Anyone Who Wants To Be A Filmmaker Is Crazy - Houston Howard

[@omidfilms]

Be yourself, everyone else is already taken -Oscar Wilde

[@cothinker680]

Yo I wanna be your friend

[@greyeyed123]

I asked a class of my high school students what they wanted to be when they grow up. One kid said he wanted to be Bill Gates.

[@stijnvdv2]

yeah well.... a lot of times the small budget movies are the thing you want to see; like Joker for instance or Indiana Jones which was pitched as an extremely low budget movie (and you got great quality). What you don't want to see is these 200 mln 'blockbusters' that just faceplant in the dirt coz they think their budget makes for a watchable story.... and then you get Mulan 2020.... or Wonderwoman 1984, or Ocean's 8.... these are such cringe unwatchable movies that I just saw a review of them and am like.... no thanks.... except for Ocean's 8, that I turned off half way coz the man-hate was as cringe as someone scratching their nails on a chalkboard. Modern movies by Hollywood with a big budget... they SUCK! It's not entertainment anymore, it's 'let me educate you on ultra progressive politics'.

[@alexman378]

I don’t understand why there is so much backlash against the guy. What did he say? - You are competing for attention against huge brands and names, therefore you need to constantly know how things change in order to get an edge. - You need to handle this career seriously and like a business if you want to combine your artistic passions with earnings in order to make more stuff later and sustain yourself off of this line of work. - You are not a huge Director like Tarantino or Scorcese yet. Until you become like them, you need to study how they manage to be so great, while also seeing how times change and how you can break in the industry according to modern standards. You need to constantly keep everything in check and learn as much as possible about whatever revolves around film. What’s so wrong about that advice?

[@krisfire]

Alexander Angelus because everyone wants to think they can “make it” and that they can be the next Tarantino just by making 5 minute shorts. He broke their presumptions. Personally I agree with him, it’s simple, to get noticed you need to stand out, to stand out you gotta make something worth seeing, everyone’s seen the “starving artist” movie or the “rebellious teenager” movie (most indie movies). So think of something new or different and roll with it, it might not be exactly what you’re wanting to make, but it’ll help you get there.

[@alexman378]

@@krisfire This is exactly what I believe! Yes, make 5 minute shorts, to have a resume and hone your skills as a filmmaker, but that's not how you move up. Networking, knowing how to sell yourself and your art, meeting the right people, it's all part of the job, especially in the beginning. Tarantino didn't become Tarantino because of his great art alone, he became Tarantino because he knew how to play the game properly, in order to be launched, and audiences happened to respond with applause and admiration of his style. There is a reason people scoff at aspiring filmmakers, saying "nobody really makes it, get ready not to have a career". Plenty make it, it's just those who understanad the rules of the game, play it properly and don't try to slither around it. And they're unfortunately not the majority. I don't have money in my head as a priority, but only a moron would say that filmmaking is a cheap endeavor. You need money to keep the train going, whether you like it or not. People (actors and crews) will be more likely to help you for little to no money in the beginning in your late teens to early 20s, but they'll be less keen on doing freebies for a 40something year old who doesn't know how to play yet.

[@krisfire]

Alexander Angelus exactly. Nailed it 100%! Everyone loves the art, but no one wants to do business. Which is what a bulk of it comes down to.

[@nicolasguizzo5278]

I'm guilty to judge prematurely the video and the guy talking. Before seeing it i got butthurt because you want to think you can do this like the big ones (and damn me if I don't think that too) but after seeing the interview you realize this guy has a clear point and it's true. He's not saying you can't be huge, he says that you got to 'earn your way up' to be there. It envolves so much work and dedication that most people won't accomplish it because they won't effort that hard. I personally recently discover that I want to write scripts, and I'm fully motivated seeing videos, studying books and scripts. It's hard but the effort it's directly proportional to the results.

[@alexman378]

Nicolás Guizzo The difference you will notice from “wanting to write scripts” to “actually writing them like it’s no issue”, is going to be huge. There’s a freaking science behind them. The guy obviously has a point, hell, Tarantino was a semi-failed actor when he realized his skills as a writer and an actor oriented director. He was a nobody until Reservoir Dogs and especially Pulp Fiction, just a kid with a dream, working in video rental stores and cleaning up movie theaters. He really went after it and cultivated his talent to the point where people reading his scripts had no choice but to finance them or act in them. That’s how a nobody got someone like Harvey Keitel to act on his debut feature for mainstream audiences. Not only did he act there, he co-finances it so he would add to his production value, that’s how much he believed in that script. That says a lot about the right script being given to the right actor who will want to help you.

[@Leo-ws6cp]

I'm not tarantino, but tarantino is not me 😉

[@gaberamirez7246]

Exactly

[@Feverishkiller]

CAPTAIN OBVIOUS OVER HERE

[@Leo-ws6cp]

Hobo Kid - nah you're missing my point. I can be just as unique as tarantino because I'm different to him. But I'm not famous and haven't made anything successful

[@Feverishkiller]

@@Leo-ws6cp I CAME TO MAKE A COMMENT, NOT CONVERSATE.

[@Leo-ws6cp]

Koofey McDonald McDonald - haha I was talking to the other guy

[@ikaikatorres823]

I was his student at LA Film School. He’s pretty cool.

