding job otherwise I’d jump in and help, lol.
One more thing, I got on the Lewis Potts train way back, and I’m almost positive he was doing his thing before Carlos was. No shade to Carlos, just respect where respect is due. I could also be wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m not.
Eric this is so good man. I’m so glad you made this. I 100% agree. UA-cam isn’t dead. People come on here doing the same thing as everyone else because they want subscribers. I think the lack of authenticity and purpose is the issue. And that type of content is dying. But this kind of stuff, the direction you’re heading, is authentic and meaningful and I think there will ALWAYS be room for that kind of content. Pumped for your future projects buddy.
Love the channel recommendations. It has been incredibly hard to find quality channels to latch onto for many of the reasons you point out in this video.
I just started my "UA-cam" journey and have faced an identity crisis. I love this video and it's definitely made me ponder more on what and why I want to make UA-cam videos. Thank you!
I like how Gawx making actual substantive videos is annihilating filmmaking UA-cam despite him never even really being part of it lol.
It's literally not possible to love this video any more! I've been a long time follower and your content has always been inspiring man!
What defines a film vs a video? People will watch what they find entertaining or useful, and I think even asking the question of, "is this a film?" can detract from the point of creating.
But I do agree, many creators struggle to find where they fall among pleasing their audience vs. creating their passion projects.
Yes , That sounds to me like an elite community that doesn't want anyone to enter. The word film has been mystified. Goodbye Kodak.
Main difference is a story. Video can be without a story (go out shoot anything random). A film needs a story. But what about a video with a story, you may ask? And that's when aesthetic kicks in. We expect a film to be "cinematic". So... once you take a video, add a story to it and make it "cinematic"/filmic, it becomes a film. Or we can look at it from a creation viewpoint. Videos are just shot with a camera. Films need more things (story, script, set, art, shotlist, sound design, more elaborate editing, and if you shoot something a little bit complex - a crew).
I see what you mean, although I am not 100 percent on the same page with you, I'd say that's a pretty good explanation!@@GeorgeSazo
This was really insightful! I still love filmmaking and applying cinematic things to my vlogs and videos for self expression and better story telling. Even though I am not a working full time filmmaker with crew and expensive gear, I love the art of cinema and that's really the voice that speaks to me.
As someone who joined the UA-cam space at the end of 2022 I agree, I'm still trying to figure out what it looks like for me, but I definitely don't want to just be making gear review videos over and over again. Great video!
maybe... but that doesn't mean it can't be revived. things end, new things take their place
Good and brief analysis. I jumped in with PM back in 2016, right at the start of my own business. I have felt the fatigue of certain repeats, copycats, etc, but your video helps break down why.
UA-cam does best when it's a platform for the real world.
Thanks!
I really think that this new time of actually making things instead of talking about making things is exactly up my alley. I've been a «filmmaker» or better «a guy making a career with his camera and gear» for the past 8 years, but never gotten into actually producing stuff for youtube. Instead I have been building my career and since a couple of years also a whole agency and actually making a life of my passion for filmmaking. Now that things are changing on youtube and social media I might actually get into this though. It feels like a direction I can resonate with - especially with such incredible inspirations like yourself and Danny Gevirtz.
One creator I’ve been fascinated by the last 2 years has been Gwax, his main and second channel feel so different and unique.
Love this! And I love seeing the shifts happen across all social media platforms. I think, on UA-cam specifically, we are going to see alot more of that real, not overly produced content, start to break through, to give people a peek into the raw and the real aspects of whatever it is you are sharing, whether its a look behind the scenes on that feature film set, you showing some struggles of being a creative professional and how you continue to overcome that to move forward, or simply what your life looks like in any given situation. I believe THAT is what folks are looking for on this platform now.
This is exactly how we are feeling. We love making wedding films and are blessed to do it, but that being said it's time to continue creating real art for US again. Love this.
Beautiful. Definitely nothing wrong with making films that make money, but we all know what we want to make from deep inside ourselves.
excited to see where you're creative journey take you next:) also excited to see what the first 2nd generation of youtube filmmakers do with this platform and their art. i see you, Danny, Matti and so many others as the OG's who bet on themselves and committed to learning their craft full stop. But you and others have also invested time, energy and education into entire communities of young men and women who not only have better tools than what you had, but they also have your insights to guide them. i don't think youtube filmmaking is dead, it's just going through a creator transition phase, where the first generation is ready to write a new chapter due to being in a different phase of life. But the generation behind is also coming with their own voices/talent/skillset (Carlo as an example of somebody who was directly mentored by Danny, and Shua as well who I found through you:) Exciting times..
