IF someone is wondering whether u can be a filmmaker, u feel it, if u love it, u get ideas from time to time, u know how your film could look like, you are a filmmaker. You feel it.
Alohaaa. I’ve been writing screenplays since high-school when I was studying math then after three years of studying engineering I quitted everything and made my first short with friends and took screenwriting and directing and lots of other classes I made three films just because I still need to make short films but I have feature film screen plays that I can’t let go that I’m in love with that I should live long enough to watch on the screen with my name on it lol. That was an assuring cm! I face more problems as a “female” filmmaker and the way society sees me but nothing can stop me 😄
@@mahtahosseini4879 Alohaaa. here! Haha made a new account some time ago, and forgot what I was commenting. I don't think being a female filmmaker is a problem, if you're good at it and you have the will for it, that's all that matters. I think yall gonna be great if you keep on pushing it. I myself got into filmschool now, quit several studies, and I wanted to be a filmmaker realllly bad at the time I wrote this comment, but to be honest with you, I don't want it as much anymore, I'm more into music now. Either way, If some of you think you're not gonna make it or it's not who you want to be, don't be so hard on yourself, take breaks, make other things, come back just keep going. AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. You don't need a filmschool, keep on making content and working on it, one day your one uploaded video could be your viral hit, which could change your whole life.
What motivates me to make films is a heap of things, but if it had to be only one: to radically change people's perception of the world and themselves.
Without a doubt! Cinema has a unique way of influencing us like any art form. One can speculate just how a portion of our values and attitudes are based on what information/experience we get through the arts and the media.
It is not a matter of 'strong' and 'weak'. It is a matter of desire; all of us face adversity in all areas of life. It is the drive, the intensity. If you falter, probably you are not cut out for this line of work. Perhaps a secondary role, a supportive role, is what fits you better.
Pretty rational analysis. Working on a feature film set as a grip, I realized it was more about the strenuous hours of labor work and set-up for the movie that manipulated my motivation. This is the stage that people begin to fatigue because they aren't artistically engaged with the movie at that time. They begin to lose focus and only look at it as a daunting task. You just have to regain your composure and realize what all of the labor work is for.
This darwinian way of looking at film is completely wrong in my view. Film is a community. It has nothing to do with being stronger or weaker. It´s about the people around you. Someone who chooses to do something other than film for their career does not make them weaker either. Those who succeed are because they have valuable people around them. NO ONE DOES ANYTHING ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH REGARDS TO FILM.
There are directors who have such bad skillsets and traits that they fail to direct a movie and never get a job again, thats film darwinism. If you want to succeed as a filmmaker, yes be motivated, but also be responsible and technically proficient, know what the hell you are doing. A hack is literally just waiting for the wrong moment to have their career fall apart, don't rely on luck, you will eventually fall apart.
Secondly, you must look at this industry as a business and that is probably the hardest thing to do. Without, the right execution or a good plan, you can spend a lifetime making your first feature or none at all. As a life coach and film producer, get a good mentor, a person you can trust. And remember, there is strength in numbers, do don't be afraid to ask for help. People will help you, if they believe in you. You just got to believe in yourself.
I have discovered that only about 15% of my students will have what it takes to be a filmmaker. 85% come in thinking that film school will be an easy A and then they just need to aim the camera and it will just unfold. It's very sad.
@@kittypaw3479 I'm not doing it for the money. I do it because I have a passion for passing my knowledge to others. Doing something just to pay bills is a slow death.
@@seancollett6 that’s true. But what also true is that not every can be good artist. They are just that rare. I think even your 15% is over estimating. 1% if you ask me.
I have a love hate relationship with filmmaking. On the one hand there can be definitely times when I hate the stress a project could be putting me through, what keeps me going is for one the fact that I realise what I'm doing. That I'm creating something. Which is always a wonderful thought for me. The main thing though that keeps me wanting to make more is how people respond to the work. I love putting something out there, and finding out what people think of it.
I want everyone, weather it be in the theater or at home, to feel that inspiring chill ruin down their spine. To feel a sudden realization on yourself and how this film has just completely influenced your life. I love watching movies like these and I aspire to these filmmakers.
The reason I want to see my films made is because I want to affect people. To make them think and to give them an enjoyable experience, without being preachy. I'd love to sit at the back of a movie theatre, watch a movie I've written and at the end hear just one person say that it was either thought provoking or entertaining, or ideally both. So much bad stuff in the world and if I can entertain for 90 minutes then I'll be very happy!
Gosshhhhh, I really needed to hear this. I'm not thinking of quiting for a second. But I'm just questioning myself. I feel like I'm the only one actaully with any passion for my project at the moment. I have an actor who is littrally ruining the movie with not giving a crap and keeping us off tack and behind schedule. But I'm gonna fight back no matter what.