[@joshjohnson8806]

me too lol

[@fpdima]

By reading many of the comments, it's pretty clear to me that an awful lot of people never actually watched the whole interview. If they did, they would realize Mr. Howard is 100% correct. Think of all the stuff competing for our attention - it's insane. The amount of entertainment options people have today just never existed when Tarantino was starting out. No where in that interview did he try to dissuade anyone from pursuing a dream. As a matter of fact he did the exact opposite.

[@kash100pa6]

Maybe the majority also don't want to accept the reality of the filmmaking business?

[@AceOfBased]

I watched the whole interview and now I'm contemplating wether it's worth it or not. It was more discouraging than anything else.

[@lemonstrangler]

@@AceOfBased keep doing it but just dont be so attached to it and have a life outside of filmmaking.

[@goonzalez]

Love this. The inherent ego of people drawn towards being filmmakers (I’m guilty) is such a healthy thing to shake off. Aspirations are beautiful and can be the wind in your sails. But having a love of the process and a desire to grow in useful skill sets is more interesting to collaborators

[@irukhang3968]

Fuck Hollywood. Fuck this attitude. The chips are truly stacked against us. 6 major studios that produce all this horseshit. Rare films come out and break me away from my fear that I wont be good enough. Really it boils down to money. If you have money to endlessly fund a shit movie it will get made.

[@Mr.FranciscoJesusAldana]

@Jaime Gonzales BRAVO my man!

[@CalvinCarter1989]

All day, man

[@Mr.FranciscoJesusAldana]

@@irukhang3968 keep making films my man regardless of what the hollywood model does. the love of making films is impetus enough

[@goonzalez]

Flyboyhalo Publishing thanks so much man. This was so nice to read. All the best

[@GratefulServant1111]

As a 3x Sundance alum/1x winner in feature competition as a writer/director, I agree with this guy. He has A LOT of wisdom to offer about the reality of what you are up against as a filmmaker. He's letting you in on secrets that I learned the hard way. Great interview. Always keep in mind that the death of DVD was the death of the monetization of Indy cinema.

[@art_means_artificial]

BUY THE BOOK! lol

[@RishiintheAir]

Can I ask, was winning Sundance life-changing? Do you feel like you've "made it"?

[@GratefulServant1111]

@@RishiintheAir Honestly it was quite the opposite. All three times my films have been in competition at Sundance I believed in my heart that it would catapult my career as a director into a studio project and/or something I could actually make a living at, especially when I won an award, but in reality it only gave me "heat" for about a year or two where producers and studios would take meetings with me and either listen to me pitch projects or pitch me their own that they expected me to develop for free. That's it. I think what really matters is to have a tremendous amount of luck and momentum which is usually created by producing a great film from a great script that has attracted a star or up-and-coming star that helps find an audience that catapults your film into financial or critical success. If you get that far, Hollywood expects you to come to meetings with more material/scripts that are in the same genre/budget range and you basically start over from scratch with a little more financing, making very little for yourself, to get your next project off the ground with the hope of having even more financial/critical success. And honestly, you can usually attribute most film success to picking the right onscreen talent. Then if you are lucky enough to get a third deal you stand a chance at making a decent paycheck as a director. BTW, that is the real life experience of my best friend who is now a successful working director. FYI, he is a brilliant filmmaker, one-in-a-million luckiest guy I've ever known who has a photographic memory. He also charms the pants off of everyone in the room because he is super intelligent and an old soul, and he scored a supportive, multi-millionaire manager who is extremely connected and produces most of his work. Of course there are other scenarios that you can read about. This is only the story of my personal experience of winning Sundance and still never making a studio film. However, I have been extremely fortunate to be hired as a director/producer in other mediums and am finally making a full-time living that supports my family, after decades of sacrifice, sweat, blood and tears. We all wish we were genius' who blow up after festival success but unfortunately most of us are not. So we toil and sweat and hope for magic stardust to rain down on us little people too! Always remember it's a rich man's game and they pass the ball to their kids and friends. If you have trouble accepting that and rebel against it, you will probably never "make it" in the film business.

[@RishiintheAir]

@@GratefulServant1111 Thank you for that reply! Honestly, that's exactly what I've feared, that this almost impossible goal of winning Sundance might not have the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow we imagine. Anyway, I'll burn that bridge when I get there, if at all ever. You're story is inspiring but also scary. Still, I want to do it. Glad to hear that you're getting to make a living as a full-time director, I wish you luck towards bigger things. Would love to see your (and your friend's) work.

[@Somerandomfilmmakerguy]

@@GratefulServant1111 I too have been in Sundance. I’m really interested in seeing your films. You’re using a name I can’t Google. Thanks.

[@Ingrid_EverydayFilmmaker]

If people are scared away by the reality- it's not for them. Filmmakers that stick around because they "must" do it because it is a part of them, can't imagine living without doing it, are the ones who need to be doing it. Not those that give in when the going gets really rough

[@ScribblebytesWorldwide]

Exactly. It's a vocation. You do it because you have to not because you want to. I want to be sipping Piña Coladas on La Isla Bonita but I have to make pictures. Life just keeps dragging me to it.

[@alphacraig2001]

@@ScribblebytesWorldwide If I may ask, how do you know when you’ve truly decided that’s what you want to do? I’m very interested in getting into the film industry but I’m seeing all these stories of other people who get dissuaded altogether and I start wonder if it’s worth the risk. Then again, there are people like yourself who have made it a career and if other people have shown it can be done I believe I can if I truly give myself to it.