Such incredible insight in this comment. Thank you so much for taking the time for these beautiful words, man.
So many people want to talk about gear or make tutorials, but people want to see the journey. That's why people are loving your running channel and following along on your running journey, and why people are so excited about Moving Still.
I resonated with this, I always strive to “show and tell” rather than just “tell”
Videos like this are what keep me on UA-cam
It's interesting, I've wondered why there are so many filmmakers making videos about filmmaking, when they could apply that knowledge to tell other great stories. I personally love what you're doing on the running channel!
As someone who started a UA-cam channel making camera and gear reviews, the recent changes in what is considered good for content has been a positive influence. For instance, it's now considered better to make review videos with a slower pace and less fast cutting. Instead, making them more personal and engaging.
I haven't made a review video in a long time, because the hyperspeed videos I've been seeing were off putting and discouraging since it wasn't my style. Nowadays though, I am working on developing short films. Something that is closer to my own creative needs and desires.
Thanks for this video. I think changes to what works on UA-cam is a good thing.
Bro you nailed it on the head. The rush of creators to the platform has really led to a stale state. Looking forward to this type of self realization throughout the community to begin an exciting 3rd era for the platform. Keep it up!
Yeah, he managed to sum up what we were all experiencing and thinking but couldn’t put into words. Let’s hope the 3rd gen of YT Filmmaking is a great one!
Wow! Lately, I've been trying to find inspiration and things I actually enjoy on UA-cam. And thought that everything was the same all the time, you nailed exactly how I feel right now about youtube. Other social medias as well needs to be reinvented. Anyways keep up the good work, enjoyed your video!
It’s absolutely not dead and I’m excited to see and share what you create!
Love this perspective and excited is an understatement for you putting out videos showing your process. Can't wait dude!
Love this man. Encouraging for me to press into bringing more original ideas to life. Constantly inspired by your perspective shining light on these important topics. The time is NOW, let's get it 🔥
This is the first time I’m watching one of your videos. You hit on all the things that made me so hesitant to create for this community because there wasn’t anything original that I wanted to add to the conversation. I’m thankful that I didn’t because it allowed me time to launch my company and just focus on building a client list and producing work for them.
I am several years late to actually putting something out (That I really like) in YT consistently. Lately I've come to terms that I cant be here for subscribers (for fame, money, etc.) but I have to be passionate at what I am doing and love it, to be able to enjoy it -- which is actually how I feel towards making short films and photography.
I may be several years late but I am ready to join this 3rd era of Filmmaking YT.
i agree with most of this - but it's still a bubble perspective. we know these people, we know each other, but there's literally thousands of channels now doing phenomenal work in the gear space too, and if anything it's mostly that long form "gear" youtube is maybe dead, but holy F is that stuff ever thriving on TikTok/Reels - and every day my homepage is filled with creatives doing stuff we could never even dream of even thinking of a few years ago. i'm not here without embargos, I wouldn't be able to talk to real DP's, Arri etc or even have the voice i have today if i didn't grind out the experiment of just buying a thing and talking about that thing. i don't see that ever going away.
i'm personally not interested in the whole "i make real things now and i just talk about it on youtube' trend - make everything you put out the real thing. just do what makes you happy, and if that's sitting at a desk talking about lens, it's no better or worse than making a short film imo.
10/10 agree with you on this Patrick. This is an elitist bubble perspective.
The space profited off of a bunch of dreamers. People who wanted to be just like their favorite youtuber. People see through the formula now but thats why i think it died was because creators tried to pretend it wasnt a formula. 1 by 1 each youtuber stopped working professionally (quitting weddings, photography, etc.) to just do youtube, sell a lut pack, make a course and review products and filmed everything in 4k60. There was no relatability factor and viewers knew they only showed up for a paycheck. Riding a one wheel, filming with a sony a7siii and 16-35 were all just expectations at that point. They sold a lifestyle rather than naturally sharing. A job with little to no purpose so when they dont get "inspired" they disappear. We enjoy the videos but hated the lack of transparency. Thats why we love your channel so thank you.
Looking forward to the new Eric era! Another UA-camr I would add to that list is Luc Forsyth, a great documentary filmmaker offering practical industry advice
Bro I have so many thoughts on this! We gotta talk but seriously great video and I’m so down to revive it as well!
Thanks so much, dude. Means a ton coming from you!!
I personally don't think UA-cam is dead and I feel it still has a lot of opportunities. People who feel the platform is dead have reasons but me I strongly believe in this platform. Thanks for the video Eric
Well UA-cam filmmaking kind of took off with the Canon 5D Mark 2 and then the cheaper cameras. I think people just watched for and that's all it really was. Its the same in photography. Most the people are just watching gear reviews and won't even by 90% of what they watch.