I agree with the premise of your point but would have said it differently... a lot of people 'have what it takes' but sometimes still don't make it while other may sometimes get more fortunate. The premise of tenacity applies to all works of life!
I love that James responds to comments and interacts with the viewers. What a cool guy! The message in this video is so true. Thanks for all the inspiration!
i graduated from high school knowing I wanted to get into filmmaking because film and tv study was the only subject in school where I had the most fun and was able to be the most creative and get the best grades, when I made a shitty version of a film, my teacher gave me pointers and I went from C's starting out in grade 9 and by the end was writing A level material and films, its all about nonstop creating, literally just go out there and shoot something, never stop aspiring with imagination, I dont know what the future holds, I dont know if Ill go to film school, but I might simply cause I just like making films and will get the chance to meet other young filmmakers and learn from one another by doing, thats how you know its a passion if you enjoy it genuinely! if you make bad films and you still enjoy it keep making films and improve, just beucase you make one bad film doesnt mean its not for you
i was never good at problem solving until i started making indy movies.sound advice! i understood exactly what you were talking about and felt that i wasn't the only one going through this.
7:03 is probably the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. It might not mean a lot to some, but as a person who constantly remembers the bad side of his own past, those last few seconds are gonna stay with me for a long time.
Totally agree! The line that I really identified with is "If you don't let go of the bad you can't focus on the good." I'm just learning to let go of the bad and it is so liberating. It's almost magical :)
As always. I really appreciate your work, the questions and the people who take time to be interviewed, paid or not, and give what is really' gold' as in advice to novices such as myself, even at 69;) Thank you.
I got into filmmaking because it's fun and I had no idea that the entry price is relatively cheap. A Canon t2i is capable of capturing my vision, I wish I would have known years ago that photo based cameras are capable of 1080p 24fps. Even if only a handful of people see my finished video, that's fine with me. It's just fun and super rewarding to go out and be creative. I've never been a competitive person so whatever else people are doing, it's irrelevant to my goal and vision. As someone who has dabbled in a variety of creative output, filmmaking is the outlet that I feel like I can take serious and produce something worth experiencing. At this point it's just about obtaining the necessary gear and practice practice practice. I'm estimating that my short film will cost $2k in gear, that's such a drop in the bucket to be able to actively work on something that has intrigued me for decades.
What he said? Is what I'm doing, so many troubles that my web series had delayed for a year! Now we just need 2 or 3 more days to finish, I questioned myself but now I gotta do it. I have this drive, almost the closest thing I had to addiction. I can't stop, won't stop. Even if it is inevitable? I'd rather let it die while I stood with it. People seen me with that attitude when I started filming. What did they do? Support me. Never die, just get killed. Because dying is on your terms, killing isn't on yours.
Subjective. I like to think of Jarmusch's saying "Good, Fast and Cheap" where you can only have 2 at any time. No budget precludes you have be cheap, up to you if you want it to be good or fast. Besides the pro vs amateur label-You get out what you put in. If someone just wants to have fun, then its the process not the final product. If I had to choose making shit but having fun or making a masterpiece that kills my joy for the thing that I never touch it again, I'd take the former. Most people never make it big in the end, but everyone can love filmaking. And thats what amateurs are, people who do it because they love it. And they still have a right to call themselves filmmakers.
Wow! Projecting to the future Recognizing ur creative taste Motivation Stamina Troubleshooting Zen approach. Totally loved it. Hey, Film Courage, bring him again. Thank u.
Stay away from getting into debt. Production credits, or industry contacts are worth more than film school diploma. Networking in the industry will do wonders.
Nice video, thank you.. I have a full time job and I plan to keep it since I am only about 15 years from retirement, so I create films solely because I want to do it, which leaves me free to do as much of the production work as I want by myself, and I get to do whatever I want. I haven't posted any films online up till now, but I will be posting a short preview of my newest film online later in 2017 to see if I get the reactions and interest in it that I am hoping for. To do it as a business would take away the fun for me. I'm not much in to money, marketing and the selling and networking that is required to do this as a business.
Many commenters here see people as a whole succinct package, one quality pisses you off, and you call them fools or ignore the valuable pieces of information. I don't know James, but he seems to be someone hard to be liked from the first impression. But it doesn't necessarily mean he is actually a cocky dude, he might just be a guy who says things as it is and doesn't care about the social consequence of such remarks. I sometimes tend to act the same. As to his idea that you either have it or don't have it. I believe he is right here. you can learn and you can practice, but there are two traits that limit you. First is the courage, it is not an abstract world. people are limited by their culture and their trepidations, you should do things to change it. second is the raw intelligence. IQ is not a perfect measurement for intelligence. But I think you should score at least 120 to even consider being a serious filmmaker or any other professions involve careful planning and execution. If you have these two things solved, you are covered.
There’s nothing wrong with saying that you want something to be over. People say things like that all the time to voice their frustration. Watch actors doing press for their films, most of them are tired and bored with having to answer the same dozen or so questions for hours, weeks, and even months. That’s not a true indication that they won’t make it. Some people don’t suffer the grind like some other people.