[@DyenamicFilms]

​@@alphacraig2001 You don't decide if it's what you want to do. I mean you can, but why would anyone choose this? If you feel like it's a decision to do it or not, I'd stop right now and move on to something else. To quote Stephen King when he was asked why he chose to write. His answer was "Who chose?". It's not meant to be discouraging. Do it if you have to do it. It's not worth it otherwise.

[@Mr.Masenko]

@@alphacraig2001 It’s a purpose you’re born with. You really don’t have a choice. There is no plan b or backup life for you. You either do it or die trying. The moment you know it’s for you is when you realize you’re not just willing to live for the craft but you’re also willing to die for it, as self destructive as that may sound. But definitely I agree with the sentiment of this video that artists need to start developing entrepreneurial skills especially if they’re independent. The way I look at it is, I’m not a businessman because I want to be one, I’m a businessman because I need to finance my purpose as an artist. Making money is a means to an end and that end is to be able to freely create for the rest of my life

[@JamesBoss]

As an indie filmmaker for over 10 years, I got distribution for my feature in 15 countries, got called up by major studios, and invited to many film festivals. And after all this experience, when beginner filmmakers ask me for advice, I just say to them, it’s a jungle out there. There is no right or wrong, you just utilize your god given skillz, hope you meet the right people, make something worth watching, and take the path few have travelled. Hope that you make it out a live. I don’t think transmedia is for everyone, if you can make art and shock the world, then focus on that. It will get you far. Im still grinding it today with very little resources.

[@ghostland8646]

I’m want to make a foreign film so I’m gonna go to Asia one day and hope to make something over there

[@1chiTheKiller]

I think he's absolutely right on this one. I love playing games, and I know that takes time away from watching the films or the shows I want to see. You've got to have something special, you've got to have that hook to reel everyone in to your project. I absolutely understand that, and I agree with his sentiment.

[@SanthoshCHRiS]

The real secret to doing what you love is to create something without expecting anything in return! :)

[@alexman378]

Problem is, if you don’t expect anything in return, how are you going to fund more ideas into becoming your new projects?

[@Jakedegaye]

Yes if you're piece of art cost £7000 and you satisfied not to earn a return,then make the art.. If your art cost £14000 and you need a return ,due diligence is key.. Don't make the work,until everything is set in place.

[@mabusestestament]

Great idea if you are already rich.

[@Betito1171]

I was worried that all this was gonna do was crush my confidence. Thankfully it was actually insightful and useful. The moment that I decided that I wanted to make films I was willing to slog through all the bullshit and hard work

[@Roockie117]

Sup fellow 117 nigga.

[@theomaluleke6793]

My father once said "Theo, yes I lived in a different time frame when I was your age but the principle is the same" key word ''principle''.... you just have to be different just like Tarantino was different. SO GOODLUCK TO ALL YOU ASPIRING FILMMAKERS

[@bearlineproductions2966]

I made a 71-minute feature at $6,000. I beg to differ and I know I'm not Tarantino cause I don't wanna be Tarantino. Just do you and don't let anyone else say otherwise.

[@ericcoen8894]

if you can make 71 mins, why not make it 90 mins? This is a typical indie film length which is easy to sell on DVD market.

[@bearlineproductions2966]

@@ericcoen8894 possibly, I actually found extra footage from Day 1 that we forgot to use and also adding inserts on a particular scene. So we could reach 90 min marker.

[@interstat2222]

@@ericcoen8894 There's no real DVD market for indies anymore.

[@chaeyoungvideos5742]

Where can i watch this?

[@XManium]

I watched a clip. You can tell it was made with only $6,000.

[@cincyfan987]

I'm not Tarantino nor do I want to be. I want to craft MY OWN unique style and tell amazing new stories. We filmmakers do this for the passion of creating art through film, film that will remain around for years to come. The viewers are just a bonus in my eyes. The passion and creativity are what strives me and I believe this is what really makes great filmmakers not the amount of tickets sold, views on KZbin, or money made from a project. Just keep creating and good things will come.

[@alexman378]

Proper filmmaking is a full time job if you do it right. It takes a lot of time and energy out of you. How do you pay the bills and fund the new projects if you don’t expect money and viewers? I don’t understand this. I absolutely am not in this for the money, but I’d be an idiot if I said it’s not needed to make something. How do you pay actors if they’re not your friends? How do you pay a proper crew? How do you get your equipment? Your props and clothes? Your food? Money can be a shallow means of measuring success, but it’s definitely a necessity in this line of work if you want to go long term with it and keep evolving it.

[@nathan_johnson]

And how is it going for you?

[@jeffoffej]

I absolutely agree with Houston here. And what I see a lot is the filmmakers getting excited about production and really telling this story across social and other platforms, but then there's silence for the next year of post production and anyone who thought anything about the film has forgotten it. This is exactly why we need a different crowdsourcing model too--production is for the filmmakers. We need to give the audience something now. And, maybe having a solid transmedia strategy going in to production is part of this. I'm just thinking out loud here.

[@ARTBYFILM]

Filmmaking is definitely not about competition because it’s an art form. He’s talking about it only in terms of money he could make out of it watching what’s trending instead of making people love something new that came off trends.