Filmmaking and photography now are kind of meh. People see amazing photos and videos now its just not special anymore.
When smaller filmmakers got their hands on a Canon 5D Mark 2 and could ditch their camcorders it was a game changer.
I am the founder of a small production company where we all have severe MH diagnosis - and I couldn't agree with you more! I used to be a pro 'tuber in the days of 5* ratings (so ollddd lol) - but it is WAY harder to get traction today!
We ourselves want to use youtube content to train up MH peeps on how creativity can be used as "therapy".
We also want that content to appeal both to amateur filmmakers but also those with MH, where we are open and transparent about how our health affects our ability to actually make the thing you're watching - and also how we get work as crew in the indie space...
However it feels like we left it too late, as the views in the space have tanked in recent years for reasons you pointed out - it's quite demoralising to make something and it not get many views, yet we're not yet sure how to boost engagement whilst staying true to our charity's goals?!? 😢
ERIC! Love love love this take and call to action, I've been feeling this but haven't had the words to formulate the thought. I'm feeling so inspired lately to create more and consume less and this video just helps reinforce that (ironically since I was sitting down to "consume" this but you know what I mean haha)
Amazing. How did you so perfectly get into my head, understand what I couldn't, and then lay it out in an easy-to-watch video?!
Thought Luc Forsyth would make it to the list. List that is exactly the channels I shifted to lately.
Love Luc!
2:27 - "How many ways can you film something inside? Turns out not a lot"
Yet Eric has undoubtably been one of the most creative in making different, pleasing, well framed, indoor scenes in all of his videos/films.
And can we just take a moment to shout out that smooth intro song? Hooked me right away.
Well shot, beautiful, insightful, and a good commentary
Heck yeah Eric! Excited for the next era!!
I’ve felt for awhile that “filmmaking” UA-cam has turned into a brokerage system where influential people sell product on behalf of a brand in hopes for a cut/referral. Every week these folks are hyping up the next new piece of kit as if it’s a game-changing revelation.
That’s why Stigs is one of my favorite organic creators on this platform. He gives all this great info and a peek into the profession and, as of now, asks for very little in return.
Solid video ! All those guys you mentioned are great, especially Danny Gevirts. Havent heard of Lewis Potts though so going to check him now.
Totally get how you feel about UA-cam, I just recently started this channel and I didn't want to be another gear review channel as theres tons, so I toom thge route of just trying to challenge myself to learn new things and leveling up my skills whilst documenting it on UA-cam.
New sub, love the idea of this channel. Revive filmmaking UA-cam!
So much love for this Eric
I can relate on so many levels. Views are down across the board it feels like in the filmmaking niche, and maybe it is cause everyone’s doing the same stuff now.
Gotta forge a new path forward! I always wanna create original narrative content, but it typically takes the most time and gets the least views 😅 Struggle.
3:12 this is true
I made a few videos where I had something of substance to say/teach, they all became bangers and I went from 400 subs to 3.7k subs in about 3 months
Be valuable, the generic unboxing and the Sam Kolder My Year eras ate both behind us
Eric, any time you make something I get excited, just saying
I feel like my UA-cam feed is all talking heads podcasts nowadays. Previously I had a lot more filmmaking videos in my feed.
Love you :) literally was not expecting to see my face on this video haha
Love you dude!!!
It's because your content is so freaking good dude!
My days now i wish more photographers could do like Vlogger style types. I think the raw vlogs are what I am into now but i have watched UA-cam for years. But i watch a lot of UA-cam while i work my 9-5
I loved this one so much, didn't want it to end haha! We still need to know if she ever saw a ghost, or when she laughed the harest.
With all the monotonous gear peddling, the copy paste format as rampant as ever and the oncoming AI revolution that is sure to completely saturate this platform, it’s so important for us to embrace our creative intuitions in a radical way. Great video Eric, looking forward to more.
Hey your content is really good, i'm Flobreg-asted !! Hehe Nice job, subscribed
Great video, Eric!
on it brother, Count me in!
Me personally, I don't think that this side of UA-cam is dead. If anything, I find it to be a renaissance period (if we can all it that). So many great filmmakers, especially Gen-Z creators, are crafting amazing content. We're really transitioning from the old UA-cam camera world (specs, tests, and camera reviews) to something that really embraces being a filmmaker. Why is it that I'm so much more interested in content shot on simple set-ups, camcorders, film-cameras than I am with the past two eras? I think it really comes with to people embracing individuality and trying to make the best content with the gear we already have. Many of us, once again Gen-Z creators, don't really care for the latest RED or lenses. We just want to create with the things we can realistically afford for an audience that is likely in a similar place as we are.