It does not only apply to filmmaking, but any life changing industry. Look, the best things in life does not come easy. If it did, everyone will be doing it. And secondly, most people only look at the activities around them, instead of what is in front of them, the goal.
Ah… The 1:53 question we're asked most often… (the close second being "how do you get financing?") - putting all your filmmaking career, which is about motion pictures and sounds… into a couple of phrases. Super tough, but necessary. Imagine Tarkovsky or Bergman answering this question?
This guy talks about strong filmmakers like he’s one himself. I’ve never even heard of this arrogant bastard. Pursue your dreams even if you aren’t where you want to be right now.
Stop getting interviews from all these wannabes. He found out the secret formula for who makes and who doesn't. First of all you can make a masterpiece, won all the awards and have a huge box office success and that can be your last film because that is all you had to give or want to say. And NO, you don't need to have your next project ready. You might have the project 3 ready but you are not just ready to make it (budget reasons or even personal reasons). So you are still looking for that project in between. NO, you do not need to have a style. Some directors have and some don't and every movie they make is different or talks about different subjects. Keep your head down and say the stories that inspire you. Sometimes you might have a large gap between two movies and sometime you will make 2 or 3 movies back to back. Nobody has the secret for a great career. If today you want to make a movie, make that movie and maybe for 10 years you design furniture and during that time you find another story and you make another movie, after which you paint. Don't listen to these "internet gurus".
Hi James, I want to move to LA or Atlanta to be a PA on set and maybe even apply to UCLA or Georgia Film Academy to help my chances of being a PA to get my foot in the door. What are your suggestions on either city right now or using a film school to help me get there? PS I already have a degree but it is in an unrelated field
Hi Oliver! Do what you can afford. If you wish to start out as a PA, Georgia Film Academy and Georgia in general might be a good place to get your foot in the door. A friend of mine, who has gone on to be a producer, started out by discovering a film was shooting , went to the production office and provided the secretary with flowers. It worked and she remembered him. He also didn't have a film degree. So, there are many ways to do it, just find a way to be memorable. Good luck!
Okay, mark your calendars! Today was the day that Nick became officially sick and tired of interview subjects beginning their responses by saying, "Well, that is a very good question, actually." It's like they all went to the same courteous-responder workshop.
That is one if the best things sine one kind say about film making, what type of films do you want to make, for every wona be Quentin Tarantino, there’s a yorgos lanthimos
I loved this, even though I'm not a filmmaker. I feel it still applies to my chosen profession. Lucky me, it hasn't been easy. On the bright side, I get a certain rush in knowing that I have an insatiable tenacity and by proving that to myself.
I'm a filmmaker who is avid that this is going to be my future career. I've never felt more alive in any aspect of the process, I've also personally made several short films and worked on a bunch of films for others... Plus I have about several projects slated for later on, but I'm stuck on my first feature film. I can't figure out how to get funding for my film that isn't crowdfunding. My previous ones I've forked out some cash to make it happen, but I can't afford to do this film on my own and it's quite discouraging. I think a lot of people get stuck here. Do you have any advice/videos to help us with that?
Nathanseals Keep banging on doors or figure out a way to make something less expensive. This is also the step for which many people give up because it is not easy -- ever. Don't create a list of boundaries, figure out what you can make it happen now.
I know I'm 2 years late but I'll say it anyway. A good way to try and get a feature film funded is to make a short version of the film as proof of concept. Take a scene or two from the feature and make it into a short. That's what Damien Chazelle did to get his first feature (Whiplash) funded. Even though he wrote it as a feature he took a scene from it and made it into a short which won awards at Sundance and led to him getting funding for the feature and the rest, as they say, is history.
The title of the video is garbage, there is no such thing as not being cut out to be a filmmaker. Everyone who wants to become a filmmaker can become a filmmaker. It is not hard at all it just takes a lot of time. You can only say some1 is not cut out to be a filmmaker in the next 5 years or next 2 years. But not being cut out at all is BS. Everyone can do it if they really want it.
Really great, the only thing is his opinion on being a director with a specific thematic focus. That kind of auteur/consistent theme theory is entirely subjective, and isn't how many directors work. For example, look at Jonathan Demme or Doug Liman.
This video really irked me. It gives the impression that there are filmmakers who adamantly believe there are people below them. If you have the passion and desire to want to get to where you want to get to, you can make it as a filmmaker. Don’t watch videos like these, because people like this guy have been in the industry for so long that he most likely doesn’t like seeing new faces in the industry since they’re more competition.
Jango I’m sorry it gave you that impression. I certainly do not feel that way. Everyone from the Extra to the PA on up is just as important to me. Happy new year!
