Steve Sherrick
Well-known member
It's often discussed how there are just a few basic story lines that can be found in all of literature, films, etc. Polti breaks this down into 36 dramatic situations. But of course, we know that it's all in the details that makes something elevate to the realm of great literature, a great film, etc. What I see transpiring in the world right now makes me think there is a wealth of new storytelling about to emerge. I challenge all filmmakers on this forum to be a part of this wave of new stories and make films that have an impact on audiences.
As a camera forum, we naturally talk about the cameras and other tools used to make films. Perhaps sometimes we talk about the tools a little too much and not enough about how we're using the tools. I understand that everyone loves a good camera battle once in a while, or wants to voice an opinion about the way a camera company conducts their business. But it's so easy to get lost in the technological sea and forget the "WHY" we make films or other art. Watching the behind the scenes of Richard Linklater's Boyhood it was so refreshing to see a small crew shooting film, with a single video monitor tap for the director. They look like they are making a film the way I used to make films with my college friends. Just a few of us passionate about what we were doing but having fun. Lean filmmaking.
The point is, those who are in this for the filmmaking, the storytelling should feel that whatever you have for a camera is a blessing really. Unless you have a business that rents gear to earn a living, embrace the tools you have, wear them out, take them to the furthest point you can until they hold you back creatively and then look at other options available to you. But never let the camera alone be the only reason you don't make films. There are so many great examples of filmmakers that have made amazing work using what they had access to or what they could afford to get access to. They lived filmmaking 24 hours a day. That's sometimes what it takes to make something you are proud of, that has your blood, sweat, and tears engrained into it. Don't let technology rule you, rule the technology you are fortunate enough to use.
And this is not a lecture. This is a pep talk for myself as well. I sometimes get lost, and forget why I even chose this career. And then I see a great film and I remember all over again. I may never make a great film but I've seen the work from some of you and I see potential for great things to come. So, if you have a Red One, Scarlet, Epic, Dragon, Super 8 film camera, DV, iPhone whatever you have, please take my advice and go make films. Don't ever let someone tell you your camera isn't good enough. Instead, find likeminded people who are as passionate about filmmaking as you are and go make something. You can't get better without filming all of the time.
Finally, as someone who has suffered from fear of failure for years, I understand those who may experience this type of thing themselves and that may prevent them from taking chances, of letting failure eventually be the driving force behind success. To this I say, the greatest thing to fear is not failure, it's regret. Regret is something we take with us when we die. Failure is something we can leave behind.
As a camera forum, we naturally talk about the cameras and other tools used to make films. Perhaps sometimes we talk about the tools a little too much and not enough about how we're using the tools. I understand that everyone loves a good camera battle once in a while, or wants to voice an opinion about the way a camera company conducts their business. But it's so easy to get lost in the technological sea and forget the "WHY" we make films or other art. Watching the behind the scenes of Richard Linklater's Boyhood it was so refreshing to see a small crew shooting film, with a single video monitor tap for the director. They look like they are making a film the way I used to make films with my college friends. Just a few of us passionate about what we were doing but having fun. Lean filmmaking.
The point is, those who are in this for the filmmaking, the storytelling should feel that whatever you have for a camera is a blessing really. Unless you have a business that rents gear to earn a living, embrace the tools you have, wear them out, take them to the furthest point you can until they hold you back creatively and then look at other options available to you. But never let the camera alone be the only reason you don't make films. There are so many great examples of filmmakers that have made amazing work using what they had access to or what they could afford to get access to. They lived filmmaking 24 hours a day. That's sometimes what it takes to make something you are proud of, that has your blood, sweat, and tears engrained into it. Don't let technology rule you, rule the technology you are fortunate enough to use.
And this is not a lecture. This is a pep talk for myself as well. I sometimes get lost, and forget why I even chose this career. And then I see a great film and I remember all over again. I may never make a great film but I've seen the work from some of you and I see potential for great things to come. So, if you have a Red One, Scarlet, Epic, Dragon, Super 8 film camera, DV, iPhone whatever you have, please take my advice and go make films. Don't ever let someone tell you your camera isn't good enough. Instead, find likeminded people who are as passionate about filmmaking as you are and go make something. You can't get better without filming all of the time.
Finally, as someone who has suffered from fear of failure for years, I understand those who may experience this type of thing themselves and that may prevent them from taking chances, of letting failure eventually be the driving force behind success. To this I say, the greatest thing to fear is not failure, it's regret. Regret is something we take with us when we die. Failure is something we can leave behind.