Let's goooooooo I'm with you
This was actually awesome. Thank you for the video!!
I absolutely love the posters of The Office, The Bear on your wall. Could you please direct me to the source?
Summed up so well. Fired up.
I think the youtube community is craving original content more than ever.
Great video Eric! Thanks for the insightful message. Do you mind sharing what aspect ratio you used for this video? I like how it fits to my phone.
Would you consider putting the links to their pages/socials in the dropdown section?
the haunting true crime intro goes wild hahahaha
With the perspective that younger creators like Life of Riza, Colt Kirwin, Vuhlandes take on filmmaking.. I think things are evolving, definitely not dead
Do you have a link to the Iron Giant print??
Man this is a question I've been tackling with myself for a while because I really do want to do more youtube but I LOATHE just constant tech and gear reviews and the same tip videos over and over again, but I don't have the consistent creative work to post, which is something I would to do more of with youtube.
It’s become too much and oversaturated. I do photo/video for a living and rarely watch film/photo vids anymore.
Do you have a link or name for the mount holding your shotgun mic on the C70 handle? I’ve spent the last 30 minutes looking for it and can’t find it🙃😂
It's just an over saturation...like gear reviews hurried out after an embargo.
Beautiful Video. Also I thought you had a black glove on your left hand haha
Thanks dude!!
Awesome video bro
Eric + Cyrus = Dream Team
Always so good brother.
Appreciate you, homie.
I'm still in the Midnights ERA.
Musicbed is the best
Thank you for this
Very interesting, I don't watch any of the very biggest channels. Many years ago they were relevant. The very largest channels just copy and reproduce each other's content. Incredibly boring to watch. Seems like they no longer have ideas, or that they are no longer motivated. Many of them say they are quitting or about to quit. I think this is just an excuse to draw attention. Seems like many people on UA-cam are saying the same thing these days, UA-cam is dead. I don't think so, this is just content that is in at the moment.
Haha the disclaimer is so good and the video of course
Man Eric I like you and have followed your work for a while but this is kind of an ego-driven elitist perspective. It feels like you are saying that anyone who decides to do gear or tutorial videos without also participating in the "traditional" industry doesn't really have value. I can understand how you got there, it's a those who can't do it teach gym perspective. Every single person who is probably making gear or tutorial videos wants to and is likely still striving to do the "creative work" you are referring to it's just hard to make things for free or make it in a suffering film and commercial industry.
Filmmakers need to stop lying to themselves if they think all the "traditional" work we have spent all our years trying to get better at is here to stay in its current form. The entirety of film needs to adapt and improve to the gigantic threats to the art we all want to make. The self-indulgent "I want to just make the next A24 moody thing" isn't a dream everyone is going to be able to keep in 20 years when AI is that much stronger a threat to the attention that films and TV shows are losing to other industries and content.
I am not trying to say I don't agree with some of your sentiments here but I think every filmmaker UA-camr knows deep down that our entire industry is in trouble and just trying to make "creative" content with value mostly to your own egos is not going to be what solves it. Create things with a cause and value to some greater good to the world not just art for art's sake. The best painters who ever lived were mostly commissioned by royalty or rich people to make their work that was the purpose it's just remembered as amazing work on its own.
I respected your approach to YT up until this point but you honestly are just coming across as a tortured artist D-bag filmmaker in this video.
Well said!
Not sure if it was ever that popular tbh. Most of the things I watch are just people talking casually,
while filmmaking YT is a lot of low tone/ melancholy music and not really personal.
I used to make videos like that too, until I realised came it across as super flat
I rarely comment. But I abandoned my larger UA-cam channel and created this anonymous channel for this very reason. I still make films but not for UA-cam.
Well said. I would say the real filmmaking on youtube is being done by creators like HeyxNatalie, Life of Riza, Valspire family. The real, raw films about life.
I feel like it's just getting started , I don't get this take ? Almost everyone can afford a Sony zv e1 which produces beautiful cinematic footage so its only going to get better and better , people are just going in there backyards and making a beautiful film about their dog taking a shit , I don't consider a video of a review of a lens filmmaking , but im glad they are out there as they help me make purchases
If you'd like to learn from working DPs at the highest level (Hoyte, Bob Richardson, Bob Yeoman, Erik Messerschmidt, etc), I've got a weekly podcast called Frame & Reference on my channel and all podcast platforms. 134 Episodes and counting, all about an hour long and talking about *doing the work* not the gear or whatever.
aspect ratio of this video plzz !!