This is incredibly pretentious. You’re gonna make it if you let nothing else get in your way. Putting in your hours takes so much energy and effort, so of course you’re gonna question yourself. That doesn’t make you weak. What makes you weak is not putting in effort at all.
What he's saying sounds harsh but he's right. It's not about being weak in a sense of physical strength per se, he's talking about endurance. You have to really really love film in order to be able to be broke, hungry, financially unstable, in debt, working 13-17 hours a day, and putting off having a family for some time in order to succeed in the business. Not to mention it's an extremely ruthless business - at least at the beginning from what I saw.
Wow, I really didn’t expect to hear a Social Darwinism argument when I started watching this. That is troubling. Here is a portion of a film I made that addresses the fallacy of social Darwinism and it’s historical roots: ua-cam.com/video/zHhkcpLvois/v-deo.html
People need to remember that being a professional filmmaker isn't just about becoming a director in the vein of Martin Scorsese or Stanley Kubrick. I've worked with film students who aspired to become this, making overly 'artsy' shorts and generally failing to do so effectively. I've also worked with filmmakers who did things like wedding, corporate or commercial videos for their whole careers, and honestly, many of them were far more financially and creatively fulfilled than the ones who stubbornly insisted that they would only work in films/television (and if they did make these former things did so half-heartedly) because that was their long term plan. I feel in this sense we see this profession as less of a craft and more of an 'art'. While it's certainly an art and requires a good deal of creativity, it's also based on skill which can only be attained through practice, experience and teaching, and that this whole notion of being a filmmaker some 'higher calling' which only a few among us are blessed with leads to people wasting their lives and limiting themselves.
IF someone is wondering whether u can be a filmmaker, u feel it, if u love it, u get ideas from time to time, u know how your film could look like, you are a filmmaker. You feel it.
Alohaaa. Two years late but damn that's deep
i think i needed to see this. thank u
Alohaaa. I’ve been writing screenplays since high-school when I was studying math then after three years of studying engineering I quitted everything and made my first short with friends and took screenwriting and directing and lots of other classes I made three films just because I still need to make short films but I have feature film screen plays that I can’t let go that I’m in love with that I should live long enough to watch on the screen with my name on it lol. That was an assuring cm! I face more problems as a “female” filmmaker and the way society sees me but nothing can stop me 😄
@@mahtahosseini4879 Alohaaa. here! Haha made a new account some time ago, and forgot what I was commenting. I don't think being a female filmmaker is a problem, if you're good at it and you have the will for it, that's all that matters. I think yall gonna be great if you keep on pushing it. I myself got into filmschool now, quit several studies, and I wanted to be a filmmaker realllly bad at the time I wrote this comment, but to be honest with you, I don't want it as much anymore, I'm more into music now. Either way, If some of you think you're not gonna make it or it's not who you want to be, don't be so hard on yourself, take breaks, make other things, come back just keep going.
AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. You don't need a filmschool, keep on making content and working on it, one day your one uploaded video could be your viral hit, which could change your whole life.
@ْ I guarantee that in a time you're gonna watch this comment and be proud of what you've become, keep on working on it!
"If you're not an advocate for your own film, no one else will be"
TROOF.
Melanie Anne Ahern Thanks! Best wishes to you.
What motivates me to make films is a heap of things, but if it had to be only one: to radically change people's perception of the world and themselves.
Martin Steiner Beautifully put.....which movies have done this for you?
Almost too many to count, though Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey definitely held the most significant impact on me.
Martin Steiner Nice! In your opinion, do you think most filmmakers make movies for similar reasons?
Without a doubt! Cinema has a unique way of influencing us like any art form. One can speculate just how a portion of our values and attitudes are based on what information/experience we get through the arts and the media.
Martin Steiner Thank you! Love your commentary. We appreciate you watching James' video.
I hate elitism. Hate film elitism even more.
Tyler P. Henry why?
If elitism is based on merit, it's welcome, legitimate and respectable
If it's based on nepotism and corruption, it needs to be crushed and destroyed.
@Kolya-The-Vodka-Guzzler If this advice had been given to your mother shortly after you were born, it would have been the only sensible time.
There is a quote I absolutely love: "elitism, for everyone!"
It is not a matter of 'strong' and 'weak'. It is a matter of desire; all of us face adversity in all areas of life. It is the drive, the intensity. If you falter, probably you are not cut out for this line of work. Perhaps a secondary role, a supportive role, is what fits you better.
Pretty rational analysis. Working on a feature film set as a grip, I realized it was more about the strenuous hours of labor work and set-up for the movie that manipulated my motivation. This is the stage that people begin to fatigue because they aren't artistically engaged with the movie at that time. They begin to lose focus and only look at it as a daunting task. You just have to regain your composure and realize what all of the labor work is for.
***** Very well said.
***** Thank you! Your work is awesome.
Thank you for your kind words *****
One of the best things about filmmaking is being able to create a project that people can run away to and enjoy.
