Top Five Pieces of Filmmaking Advice from Renowned Directors
Filmmaking is an art form that combines creativity, persistence, and an unyielding passion for storytelling. If your having a tough time, need a piece of advice, or just like to hear other creators thoughts on the processs of filmaking read below
1. Persistence is Key
Sean Baker ("The Florida Project," "Red Rocket")
Sean Baker emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the film industry, especially when pursuing unconventional projects. He states, "Nobody is going to just come and give you money unless you’ve proven yourself, especially if you’re doing something that is unconventional or unorthodox and outside the way the industry thinks. All I know is this: The reason I’ve gotten attention from this industry is that I just kept making films until they paid attention."
2. Be True to Your Vision
Bong Joon-ho ("Parasite")
Bong Joon-ho advises filmmakers to stay true to their creative instincts. He believes in the importance of satisfying one's own artistic vision over seeking approval from others. "Art is creating something and presenting it so that other people can see it; so, inevitably, you’re always worried [about] whether people would like it or not. But because it is inevitable, I think that people should just be faithful to themselves and try to satisfy themselves and respect their own obsessions."
3. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Greta Gerwig ("Little Women," "Lady Bird")
Greta Gerwig speaks to the fear of failure and the necessity of trying despite the risks. She highlights the inevitability of creating some "bad" work along the way but views it as a crucial part of the creative process. "If you have reverence for the art form, your fear of failure could come from not wanting to muck up something you love. But I think there’s a time when the fear of not ever having tried is bigger than the fear of failure. And that’s when you get to work, because you realize you have fears on both sides; which one would you rather live with? You’ll make a bad movie or give a bad performance or write a bad song or make a bad painting. Because if you’re doing it, you’ll get some bad ones. That’s just the price of admission!"
4. Start Acting the Part Now
Steven Chbosky ("Dear Evan Hansen")
Steven Chbosky encourages aspiring filmmakers to own their identity from the start. He suggests removing the word "aspire" from their vocabulary. "The first thing I would say to an aspiring artist is: Let this moment be the last time they ever use the word ‘aspire.’ If you wrote today, you are a writer. The noun comes from the verb. It’s not up to a producer or casting person to tell you what you are."
5. Foster a Positive and Collaborative Set Environment
Robert Eggers ("The Lighthouse," "The Witch")
Robert Eggers shares his evolution in directing style, moving away from emotionally taxing methods to fostering a supportive environment. He believes in achieving the best performances through love and support rather than trauma. "In my late teens and early 20s, I thought terrorizing actors emotionally was a really good idea. As horribly corny as it sounds, getting there through love and support is the best way to do it. Otherwise, you’re just going to damage each other…. Sometimes we do have to suffer, but it’s different than traumatizing people. If you’re suffering and it’s self-imposed to better the work, that’s a privilege. Sometimes it’s not about it being comfortable, but it needs to be the actor’s choice."
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