Filmmaking / Directing

I believe that to be successful in this business, you need to fully understand the Business of film; the Politics of film; the Differences between film and television; and who the Power Players are - and how to deal with them.

For example: Here is the major difference between working on a feature film and a television series: Television is a Producer's medium and Feature films are Director's medium. This fact alone will give you a distinct advantage when it comes to surviving in the film and TV industry!

Here are 50 tips I believe you need to have, learn or nurture to help you work and survive in the film and television business today:

11. Create Opportunities for Luck: Remain open to unexpected opportunities and be at the right place at the right time! Making your own luck involves being proactive and ready to seize opportunities as they arise.

12. Cultivate a Strong Work Ethic: Be diligent, disciplined, and committed to excellence. Success in the film industry often requires long hours, hard work, and unwavering dedication. A strong work ethic ensures consistent performance and high-quality work.

13. Cultivate Resilience: Bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and persevere in the face of adversity. Like any creative venture, rejection, criticism, and failure are common in the film business. Resilience helps maintain motivation and drive through challenging times.

14. Develop a Thick Skin: Criticism is a constant in the film industry. Learn to take constructive feedback without taking it personally, and use it to improve your craft. Embrace criticism as a learning opportunity to refine your skills and grow professionally.

15. Develop a Unique Voice: Cultivate a distinct creative style that sets you apart from others in the industry. Whether through your storytelling approach or thematic focus, having a unique voice can help you stand out and attract attention from audiences and industry professionals alike.

16. Develop Marketing and Self-Promotion Skills: Treat filmmaking as a business to continue making movies for a living. Effectively showcase your talents and secure opportunities in the competitive film industry. Understanding marketing strategies can significantly increase your visibility.

17. Develop Determination and Self-Belief: Navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks encountered on the filmmaking journey. Always believe in yourself and your vision, even when others doubt you.

18. Earn the Respect of Colleagues: Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and leadership on and off the set. Respect is earned through consistent, honorable actions and behaviors, which encourages a positive work environment.

19. Effective Communication is Essential: Practice clear and concise communication with colleagues, cast, and crew to ensure everyone is working towards a common goal. Good communication enhances collaboration and helps to avoid misunderstandings.

20. Embrace Curiosity: Seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth. Maintain an open-minded attitude towards learning, experimentation, and new experiences to stay innovative.

Next Article:: 50 Tips on How to Work and Survive in the "Business" (pt3)

This is why You NEVER Give Up on your Dreams!

“Sinners,” “Creed,” and “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler started his career with $200,000 in student debt before his breakout success.

Link:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/sinners-director-went-from-200k-in...

I recently watched Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and it is truly a masterclass in storytelling and directing. It was purely superb!

Hello I’ve created a musical play — a prequel to Peter and the Wolf. Here’s the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLjYb0CW9IM I’d like to propose it to production companies and eventually release it. I'm looking for advices on how to find those companies and how to pitch to them Thanks Christophe

I believe that to be successful in this creative business, you need to fully understand the Business of film; the Politics of film; the Differences between film and television; and who the Power Players are - and how to deal with them.

For example, here is the major difference between working on a feature film and a television series: "Television is a Producer's medium and Feature films are a Director's medium." This fact alone will give you a distinct advantage when it comes to surviving in the film and TV industry!

This distinction emphasizes the importance of adaptability and versatility for filmmakers seeking success in both mediums. While television demands collaboration with the producer's vision, feature films offer directors a place to imprint their artistic signature on every aspect of the production.

By understanding and utilizing these differences, filmmakers can excel in various creative settings. Those skilled in producer-driven television can leverage their teamwork abilities, while directors focused on feature films can use their independence to create compelling movies. Working and surviving in the film business requires a combination of creative talent, business acumen, and perseverance.

Here are 50 tips I believe you need to have, learn or nurture to help you work and survive in the film and television business today:

1. Adapt to Changing Circumstances: Flexibility is key in the film industry. Be prepared to adapt your plans and approaches to overcome unforeseen challenges. Being adaptable helps you navigate industry shifts and maintain progress under changing conditions.

2. Balance Art and Commerce: While passion for your craft is important, understanding the business side of filmmaking is crucial. Learn about budgeting, marketing, and distribution to ensure your projects are financially viable.

3. Be Financially Savvy: Manage your finances wisely, including saving for periods of unemployment and investing in your own projects. Financial stability allows you to make better career decisions.

4. Be Patient: Success in the film industry often takes time. Patience and perseverance are essential as you build your career and reputation.