This darwinian way of looking at film is completely wrong in my view. Film is a community. It has nothing to do with being stronger or weaker. It´s about the people around you. Someone who chooses to do something other than film for their career does not make them weaker either. Those who succeed are because they have valuable people around them. NO ONE DOES ANYTHING ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH REGARDS TO FILM.
Eh disagree
Yes!! I have a narcissistic boss who has a master but has never created a film in her life. She thinks it’s easy.
Yeah. The more people are told life is a gladiator arena, the more they'll act as such, and that fucking sucks.
There are directors who have such bad skillsets and traits that they fail to direct a movie and never get a job again, thats film darwinism. If you want to succeed as a filmmaker, yes be motivated, but also be responsible and technically proficient, know what the hell you are doing. A hack is literally just waiting for the wrong moment to have their career fall apart, don't rely on luck, you will eventually fall apart.
Secondly, you must look at this industry as a business and that is probably the hardest thing to do. Without, the right execution or a good plan, you can spend a lifetime making your first feature or none at all. As a life coach and film producer, get a good mentor, a person you can trust. And remember, there is strength in numbers, do don't be afraid to ask for help. People will help you, if they believe in you. You just got to believe in yourself.
I have discovered that only about 15% of my students will have what it takes to be a filmmaker. 85% come in thinking that film school will be an easy A and then they just need to aim the camera and it will just unfold. It's very sad.
Vin Diesel made his own film it's called Strays.
People go to film schools to get good grades??
They pay your bills. Be grateful.
@@kittypaw3479 I'm not doing it for the money. I do it because I have a passion for passing my knowledge to others. Doing something just to pay bills is a slow death.
@@seancollett6 that’s true. But what also true is that not every can be good artist. They are just that rare. I think even your 15% is over estimating. 1% if you ask me.
I have a love hate relationship with filmmaking. On the one hand there can be definitely times when I hate the stress a project could be putting me through, what keeps me going is for one the fact that I realise what I'm doing. That I'm creating something. Which is always a wonderful thought for me. The main thing though that keeps me wanting to make more is how people respond to the work.
I love putting something out there, and finding out what people think of it.
I want everyone, weather it be in the theater or at home, to feel that inspiring chill ruin down their spine. To feel a sudden realization on yourself and how this film has just completely influenced your life. I love watching movies like these and I aspire to these filmmakers.
The reason I want to see my films made is because I want to affect people. To make them think and to give them an enjoyable experience, without being preachy. I'd love to sit at the back of a movie theatre, watch a movie I've written and at the end hear just one person say that it was either thought provoking or entertaining, or ideally both. So much bad stuff in the world and if I can entertain for 90 minutes then I'll be very happy!
Gosshhhhh, I really needed to hear this. I'm not thinking of quiting for a second. But I'm just questioning myself. I feel like I'm the only one actaully with any passion for my project at the moment. I have an actor who is littrally ruining the movie with not giving a crap and keeping us off tack and behind schedule. But I'm gonna fight back no matter what.
ShamelessFilmmaking It takes a lot of fight to make movies. Our best to you as you move forward with this one!
+ShamelessFilmmaking That actor needs to be pulled into line or replaced
Actors can really be a headache
i most of the time cant wait for the project to be finished. not because im tired of working on it (i love to work on it) but i want people to see it
Right. They don't follow the story. Its all about the Story 👍 Filmmakers must have focus.
When I find a story I love it becomes self motivating. I get this burning sensation to bring it to life.
That "burning sensation" is something I would have checked out.
I agree with the premise of your point but would have said it differently... a lot of people 'have what it takes' but sometimes still don't make it while other may sometimes get more fortunate. The premise of tenacity applies to all works of life!
Labeling people as strong or weak is such an American thing to do, in a bad way.
I love that James responds to comments and interacts with the viewers. What a cool guy! The message in this video is so true. Thanks for all the inspiration!
phoenixbpos I figure if you take time to watch my ramblings and have something to say about it, the least I can do is chat back. Be well.
i graduated from high school knowing I wanted to get into filmmaking because film and tv study was the only subject in school where I had the most fun and was able to be the most creative and get the best grades, when I made a shitty version of a film, my teacher gave me pointers and I went from C's starting out in grade 9 and by the end was writing A level material and films, its all about nonstop creating, literally just go out there and shoot something, never stop aspiring with imagination, I dont know what the future holds, I dont know if Ill go to film school, but I might simply cause I just like making films and will get the chance to meet other young filmmakers and learn from one another by doing, thats how you know its a passion if you enjoy it genuinely! if you make bad films and you still enjoy it keep making films and improve, just beucase you make one bad film doesnt mean its not for you
i was never good at problem solving until i started making indy movies.sound advice! i understood exactly what you were talking about and felt that i wasn't the only one going through this.
"First I'd like to throw out a pretentious long-winded quote before I ask you the goddamn question."