[@garyfierro]

I make films, but I also have a full time job. I take vacation time to work on my projects. Win/Win

[@najee_eee]

This video is actually extremely important for filmmakers to watch. It's amazing

[@JonathanEBoyd]

it's so true

[@comicalfoods6625]

It's also great for anyone who is creating an Intellectual Property! I'm no filmmaker yet but my transmedia journey is starting with a comic book, then short stories/novel , board games and then transition to creating more expensive projects like video games and films! I'm starting with the medium that I have the best skills for and as I develop the IP I want to learn new skills and use other mediums for telling my stories.

[@gusy6129]

@@comicalfoods6625 Great plan there. Much success to you on your path.

[@TheBurgessNetwork]

Watching this video made me realize how I regret putting off my dream of making movies. He said the world in 2015 is different from the world now because it's over-saturated and the world moves so quickly. Damn! When I was a senior in college back in 1999-2000, I decided to become a filmmaker and my parents shot down my dreams. Then I went to grad school to study Business and Finance and I told professors I wanted to start a film company. I had one professor say that Film and Finance was a strange combination. I finished grad school in 2006! If I had started my film career in say 2010 - I would have been better off and would have had less competition. Putting off my dream has lead me to realize it's going to be harder to make that dream come true now. He is right - you're competing against everyone - including video games. Filmmakers never had to compete against video games when I was in college.

[@newenergymagic5271]

Don’t let that discourage you. If you have a good story to tell, tell it! It’s never too late to go after your dreams. Best of luck to you! 🦋🌈🌸🌟

[@Ra-Hul-K]

I come from a different country. I know a few people here in their 20s & 30s who have created many short films and even some feature films without achieving anything noteworthy yet. Their works often come off as generic attempts to mimic existing stuff. On the other hand, there are also those who, despite making their first film in their late 40s, struck gold with their debut project and achieved tremendous success. It's always possible to toil away on your projects behind the scenes for years, working on multiple drafts for multiple projects, engaging in discussions with friends, analyzing the works of others, making contacts, watching helpful youtube videos, etc. all of which costs nothing but time and effort. You're essentially bidding your time until the opportune moment arrives, and when it does, you'll be prepared.

[@lamandadavis9135]

Houston Howard my professor at LA Film School!! So happy and proud of him. Really cool class I took on gaming and storytelling...Thank you for this advice too! Stop comparing ourselves!

[@AndrewJames-tu6rt]

He's 100% right about how a person must adapt and evolve to changing times. Business models change, and in today's world, having the knowledge to market and distribute through multi-media channels is of utmost importance. However, having that unique story is equally important, because that will capture the audience.

[@Ingrid_EverydayFilmmaker]

Tarrantino wasn't Tarrantino until he decided to become a filmmaker.

[@JonasPolsky]

Quentin Jerome Tarantino was born in Knoxville, Tennessee.

[@Ingrid_EverydayFilmmaker]

Jonas Polsky Duh! I know that is his real name. The point is he wasn't KNOWN as the great FILMMAKER Tarrantino until HE DECIDED to become a filmmaker. Otherwise he could have been Quentin the Baker. You don't know who you are going to grow into until you try.

[@josephdocherty7919]

@@Ingrid_EverydayFilmmaker He left school to do film, it's what he's always wanted to do.

[@Ingrid_EverydayFilmmaker]

Joseph Docherty ... And I think that is my point. But thanks.

[@josephdocherty7919]

@@Ingrid_EverydayFilmmaker But he's always been a film maker.

[@vincentcrowley5196]

He's right. If you look at books it says "best selling author" not "best written author"

[@ianhtexas]

Basically, if you’re indie, and no one knows who you are, you’re gonna have to use every form of social media and every form of technology possible to get your creation created and to create awareness that it exists. You have to be a salesperson too. Everyday I find awesome indie games, films, comics, creator tools and all kinds of stuff that have been around for years. They fell by the wayside because there wasn’t enough consumer awareness or interaction to keep them alive or to sustain the creator.

[@thedivinezero4117]

even though this man isn't well known for making films, i really needed this advice and he really broke the truth and reality of my dreams. i often have my head in the clouds and i never think about the consequences or i think about the consequences too much and fail to do anything to fix it. i really liked this video. thank you for shedding some light

[@juxe411]

Bro your head isn’t in the clouds never stop wanting to do what you want to do, keep dreaming and never stop otherwise what’s the point

[@philipjohnkaye8890]

The advice he provides isn't sugar coated nor fiction, it's based on the harsh reality of the media industry itself. His advice is aimed at people who are not known to the media industry, the same people who disagree with his words. There is a reason why those individuals haven't become known to the industry yet, if ever. Let that sink in for a moment.

[@Andrew-of8uq]

Do you mean the reason they aren’t none is they didn’t listen to his advice the wya the second half of your message is phrased is confusing the way I read it atleast?

[@sdjohnsononyoutube]

WOW! My friend, a music-artist-turned-screenwriter, has expressed for a couple years, "if you are a musician, you're no longer competing with just other performers. You are now in a pot much larger with video games, film, etc." And marketing expert Gary Vee constantly says, "I day-trade 'attention'". If I am not mistaken, he came into film with a background in law. Man! I love his take on merging entrepreneurship with art. Makes so much sense to me.

[@computerjantje]

This video about running your filmmaking as a small business is absolute to the point. Every wannabe "head in the cloud", "living in their own bubble" filmmaker should watch this video and wake up :)

[@johnny2thumbs247]

If you go into filmmaking with your sole desire to become famous and rich, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. Do it because you're passionate about it. You can make a film with an iPhone and basic editing software.