5. Be Persistent: Success in the film industry often requires perseverance. Keep pitching your ideas, applying for jobs, and networking, even in the face of rejection. Persistence builds resilience and increases your chances of breakthrough opportunities.

6. Be Professional: Be reliable and punctual. Building a positive reputation in the industry requires maintaining professionalism in every interaction. This reputation will open doors to future opportunities and collaborations.

7. Build a Reliable Team: Surround yourself with talented and trustworthy collaborators. A strong, dependable team can make the production process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust and synergy within the team create a positive working environment and better creative outcomes.

8. Build a Strong Industry Network: Attend film festivals, industry events, and workshops. Join professional organizations to meet potential collaborators, investors, and mentors. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable industry insights.

9. Celebrate Small Victories: Filmmaking can be grueling, but maintaining your enthusiasm and love for storytelling will sustain you through tough times. Celebrate small victories and stay connected to what inspires you.

10. Champion Diversity and Inclusion: Actively seek out diverse voices, perspectives, and talent both in front of and behind the camera. Embrace the richness of diversity to create more authentic and inclusive storytelling. This approach can lead to more innovative and relatable films.

Next Article: 50 Tips on How to Work and Survive in the "Business" (pt2)

There are a variety of “specialist directors” in the film industry, each with a diverse range of directorial specialties, who bring their unique approaches, styles, perspectives and skill sets to the filmmaking process. These directorial types encompass various genres, themes, and creative approaches, catering to the diverse interests of audiences worldwide.

21. Period Drama Director: Their expertise lies in meticulously recreating historical settings, costumes, and cultural contexts. They pay close attention to historical accuracy while infusing the story with authenticity and emotional depth, transporting audiences to different eras with vivid detail. Period drama directors collaborate with designers and historians to ensure the period details are accurate. Their films often explore the social, political, and personal dynamics of past eras, making history relevant and compelling. James Ivory is renowned for his work on period dramas such as "A Room with a View," "Howard's End," and "The Remains of the Day," Ivory's films are celebrated for their attention to historical detail and emotional depth.

22. Romance Director: A romance director specializes in creating films that explore themes of love, romance, and relationships. They have a deep understanding of romantic concepts, visual storytelling techniques, and character-driven storytelling. Romance directors focus on developing deep emotional connections between characters, often creating moments of joy, conflict, and resolution. They skillfully use mood, lighting, and music to heighten the emotional impact, drawing audiences into the characters' personal journeys. Nora Ephron is celebrated for her charming and heartfelt romantic comedies, including classics like "When Harry Met Sally...," "Sleepless in Seattle," and "You've Got Mail," Ephron's films often explore the joys and challenges of finding and maintaining love.

23. Science Fiction Director: A sci-fi director specializes in creating futuristic and otherworldly films that explore themes of technology, space, and the unknown. They have a deep understanding of visual effects, world-building, and creative storytelling techniques. Sci-fi directors envision and construct detailed worlds that push the boundaries of imagination. Their films often address contemporary issues through the lens of future possibilities, exploring the impact of technology and human innovation. They collaborate closely with designers and VFX artists to create visual experiences that captivate audiences and make speculative concepts feel real. Ridley Scott is known for his groundbreaking and visually stunning science fiction films, such as "Blade Runner," "Alien," and "The Martian." Scott's work has had a profound impact on the genre.

24. Socially Conscious Director: These directors are passionate about addressing pressing social issues through their films. They use storytelling as a tool for advocacy, shedding light on topics such as inequality, discrimination, and human rights abuses. Their films often spark conversations and inspire action for positive change. Socially conscious directors aim to raise awareness and provoke thought, using their platform to influence societal attitudes and behaviors. Spike Lee is celebrated for his powerful explorations of race, class, and social issues in films such as "Do the Right Thing," "Malcolm X," and "BlacKkKlansman."

25. Television Commercial Director: TV commercial directors specialize in creating short, impactful advertisements that effectively communicate a brand’s message and capture the audience’s attention. They work closely with clients, agencies, and production teams to develop concepts and scripts that align with the brand’s identity and marketing goals. TV commercial directors use visual storytelling techniques to craft compelling stories within a brief timeframe, often employing creative visuals, catchy music, and memorable taglines. Michel Gondry is known for his imaginative and whimsical approach on commercials for Levi's, Gap, and Smirnoff, among others.