Amazing to see there's grown adults out there thinking there is a right or wrong way to do anything. Do you.
You don't have to clime a ladder. Just keep making a better mousetrap.
7:03 is probably the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. It might not mean a lot to some, but as a person who constantly remembers the bad side of his own past, those last few seconds are gonna stay with me for a long time.
The only way forward is forward.
Totally agree! The line that I really identified with is "If you don't let go of the bad you can't focus on the good." I'm just learning to let go of the bad and it is so liberating. It's almost magical :)
As always. I really appreciate your work, the questions and the people who take time to be interviewed, paid or not, and give what is really' gold' as in advice to novices such as myself, even at 69;) Thank you.
Thank you, R.D. We appreciate your kind words and the feedback. :)
I got into filmmaking because it's fun and I had no idea that the entry price is relatively cheap. A Canon t2i is capable of capturing my vision, I wish I would have known years ago that photo based cameras are capable of 1080p 24fps. Even if only a handful of people see my finished video, that's fine with me. It's just fun and super rewarding to go out and be creative. I've never been a competitive person so whatever else people are doing, it's irrelevant to my goal and vision. As someone who has dabbled in a variety of creative output, filmmaking is the outlet that I feel like I can take serious and produce something worth experiencing. At this point it's just about obtaining the necessary gear and practice practice practice. I'm estimating that my short film will cost $2k in gear, that's such a drop in the bucket to be able to actively work on something that has intrigued me for decades.
I think you find your identity and preferences as you grow
What he said? Is what I'm doing, so many troubles that my web series had delayed for a year! Now we just need 2 or 3 more days to finish, I questioned myself but now I gotta do it. I have this drive, almost the closest thing I had to addiction. I can't stop, won't stop. Even if it is inevitable? I'd rather let it die while I stood with it. People seen me with that attitude when I started filming. What did they do? Support me. Never die, just get killed. Because dying is on your terms, killing isn't on yours.
RIght.... try going it here in Singapore.
Subjective. I like to think of Jarmusch's saying "Good, Fast and Cheap" where you can only have 2 at any time. No budget precludes you have be cheap, up to you if you want it to be good or fast.
Besides the pro vs amateur label-You get out what you put in. If someone just wants to have fun, then its the process not the final product. If I had to choose making shit but having fun or making a masterpiece that kills my joy for the thing that I never touch it again, I'd take the former. Most people never make it big in the end, but everyone can love filmaking. And thats what amateurs are, people who do it because they love it. And they still have a right to call themselves filmmakers.
Wow!
Projecting to the future
Recognizing ur creative taste
Motivation
Stamina
Troubleshooting
Zen approach.
Totally loved it. Hey, Film Courage, bring him again.
Thank u.
Green Wood glad it was helpful to you in some way. My best wishes to you as you progress!
Stay away from getting into debt. Production credits, or industry contacts are
worth more than film school diploma. Networking in the industry will do
wonders.
valuable advice. I wish I had learned the debt one a few years before I did ;)
Nice video, thank you.. I have a full time job and I plan to keep it since I am only about 15 years from retirement, so I create films solely because I want to do it, which leaves me free to do as much of the production work as I want by myself, and I get to do whatever I want. I haven't posted any films online up till now, but I will be posting a short preview of my newest film online later in 2017 to see if I get the reactions and interest in it that I am hoping for. To do it as a business would take away the fun for me. I'm not much in to money, marketing and the selling and networking that is required to do this as a business.
My best wishes to you! It sounds like a terrific retirement plan.
I like his attitude about film making.
Very informative. James knows his stuff.👍
Thanks, Zach!
Many commenters here see people as a whole succinct package, one quality pisses you off, and you call them fools or ignore the valuable pieces of information. I don't know James, but he seems to be someone hard to be liked from the first impression. But it doesn't necessarily mean he is actually a cocky dude, he might just be a guy who says things as it is and doesn't care about the social consequence of such remarks. I sometimes tend to act the same.
As to his idea that you either have it or don't have it. I believe he is right here. you can learn and you can practice, but there are two traits that limit you. First is the courage, it is not an abstract world. people are limited by their culture and their trepidations, you should do things to change it. second is the raw intelligence. IQ is not a perfect measurement for intelligence. But I think you should score at least 120 to even consider being a serious filmmaker or any other professions involve careful planning and execution.
If you have these two things solved, you are covered.
These are very true points.
There’s nothing wrong with saying that you want something to be over. People say things like that all the time to voice their frustration. Watch actors doing press for their films, most of them are tired and bored with having to answer the same dozen or so questions for hours, weeks, and even months. That’s not a true indication that they won’t make it. Some people don’t suffer the grind like some other people.
It does not only apply to filmmaking, but any life changing industry. Look, the best things in life does not come easy. If it did, everyone will be doing it. And secondly, most people only look at the activities around them, instead of what is in front of them, the goal.