[@uter]

I don't know, if Reservoir Dogs came out today, I think it would still be hailed as a phenomenal movie. Maybe Tarantino wouldn't have turned into the juggernaut he is, but the movie is still fantastic when held up against anything modern. I think the real issue is that there are very few indie filmmakers making movies that are very good or unique. The technical process is so much easier than it used to be, but it seems like most indies aren't using that to their full advantage; they use it as a way to be lazier when it comes to craft. This guy talks as if craft is secondary, but making your film into something that you would be ravenous to consume is the primary goal. You NEED to hold it up against works that you think are the top of the mountain. Of course you also want your project to be as successful as possible, but, frankly, if I couldn't do both and had to choose, I'd rather end up with a fantastic movie that people respond to than a pile of mediocre crap that I'm trying to shove down people's throats. TL;DR - Do you want to be a filmmaker because you need a way to make money and it might as well be something interesting, or do you want to do it because even failing at it seems like a better option than getting rich doing some other bullshit?

[@uter]

ParadoxInRaindrops Networking is good, but there is only so much time in a day. If you can do it all, and well, then more power to you. But if that script hadn't been a masterpiece, Harvey Keitel never would have gotten involved. Also, Tarantino got the script to Keitel through the producer Lawrence Bender, whom he met through a random friend, and who only became interested because it was extremely good. Every master has a 'lucky' tale about how they broke in, but that lucky moment would never have happened if the work they were shopping wasn't first a masterpiece. Edit: Also, dope profile picture, space cowboy.

[@ZRiceFilms]

THANK YOU

[@thelatinarrow817]

I like your question at the end so ima answer it. I want to be a film maker for a plentitude of reasons, I genuinely love film, I see movies for more than what they are ( if they permit it), I put in the effort to learn the roles and the trade, I’m inspired by the directors I know of and movies i watch ( Tarantino, Snyder, fincher, kubrick, Anderson, shalyman, craven & more) generations of lifetimes and stories to tell, and like nick fury said “It started with an idea” I do Hvac and construction I love it it pays great , but like many creatives we all have a story to tell, I chose film to be my medium, I’m starting with psychological thrillers, horror & eventually sci-fi, I want to do action, superhero films for me it’s all “original” content I want to do a remake or even helm some IP’s, if it doesn’t work out I can still do it for hobby and fall back on my trade, business is business and I’ll have to work 10x as much to even get some semblance of an audience to see my future projects, I don’t have to be Tarantino or anyone else but if these guys had the vision to make something without film school, I ask myself why can’t I

[@watchedbyadrien]

Réservoir Dogs wouldn’t be hailed as a phenomenal movie if it came out today. what made this film stand out most of all was the way violence was handled. audiences had never seen anything like that. today, it would have very little impact.

[@spo5egy]

Mostly it's who you know so much more than what you know, Although that helps too.

[@kingfreak8548]

look man the way i see it you work hard and smart at the same time, be willing to accept failure, know why your doing it 110% you’ll make it. no way around it, make good movies, good connections, you’ll be good. Just WORK WORK WORK. get obsessed with the craft. this is your dream. also understand this is a business first. Money comes first always, especially in hollywood. be ready to face hollywood too, i know nothing but i’m going to work until i become a legend . you’ll hear about me in the years to come💯 RIP LLN🕊

[@johndeggendorf7826]

Love this guy...steel eyed realism for dream weavers...roll up your sleeves, Sundance!

[@RichardTomson]

This must be one of the best videos in KZbin. Everything he says is so true and really something we filmmakers must take in consideration. Thanks for this!

[@filmcourage]

We love listening to Houston. Glad you found this one Richard.

[@filmselparaiso6263]

Yes we are crazy

[@maxmaseko]

Thanks for putting this up....this is the major reason I do not hang out with other filmmakers because they have a distorted view of the industry...I'm a latecomer to the business having owned businesses before...so it scares me to hear people who have no regard for the business side of things and all they want to do is "create"....filmmaking is a business just like any other these people need to wake up

[@kingfreak8548]

Max Maseko man it really is, just started getting into filmmaking but like you said it’s way more than creating a good movie you have to be able to handle yourself in hollywood. Know how to pitch movies, make good connections, etc etc. Definitely more than just making movies. most people can’t even make a good movie let alone convince others to fund it.

[@theelliotchan]

"That seems like a lot of work" lol Creative art is a business. That's a great reminder

[@leonbosket]

I think he's a genius. Had the pleasure of listening in on some of his lectures and had many run ins with him. Smart guy and he knows what he's talking about.

[@1995yuda]

I think he's a genius, too, no doubt about that.

[@Khyrelunar]

Doing transmedia is 100 percent important to our generation of film makers especially if you are doing paid work. For me the last 3 years have been me getting paid to go to film school basically

[@isobignugget7497]

This guy is so brutally honest. I love it. What happened is you had an entire generation of parents telling kids that "You're the best" "You can be ANYONE you want". They held these poor kids up on a pedestal like they were the Scorseses and Tarantinos of the world. They gave them big beautiful trophies just for showing up to their little league games ect ect. Now, is it really a surprise that they think they can just go buy a camera and start shooting movies for millions of dollars a year? I don't think so :) Good video as always FC.

[@animedreammachine7123]

Netflix has changed everything

[@bobbybeachlife]

Netflix will fall off...