26. Television Episodic Director: An episodic drama television director has to create compelling and emotionally engaging episodes that fit within an existing TV series. They work closely with the writers, producers, and cast to ensure that each episode contributes meaningfully to the season's story arc. This role requires a keen understanding of pacing, character development, and dramatic tension to keep audiences invested week after week. They must also manage tight production schedules and coordinate complex scenes, often working with multiple locations with a large cast. Michele McLaren is an acclaimed television director known for her work on some of the most critically acclaimed TV series of the 21st century. She has directed episodes for shows such as "Breaking Bad," "Game of Thrones," and "Better Call Saul."

27. Television Movie Director: A television movie director specializes in directing films made specifically for television rather than theatrical release. They often work with tighter budgets and shorter production schedules compared to feature films. These directors need to be adept at storytelling within the constraints of TV formats, ensuring that the story is compelling and engaging for home audiences. Bobby Roth is known for his work on television movies such as "Heartbreakers", “Judgment Day: The John List Story,” and "The Man Who Fell to Earth," Roth has a prolific career directing numerous TV movies and series episodes. He has directed episodes of popular TV series like "Lost," and "Prison Break," showcasing his versatility and ability to handle diverse genres. (NOTE: I know Bobby personally. I was his 1st AD on 3 of his TV movies.)

28. Thriller Director: These directors excel not only at building suspense but also at creating tension-filled stories with unexpected twists and turns. They are masters of pacing, using cinematography, sound design, and editing to keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Thriller directors create intricate plots that captivate and surprise viewers, often delving into psychological and moral complexities. Their films are characterized by a gripping intensity that maintains audience engagement throughout. David Fincher is known for his meticulous and atmospheric thrillers, Fincher has directed films like "Se7en," "Gone Girl," and "Zodiac." His distinctive style often includes dark, moody visuals and complex, psychologically intense narratives that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Hey Filmmaking Lounge,

This week, my creative growth came from a place I didn’t quite expect: a full crash course in new home buying.

I got an up-close look at the sheer minutia involved in bringing a new build across the finish line. Walking through every room to sign off on construction details. Reviewing and signing what felt like a literal binder of paperwork at closing. Spending hours on hold or navigating call bots just to get utilities set up. And yes, standing in line at the USPS during the Christmas season to pick up mail keys in person.

It has been a lot. But it has also been incredibly educational. The last six weeks have taught me more than I anticipated, and this week in particular was the most informative. It reminded me how much patience, attention to detail, and persistence are required in any complex process, whether it’s buying a home or bringing a film to life.

What about you?

What are you challenging yourself to learn right now to grow creatively or personally? A new skill, a new system, a new way of thinking?

We’re all storytellers, and our work is shaped by what we experience, what we notice, and what we learn along the way. Let’s share what’s expanding our perspective this week.

Hey everyone,

I’m sharing my first short film I wrote, directed, acted.This is part of a bigger journey for me as a filmmaker, and I’m actively looking to connect with creatives who love strong characters and bold storytelling.

Would really appreciate views, feedback, or even just a conversation if it resonates.

Watch here:

https://youtu.be/Xeagldv49e8?si=E-lVNuRW4uRgiOcH

IMO, The Coca Cola AI commercial vividly demonstrates one of the insurmountable issues with pure AI generation: it is soulless. You cannot watch this without thinking how alike each character is, how emotive none of them are. Even a second-rate animator would have put more sincere expressions onto these characters. As it is, their eyes are dead, their smiles are fake, their expressions seem all from a single sample.

Increasingly, the term "uncanny valley" is used to describe the phenomenon that human beings express distrust and discomfort with anything that pretends to be human but isn't. Essentially, if a robot looks and acts like a robot, even one that speaks naturally, we are fine with it. If it is dressed up as a human and tries to pass itself off as a human, even with technical perfection, we detect it and we are not comfortable. The fact that we learn the truth does not make us any less uncomfortable or more trusting when we are in the presence of that fake human. This is IMO at the core of why AI as a narrative tool cannot succeed without human talent involved.

Producers who figure this out will use the tech where it is good, to shorten workflow and supplement visuals, prep, production design, etc, but they will be careful to keep the human creator involved where that counts: the screen talent, the human who actually fine tunes animation, the production designer and director who create an original environment. These producers will succeed. The rest will fall back into the mucky puddle of anonymity where, frankly, they belong.

I am a consultant for AI startup AerithAI.com - which is integrating AI into a VFX narrative film production workflow, but moving far beyond that into the next wave of quantum computing. My position with them is to ensure they are at the forefront of the actual art, as the tech develops.

See the commercial here:

https://youtu.be/YunDvCb4OeM