Absolutely Great...
Awesome Message...
Ah… The 1:53 question we're asked most often… (the close second being "how do you get financing?") - putting all your filmmaking career, which is about motion pictures and sounds… into a couple of phrases. Super tough, but necessary. Imagine Tarkovsky or Bergman answering this question?
Spot on; most careers require you to prepare for a marathon, not a sprint.
This guy talks about strong filmmakers like he’s one himself. I’ve never even heard of this arrogant bastard. Pursue your dreams even if you aren’t where you want to be right now.
Exactly! I can't help but think of him as pretentious and self-important, very discouraging indeed.
Thank you!!
Dude not Steven Speilberg nor John Carpenter
Ha the comments a year old but i needed a bit of a push to continue my screenplay
Great questions, great answers.
Stop getting interviews from all these wannabes. He found out the secret formula for who makes and who doesn't.
First of all you can make a masterpiece, won all the awards and have a huge box office success and that can be your last film because that is all you had to give or want to say.
And NO, you don't need to have your next project ready. You might have the project 3 ready but you are not just ready to make it (budget reasons or even personal reasons). So you are still looking for that project in between.
NO, you do not need to have a style. Some directors have and some don't and every movie they make is different or talks about different subjects.
Keep your head down and say the stories that inspire you. Sometimes you might have a large gap between two movies and sometime you will make 2 or 3 movies back to back.
Nobody has the secret for a great career. If today you want to make a movie, make that movie and maybe for 10 years you design furniture and during that time you find another story and you make another movie, after which you paint. Don't listen to these "internet gurus".
Hardworking weak Filmmaker > Lazy strong talented Filmmaker. Any day of the week.
+Brade Bronson Depends on what you subjectively think of "hard-work", "weak","lazy" and "strong"
Yet you could be all this and never make it trough... There is more than hardworking and talent and skill...
I think your coupling "lazy" and "strong" together is comical.
Somebody in here is really insecure
Thanks. I have been working for 30 years and others have dropped out because they couldn’t take the grind.
Hi James, I want to move to LA or Atlanta to be a PA on set and maybe even apply to UCLA or Georgia Film Academy to help my chances of being a PA to get my foot in the door. What are your suggestions on either city right now or using a film school to help me get there? PS I already have a degree but it is in an unrelated field
Hi Oliver! Do what you can afford. If you wish to start out as a PA, Georgia Film Academy and Georgia in general might be a good place to get your foot in the door. A friend of mine, who has gone on to be a producer, started out by discovering a film was shooting , went to the production office and provided the secretary with flowers. It worked and she remembered him. He also didn't have a film degree. So, there are many ways to do it, just find a way to be memorable. Good luck!
If you constantly holding on to the bad, you can't focus on the good !
Love the way he speaks.
Thanks for your kind words! You can follow my work at Facebook.com/JamesKick or at JamesKicklighter.com
very good info and advice
Okay, mark your calendars! Today was the day that Nick became officially sick and tired of interview subjects beginning their responses by saying, "Well, that is a very good question, actually." It's like they all went to the same courteous-responder workshop.
Great advice. And great hair!
Heidi Haaland I work hard for that hair. Thanks, Heidi!
***** You're welcome! (draws a sigh of relief at not receiving a public takedown for being shallow)
Great Advice. Great Channel!
What always had me do make films is because its the ultimate voice.
Please do a behind the scenes episode!!!!
Great advice, thank you!
Such good advice!
Gotta remember the "Zen approach"
This is such a great, non-patronising answer.
I love watching JK's clips. He gives such professional advice and seems like such a nice guy!
Syma Ahmed Thank you for your kind words! Good luck to you.
I bought an Idaho Potato to start my film career
Well said.
Troubleshooting is the KEY ... because you as a filmmaker will always get into trouble with the mildest of creations.
That is one if the best things sine one kind say about film making, what type of films do you want to make, for every wona be Quentin Tarantino, there’s a yorgos lanthimos
I loved this, even though I'm not a filmmaker. I feel it still applies to my chosen profession. Lucky me, it hasn't been easy. On the bright side, I get a certain rush in knowing that I have an insatiable tenacity and by proving that to myself.
Dackson Flux what industry are you in?
What industry are you
I'm a filmmaker who is avid that this is going to be my future career. I've never felt more alive in any aspect of the process, I've also personally made several short films and worked on a bunch of films for others... Plus I have about several projects slated for later on, but I'm stuck on my first feature film. I can't figure out how to get funding for my film that isn't crowdfunding. My previous ones I've forked out some cash to make it happen, but I can't afford to do this film on my own and it's quite discouraging. I think a lot of people get stuck here. Do you have any advice/videos to help us with that?
Nathanseals Keep banging on doors or figure out a way to make something less expensive. This is also the step for which many people give up because it is not easy -- ever. Don't create a list of boundaries, figure out what you can make it happen now.