[@swashy8933]

Netflix will fall off I agree

[@freddytheplatypus826]

netflix has saturated mediocrity. Even streaming services like amazon and hulu- they're just expanding their catalogue to include more and more crap instead of focusing on maximizing quality over quantity. On one hand, having large catalogues of obscure films opens up more choices for the viewer/consumer...but at the same time, it also crowds the market and makes it harder for the actual talents to reap the benefits and get the recognition they need to carve out a lasting career-because the money is being spread soooo thin all around so that more shit can be made instead of just focusing on the stuff that matters.

[@diviningrod2671]

True, it will be interesting to see what happens to Hollywood post virus. Filming out of the Hollywood machine coming to an end? Could be a good thing And hopefully the magic of the theater experience is not gone forever

[@StoryMonster]

If you wanna be a filmmaker (an artist) all you have to do is to want to share your experience and find a way to express it. You dont need to compete, you dont need to target audience (whatever that means), you dont need to struggle with technical stuff. All you need to do is have a desire to tell a story in an honest way. There are enough directors out there who just wanted to tell a story and started by funding their own movies which they had to shoot on film and that was expensive.... Arronfsky is one of them and Pi one of the best movies in the last 20 years. Today's filmmakers have it easy with the digital cameras and all the technology that makes filmmaking so much easier. Still all I hear is that back then was a different era. Yeah back then they knew how to tell a story for sure... Stop listening to useless people because all they gonna give is useless advice. The guy has not made a single film thats reason enough not to listen to him and its no surprise too since he is thinking all the wrong things.. Bottom line just focus on story and your own personal inner growth. And if you are doing your own stuff I guarantee you that you are already successful as a person, as an artist... And that is good business, in my opinion ofcourse.

[@scribemike]

Fucking exactly so, sir.

[@lighthousepicnic]

YES THIS. 10000%

[@freddytheplatypus826]

you're forgetting one part that's integral: voice. in a world where so many voices are competing (really just making more noise by being more of the same and thus DROWNING each other out), its important to make yourself a uniquely different voice entirely. People are attracted to honesty in voice. Artists that are unafraid to express truth and their real experiences, thoughts-unique view of the world in a creative and insightful way. That's what gets them seen. Of course, they'll all say its about popularity-being more of the same, more familiar. But that's after something has become a hit already.

[@cobyrobertson3590]

its not that easy though, if you dont have the money the whole piece will be poorly acted and shot and it will be a mess, I know nothing of the film industry and you dont strike me as somebody who does either

[@StoryMonster]

@@cobyrobertson3590 No. The whole piece will be a mess because you dont understand your story not because you dont have enough money. Knowing your story is not the same as knowing the industry and knowing and understanding your story is like knowing your self. You dont need to know the industry you just need to have an experience worth telling and the industry will bow down to you. The world is full of people who have done that cant you see?

[@Filmmaker809]

Great advice, but the ads in between the video ruin this.

[@damienholland9244]

Adblock is great. I never see ads on KZbin anymore. Look into it it's free.

[@victornita2978]

This crisis is a window to write NEW SCRIPTS. There is a vacuum of ideas in the film Industry. Almost everyone is waiting to be hired by a film production insted to create your OWN. Play in your own IDEAS. Otherwise, you will be limited to play in other people's ideas or in RE MAKES...

[@marshallzane7735]

I don’t like the idea of competition amongst artist and different pieces of art. That kills the purpose for me. Don’t make things based on whats popular or what will attract the most “eyes”. Make what you want to make. If only a few people watch it then so be it. Don’t compromise.

[@alexman378]

And how do you expect to find the money to keep doing this? Filmmaking is a full time job if you do it properly. I’m extremely passionate about it, but I don’t understand how people say not to do things in a way that will make them money. Seriously, if anything, see it as an exercise. Find what people respond to, and tell your story within those “guidelines” if you will. It’s no different than a film school project, only if done properly it can make you money, so you can fund your next projects which can be more liberated of restrictions. The guy brings up Tarantino, but he needed to do other things, and follow trends while putting his own signature before people said they wanted to see the next Tarantino film. Maybe it was accidental, maybe it was intentional, but he did go along with the times, operated within what’s popular (crime and gangster films were the rage in the 90s) and left a unique footprint that people were interested in. Now he can do whatever he wants, put all the passion and creativity he wants, and people will eat it up, because of the quality his name has been associated with.

[@Inkironnrum]

Film Courage, this interview with Houston Howard is a major news flash for filmmakers not employed by a major studio or streaming movie house. I encourage you to consider interviewing Danny Gevirtz (name of his channel) to follow up with how Danny has responded to Houston Howard’s truth. Danny may or may not know who Houston is. I am just a subscriber to Danny’s channel. Watching this interview prompted me to introduce Danny Gevirtz to you, to interview a filmmaker, who may have revolutionized the way movies will be made. Dreams don’t always have one pathway to achieve them. I hope you consider interviewing, Danny Gevirtz.

[@rboddington]

Everyone told me I was crazy to go into film, my sixth feature film delivered to a studio comes out March 23rd, now, heading into number seven.

[@BlunderB]

Lol the dogfather looks pretty great to be fair, howd you come up with that one?

[@rboddington]

@@BlunderB Really? Most people hate it, except for kids.

[@Ayeato]

Thats awesome man, good shit

[@jeremyschmidt3675]

"Anyone Who Uses 15 Ads in a 12 Min. Video Is Crazy - Houston Howard"

[@ChazySwpon]

WHY DON'T YOU USE ADD BLOCK ?