Weirdly enough, filmmaking UA-cam died for me back in like 2018 the day Peter McKinnon went viral and blew up overnight 😂 😅
@@POW.CREEPER I was growing my own filmmaking channel right around when he was at 20k subs and doing the Neistat daily vlog format, his 5 camera tricks video or whatever it was went viral and then he unlisted every other video before that one so it looked like had a fresh channel. I decided I couldn’t compete cause he was basically in my head with like every video idea and could produce them faster, like a year later he was at a million and I looked like a Peter clone! 😂👍🏻
Knowing Peter personally, I can honestly say he's one of the kindest people I've ever come across on the internet. I'm so thankful for all he's done for the space!!
It's a bit silly to say one person can kill a whole genre. If you want to change the status quo, make something more compelling. People watch his videos because they get something out of it. @@BrendanMiranda
@@EricFloberg I definitely respect Peter and his path he’s carved for creators on the platform, wasn’t trying to bash him, it’s just that his success unintentionally shifted the paradigm to be more materialistic I feel like and then other channels followed suit.
@@seancarruthers7289 This was 6 years ago and he changed the status quo doing the exact type of content I was doing. Obviously 99% of that was my own perception and decisions at the time (6 years ago) he simply had opportunity meet luck and skill at the right moment and then worked really hard to earn his spot at the top :) I am not disagreeing with you necessarily but the rules have changed many times since then on the platform.
Oof that’s good! Very inspired to not copy & paste!
My man.
I dont a think talking head plus pulling a few shots out of your a55 is considered as filmmaking. I rarely see actual filmmaking in UA-cam. Endless gear reviews, self-promoting and such are what I mainly see. I, I, me, me, I is what I hear most people talk about, and also they film themselves.
The problem is you've far too many people that have zero foundational tertiary education or real world professional experience in actual filmmaking / tv / doc / video production starting UA-cam channels and purporting themselves as experts when it's immediately clear to professionals that they are simply not. Because of this lack of pro level backgrounding their content is shallow, very often incorrect, and has brought a significant crop of "filmmakers" up with incorrect understandings and practices. The other key issue is the glut of "reviews" that are either very basic, regurgitated press releases; OR straight rip-offs of other UA-camrs' content - which is of course never going to achieve traction as there is very little substance. Finally, there is also a tendency for UA-camrs to track trends of other "competing" channels, they see what's working for them and immediately jump on the bandwagon or simply "trendhop".
The key issue is there is very little originality or substance with most channels over time. And perhaps this is unfortunately also due in part to the demand of publishing content frequently.
You mentioned Carlo.... Yes he does produce some nice imagery and is often orchestrating some clever BTS imagery which he uses to promote his personal brand / stature very well. This being said, I've also seen quite a bit of his BTS content and final product samples in the past where it is VERY obvious that he's still very much in the "early growth" part of his career. Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to intentionally knock Carlo, however the problem is UA-camrs and viewers in general tend to put each other on pedestals that often aren't entirely valid. Sure it's good to be thankful for any info or techniques and practices shared, but it's not good practice to pass on bad habits or bad practices, because these people ever end up on real sets where REAL DOLLARS are being invested, they tend to get found out pretty quickly to not be up to the task required, and that is where quality of deliverables fall short and people lose jobs, clients and money. Spec ads are absolutely fun opportunities for practice and personal development, plus can provide you with a produced output to help you land new clients, however they are something anyone can do.. It's a far bigger step to produced something ie for Nike when Nike has actually engaged you to work with them through an agency after a long vetting / quoting process, and then to deliver on their expectations in time / cost, and deliverables.
I personally went through the whole tertiary education process with filmmaking; from theoretical, technical, to protocols and every aspect in between. At the time and in the years following I thought it a bit redundant myself, but the longer I progress in my career the more I draw on that knowledge, and am thankful for it. Sure, there is the belief that you can in essence train yourself to work in the industry through practice, putting in time on lower level sets and learning through forums, published articles and UA-cam...100% it can get you to a state where you "can" work and earn money in various segments of the video production industry, and absolutely this is a very helpful "starter", but you will only get so far and will absolutely lack depth in your approach without legitimate study and training...
Let’s Go!
youtubetv is killing it.
What do you think about Life of Riza
Love her films! Such a talent!
Most people are hobbyist and don't have the time to really put into content creation which is how we get a lot of people trying to just do gear reviews to attempt to buy back said time. Then there's the one man band thought process.
The solution is to hire more people or get better...and hire more people. Unless you're able to duplicate yourself. If you're able to do that we'll know why you disappeared 😅
Yes