I know I'm 2 years late but I'll say it anyway. A good way to try and get a feature film funded is to make a short version of the film as proof of concept. Take a scene or two from the feature and make it into a short. That's what Damien Chazelle did to get his first feature (Whiplash) funded. Even though he wrote it as a feature he took a scene from it and made it into a short which won awards at Sundance and led to him getting funding for the feature and the rest, as they say, is history.
Great advice!
This was helpful
The title of the video is garbage, there is no such thing as not being cut out to be a filmmaker. Everyone who wants to become a filmmaker can become a filmmaker. It is not hard at all it just takes a lot of time. You can only say some1 is not cut out to be a filmmaker in the next 5 years or next 2 years. But not being cut out at all is BS. Everyone can do it if they really want it.
It depends on how you view your career. Is it a hobby or a profession? Everyone can do it, but not everyone can stay in it.
wise words
Thank you for this. Felt like an energy drink!
;-)
EL Carlos Diaz Thanks, Carlos. But if you're gonna drink an energy drink, make it that Monster Coffee one. Red Bull tastes awful. Best wishes to you!
haha! roger that Sir;-)
The description though🙏💯
Why am I just seeing this?? lol, great stuff
Glad you enjoyed this Malcolm and happy this one finally found you.
Dude, U get an A+ in Nodding Class.
Thank you, I studied hard in Nodding.
Really great, the only thing is his opinion on being a director with a specific thematic focus. That kind of auteur/consistent theme theory is entirely subjective, and isn't how many directors work. For example, look at Jonathan Demme or Doug Liman.
Of course, all opinions are subjective. You just have to find what works for you. Best wishes!
Vin Diesel made his own movie it's called Strays
This video really irked me. It gives the impression that there are filmmakers who adamantly believe there are people below them. If you have the passion and desire to want to get to where you want to get to, you can make it as a filmmaker. Don’t watch videos like these, because people like this guy have been in the industry for so long that he most likely doesn’t like seeing new faces in the industry since they’re more competition.
Jango I’m sorry it gave you that impression. I certainly do not feel that way. Everyone from the Extra to the PA on up is just as important to me. Happy new year!
This is incredibly pretentious. You’re gonna make it if you let nothing else get in your way. Putting in your hours takes so much energy and effort, so of course you’re gonna question yourself. That doesn’t make you weak. What makes you weak is not putting in effort at all.
who is this guy? and why should anyone take his advice? genuinely asking..
Why can't you just make films because you enjoy it? And not worry about how the next film happens?
No reason you can't - it depends on if its a hobby or a career, both are legitimate, but inform your approach.
James Kicklighter I approach as every day is my last.
That's the only way to live life in my opinion!
Who is this guy?
Me.
That is some awesome advice! I guess I am a strong filmmaker haha.
amen
If you pay your editor fire him
I’m gonna be one of the greats. Remember this comment
Still waiting.
@@ronaldmayle1823 lol
her voice sounds like the woman's from serial
What he's saying sounds harsh but he's right. It's not about being weak in a sense of physical strength per se, he's talking about endurance. You have to really really love film in order to be able to be broke, hungry, financially unstable, in debt, working 13-17 hours a day, and putting off having a family for some time in order to succeed in the business. Not to mention it's an extremely ruthless business - at least at the beginning from what I saw.
Wow, I really didn’t expect to hear a Social Darwinism argument when I started watching this. That is troubling. Here is a portion of a film I made that addresses the fallacy of social Darwinism and it’s historical roots: ua-cam.com/video/zHhkcpLvois/v-deo.html
They let gatekeepers get in their way.
Ephesians 4:26 is what his grandparents lived by
I guess this guy must be one of the weak ones then since i've never heard of him lol
I cry myself to sleep at night I’ve been working out lately though, so hopefully I’ll get stronger
@@jameskick hey, I am an aspiring film director, just wanted to say desires of the heart was an incredible movie
@@lewisosman5269 thank you! My best wishes to you.
People need to remember that being a professional filmmaker isn't just about becoming a director in the vein of Martin Scorsese or Stanley Kubrick. I've worked with film students who aspired to become this, making overly 'artsy' shorts and generally failing to do so effectively. I've also worked with filmmakers who did things like wedding, corporate or commercial videos for their whole careers, and honestly, many of them were far more financially and creatively fulfilled than the ones who stubbornly insisted that they would only work in films/television (and if they did make these former things did so half-heartedly) because that was their long term plan. I feel in this sense we see this profession as less of a craft and more of an 'art'. While it's certainly an art and requires a good deal of creativity, it's also based on skill which can only be attained through practice, experience and teaching, and that this whole notion of being a filmmaker some 'higher calling' which only a few among us are blessed with leads to people wasting their lives and limiting themselves.
👏👏👏👏😊🎉
who is this guy again?
He is not right
The chick talks way a lot
lol, he nods a lot