[@nickzaragosa]

Just so were clear, I’m making a movie. Whether it be low budget or funded w/ millions. Fame is old news everyone’s famous now, the quality of your content should always be at top. Seeya soon

[@CNNBS]

He is 100% right. I am an artist an I've concentrated on the craft and mastering the craft and making better songs and recording em better and mixing like Andy Wallace and making better stories, etc. How many of my songs does any f you know? That's how I know he's right.

[@kingfreak8548]

it’s really you and only you, youre the master of your life , you choose to become successful or not. you’re either revolving around the world or be a BOSS and make it revolve around you, if you catch my drift. especially with this film shit.

[@negativezero8174]

"You're not Tarantino" is what Tarantino was told when he was in our position

[@alexman378]

Exactly, but that’s what the video says. That until you become who he is, you need to put in the work. Now, Tarantino is as much a brand as these bigger IPs, the fact he’s made something is enough to drag people to theaters, even his A list cast is secondary to him in the eyes of the audience. But his first movie was Reservoir Dogs, and right after that, he snapped back with Pulp Fiction. He clearly put in the work that this guy is talking about, and had the self awareness to say at one point in the beginning “I’m a director who hasn’t directed, therefore I don’t exist”.

[@Andrew-of8uq]

Jokes on you I’m actually Francis Ford Coppola

[@orio.swoosh]

The Ken Griffey JR. example was beautiful

[@matthewmaguire8852]

The Game of Eyeballs is going to get even more interesting......Great advice..... Steal what you can from the Masters/ Operate like a restaurant which is close to show business.🎬

[@ajtaylor8750]

I've always felt this way about the filmmaking process, as well as directing. It's kind of ridiculous to think you'll only be a director when you're just starting out because that limits your ability to know the other important details of the process, such as marketing, cinematography, editing, screenwriting, working with actors, etc. As far as transmedia is concerned, you have to expand your horizon in being able to take one film and building a storyworld that won't limit that film to just being a single film. He explains it way better in "You're Gonna Need A Bigger Story."

[@omegaswiper]

It's so much work to try and be less alone and connect to so many.

[@BabyBearRudy]

This guy is a huge wake up call but one I needed

[@mattbondcomposer]

If you’re reading this, and you feel overwhelmed and it feels hopeless, then you’re not alone. Go and do the project. Be tenacious. Believe in the film. Also if you need music, I’m a composer. Give me my next project! ✌️

[@JonathanEBoyd]

I think he's right As an indie you need as many opportunities to get in front of an audience whats makes you stand out ? you don't have the the marketing dollars to make the whole world know about your film there's so much options between movies on subscription services and tv series ,web series then big hollywood blockbusters and youtube,fb ,Instagram peoples attention is so fragmented you have to do some thing , my only question is how ? and what ? as an indie filmmaker when you can barely finish the film what's the best creative course of action to take you have to be very clever about it

[@KyleRoy]

I hate this “You’re going to suck.” attitude. Spielberg, Scorsese, Hitchcock, and especially Tarantino we’re all just people before they started. Do you think they listened to the people around them who were all, “Well, you’re never going to be as good as “_____”. No, they all just made movies. They didn’t just bitch about the industry. They made movies. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll be successful sure. But it’s not impossible. If it were, there wouldn’t be a Tarantino to begin with.

[@totoroutes5389]

Back then, getting your work on cable tv or the big screen involved a very exclusive route which required being a production assistant for other productions. Spielberg directed Hollywood tv series before making successful features.

[@paulconway1176]

One of the best I’ve seen very motivating

[@derekk2708]

Film Courage ... is such a valuable resource for any indie filmmaker! ; )

[@tracygalicia7342]

I’m a film student and I see so many guys trying to make a Tarantino like film and it is so so so so so bad. This guy is right. If you don’t stick out in ur own way, ur fucked. This field is really hard to get a job or get attention with how competitive this is. All of you in the comments have never worked in this field and it shows. This shit is hard but I love it.

[@josephvanwyk2088]

And the funny thing about Tarantino - he's going to end it at movie 13. Which is master level brilliance in my book. Because after 13, your rinse and repeat. I'm a huge Hitchcock fan, but I like 20 of his 60 films - of which Vertigo is my nr 1 inspiration.

[@bryanmalla47]

god, i wish i could like this video a million times over. cant thank u enough for sharing.

[@NelsonStJames]

Too many aspiring filmmakers are into the mind trap of "the artist" that they believe that thinking in any way about the business side of filmmaking makes you a sell out and not being true to your art -- whatever that means. These are the people who are lucky if they ever make one film let alone two or more in the course of a lifetime, because they believe talent alone is going to sustain them, and since they won't bother with marketing themselves are always disgruntled that people aren't responding to their stuff.

[@nigelcarren]

Having to be is VERY different to wanting to be! The more the merrier I say... the winner will be the one with the best story who wanted it the most. See you at Cannes people... I have a story to tell. 🏆

[@MatthewMan1997]

Why is Aaron Sorkin interrupting this video every two minutes

[@southlondon86]

Because he is of value unlike dumb superhero movies.

[@dornravlin]

This guy used to scare me because I was young and wide-eyed. Now I'm older and been disappointed with life he says some good shit

[@cynthiagaudino9272]

That was an AWESOME interview....THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@filmcourage]

Glad you enjoyed it Cynthia!

[@jonathandewberry289]

This reminds me of a a boxing coach who, every day, had another psyched highly motivated kid show up utterly determined to become the next "Roy Jones Jr" or Mike Tyson. The coach told me how he has to give this very same sort of talk. The kid would immediately start out trying to 1. Tyson KO everything that moved and/or 2. Roy Jones Jr some sort of amazing looking triple-left-hook super moves. Coach stops them: He has to explain that the reason Mike Tyson CAN do incredible moves like throw 3 and 4 KO powerpunches in a row is because Mike Tyson put in 1000 hours of dedicated, proper, stand-up textbook boxing, disciplined jabs, straights etc. Roy Jones Jr put in 10,000 hours of 'proper textbook boxing' mastering classic boxing rules and basics. 1000s of hours of what might have been boring, tiring, work work. This seemed to surprise everyone but yes, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones jr NEVER DARED do any of those moves (or a coach stopped them too) for the first year after year after year until they accomplished uneventful, standard, textbook moves. Add another 2000 hours of workmanlike improvement on NOT FLASHY moves, grinding away at seemingly boring 'work work', and, Finally, Mike Tyson gets to do things that most would never get away with on his foundation and Roy Jones Jr gets to do WILD crazy stunts that are actually on top of a foundation of long long hours and work-work. Anyway, the important thing to take away is that we have way way too many films and film projects, way too many movie makers and 'next Tarantinos' (tarantino isn't even tarantino) so just give up already.

[@kamikazeeOG]

So I gets it's gone from "Those who can't do; teach." to "Those who have never done; Advise."

[@Jc-si6pj]

Lol good point

[@donbarracuda546]

He makes a lot of good points though. What does it matter what experience he has as long as there are useful nuggets to take away?

[@kamikazeeOG]

@@donbarracuda546 he makes great points..... How many movies has he made though? Getting advice from this guy about making movies, is like getting advice from a sailor on how to fly a plane.

[@kash100pa6]

@@kamikazeeOG He doesn't make advice on how to MAKE movies. He gaves you advice on how to make a living from making movies and ho to avoid being starving artist. He also said when it comes to the craft, you should learn from the big names, but you also need to know how to break in in 2021.

[@GrandSlamSilver]

@@kamikazeeOG How many movies have you made? I'm going to go with "zero".

[@aldeq0]

Wonderfull words, thank you!

[@filmcourage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rsacchi100]

I understand the reality of breaking in in the '90s is different than breaking in today, 2020. It would seem the person starting today might be dealing with a completely different reality by the time they have something to break in with.

[@thedudeabides3930]

I'm digging on this Houston Howard cat, man. Gonna buy his book. Maybe more.

[@peterhansen8616]

Thanks for the clarity. The front of ones nose is a tough thing to see.

[@Lugbzurg]

I remember seeing some sort of talk about how studios kept trying to make their own "WoW-killer"; that studio after studio kept trying to make the next World of Warcraft, and it was brought up that if your game needs to sell like World of Warcraft to do well, it isn't going to do well.

[@michael_viteritti]

Very good points....especially about the fight for attention nowadays

[@shaldarnurse7294]

This was a great watch thank you very much for this amazing

[@BlissfulBundlesgiftshop]

It takes more than just talent!! Exactly.

[@Cinema-q2x]

I'm going to create , write and co direct, the biggest grossing movie of all time . Introducing a new genre , Comdramedy.

[@idxstudios]

If you dream it and fight for it you will succeed..be you don't be anybody else..you can model a mentor..but be you..

[@FPdesignfab]

He has good points. I think there’s truth in there. But so many variables, its better to focus & only have a great film and nothing else versus having a weak film, a badly designed graphic novel and poorly run batch of social media pages that no one knows or cares about. But yeah if you can do it all well then more potential to find an audience.

[@tbrown5836]

Just to add in to this guys point, Netflix and product placement also give way to new creators for them to make there film, I want to be a filmmaker, but with any art unfortunately it’s a business and you need to jump and climb all down the way to the top until none of these things matter because you can do whatever you want, because you are the business rather then trying to learn it, PTA first film was completely changed due to studio stuff, which is fine because now he can make real movies with very little interference like the master or phantom thread

[@fin-rb3yz]

Amen Houston...

[@rboddington]

The pandemic has presented indie filmmakers with a unique opportunity, competition from the theatres has been removed. Audiences are streaming more content now than ever, and on the platforms, it's anyone's game.

[@prickswithstix1113]

He is RIGHT!

[@JayCarver]

Great points. I always look at projects in this way with transmedia. Would be great to see just as many discussions on this in the filmmaking community as we see on which camera to shoot with.

[@bedebiyad]

This guy's very knowledgeable!

[@daphnegabriel4482]

Thank you so much For this!

[@filmcourage]

Cheers!

[@PanaMacSpana]

If everyone had this mindset, no one would achieve anything.

[@temisanpopo8036]

he's speaking facts

[@bulenthasan]

this is one of the best videos by you guys yet and i'm constantly watching all your stuff!

[@efrainflores3902]

This was an excellent interview. No non sense, straight to the point.

[@zer0K0000l]

Great advice....glad I'm crazy af to go after what I want....

[@demetriuswitherspoon9776]

I love this so much! On my marketing research day. I always check out Film Courage. This has help me so much.

[@mellowingman]

He is very true Filmaking is a Craft not a Art. I genuienly mean it

[@onuwabuchi]

Eye 👁opener! Thanks for this