Bottle Rocket - How Wes Anderson Launched His Career with a Short Film

Wes Anderson on writing and directing his first feature film, Bottle Rocket, and how a box office bomb launched his career.
Wes Anderson's films ranked ►► bit.ly/wa-ranked
Bottle Rocket Original Short Film ►► • Bottle Rocket [Short F...
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Chapters:
00:00 - The Film that Started it All: Bottle Rocket
00:40 - Humble Beginnings
02:48 - Going to Sundance
04:29 - Cutting Down the Script
05:35 - Making a Feature
08:16 - Trouble at Sundance
09:59 - Takeaways
Wes Anderson and his first feature film, Bottle Rocket - this is the perfect underdog story of how a couple of scrappy college kids in Texas turned a short film into a filmmaking career. In these Wes Anderson interviews, along with his collaborators like Owen Wilson, we get a glimpse into the filmmaking process, how a spot at Sundance gives us no guarantees of success, and how failures can ultimately lead to successes. This is the making of Wes Anderson’s first film, Bottle Rocket.
Wes Anderson met his future collaborator, Owen Wilson, in a playwriting class in Austin, Texas. Their mutual love of film and filmmaking pushed them to scrape together a short film called Bottle Rocket. Shot in black & white on a painfully low budget, their comedic crime caper managed to land a coveted spot at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival. Hoping to capitalize on the situation, Anderson and Wilson were dismayed when no one responded to it. No one, that is, except producers Polly Platt and James L. Brooks.
With real Hollywood muscle and a $5M budget behind them, Wes Anderson turned his 13-minute short into his first feature film, also titled Bottle Rocket. Not only did Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson eventually turn their dream into a reality, but they also did so on their own terms. Upon release, however, Bottle Rocket was a box office failure but it did put Anderson and Wilson in a position to make Rushmore, and the rest is history.
When you look at the following Wes Anderson movies like Rushmore, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and others, you can see in Bottle Rocket the seeds of Wes Anderson’s style. What we also find in Bottle Rocket is the passion for filmmaking and the “never give up” attitude that every beginning filmmaker needs if they want to succeed.
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Chapters: 00:00​ - The Film that Started it All: Bottle Rocket 00:40​ - Humble Beginnings 02:48​ - Going to Sundance 04:29​ - Cutting Down the Script 05:35​ - Making a Feature 08:16​ - Trouble at Sundance 09:59​ - Takeaways

[@karlgalvez]

"Every film maker needs a Bottle Rocket, if they gonna make a Rushmore." damn, that's well put

[@StudioBinder]

We do our best :)

[@owenscarth-jones3628]

It’s really not, it’s just a vailed statement that is not explained or applicable to anything

[@mik3y448]

@@owenscarth-jones3628 wow that is the dumbest thing i've seen today

[@jahnnypacfroy4209]

@@owenscarth-jones3628 "that is not explained" you really need an explanation for that?!

[@owenscarth-jones3628]

@@jahnnypacfroy4209 yeah like wtf does that mean? Everybody needs a first movie to make a second movie?

[@r8yad]

let's not forget it's on the list of Scorsese's top ten of the 90's

[@LuisSierra42]

I was waiting for that, without scorsese's blessing, the movie wouldn't have received any notoriety

[@StudioBinder]

The list definitely helped the film bounce back

[@LuisSierra42]

@lilmil That is a VERY reductive argument. He published a long essay about what he meant, so please go ahead and read it. Also, i have to say that i agree with him 1000%

[@LuisSierra42]

@lilmil I can only guess that you are just a kid if you think superhero movies are the pinacle of cinema, but scorsese has been making movies since the 60s and he has a master's degree in it. He also used to teach it in college so many modern filmmakers are literally his students. I will then assume that either you are trolling or you just ignore what cinema is really about.

[@TheSpectacularRob]

@@LuisSierra42 I wonder what he thinks of The Dark Knight trilogy bc it’s a whole other level than Marvel, even Logan is better than the majority of Marvel’s film

[@prashantchakke5789]

Will give credit to studiobinder when i will make a short film

[@StudioBinder]

Happy filming!

[@ParisDylan1]

$5 MILLION for a first time director and only 1 name talent in a small supporting role, is absolute bananas. Brooks & Platt had amazing foresight for these young dudes, but there's no way in hell that's happening in today's filmmaking world.

[@Ryan07_20]

Robert eggers first movie was 4 million

[@jaqofheart6068]

5 years back me and my friends made a short film with zero budget. We shot the entire film on point and shoot camera and mobile phone and recorded the dialogues on WhatsApp voice recording. We edited the film on Windows live movie maker software which by the way we learnt during the editing of the same film. Before this we never had any experience in film making but i always had one thing in my mind that "i just want to make a film"

[@StudioBinder]

That's the way to go!

[@lukethekuya]

Can we still watch it? 😊

[@junaidaliqazi8180]

@@lukethekuya kzbin.info/www/bejne/mou9h4Knm9uprc0

[@yourmother5914]

let's see it dude

[@jaqofheart6068]

@@yourmother5914 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mou9h4Knm9uprc0

[@toma6068]

"They'll never catch me man, cause I'm fucking innocent"

[@StudioBinder]

Great line 👌

[@Bluesguitarwork]

sounds like GNR Lyrics ..

[@doctorthirteen5727]

You do NOT give the housekeeper a five hundred dollar tip! It's inappropriate!

[@amritanshsingh5490]

plz tell us how Damien Chazelle started his filmmaking career

[@feras2158]

Let's just say Wes has proven himself among the great directors, style, colours, camera angles, great director n great episode from best channel ever❤️❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the support! ❤

[@Paarths]

Wes Anderson is the most stylised director of our time,

[@StudioBinder]

definitely one of the most noticeable

[@jacobcastro373]

and Edgar wright

[@FreeFormFemi]

I loved this, do this for more directors and their beginning. It is incredibly inspirational

[@StudioBinder]

We appreciate the feedback!

[@venvatpictures]

Studiobinder : *uploads a video* Me : okay it's happening.. Everybody stay calm

[@StudioBinder]

haha you're right on time

[@mimicrybypravesh]

Bottle Rocket is a true example of substance over style.

[@StudioBinder]

a bit opposite to what he's known for now 😅

[@nnnnnn496]

@@StudioBinder Yeah, but he still has Great characters and writing, though everything a bit condensed(maybe a whole lot condensed, each scene is packed full)

[@shiny2654]

This video made me motivated to shoot films thank you.

[@StudioBinder]

That's great! You should watch our series on how to produce a tv pilot/film kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGq9f4d4d518jrM

[@ArnoldVeeman]

I can't get enough of his work...

[@wosso3342]

It's still a great little film even if it's overshadowed by most of Wes's other work now. I know I'll always love it, I know a lot of people will. Wes Anderson started his career on a high note and then proceeded to climb higher and higher. The greatest filmmaker in history in my opinion.

[@StudioBinder]

One of the best for sure!

[@MrCowboySpaceman]

Wes has made some really extravagant films in his career but Bottle Rocket remains one of my favorites of his.

[@StudioBinder]

It's a classic for sure!

[@heisen-bones]

It's bloody impossible to hate this guy!

[@StudioBinder]

he's a great filmmaker for sure!

[@kpfriedman]

Great recap on the history of this seminal film! Very well written and edited!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@chiefwitz7547]

Every great filmmaker has to start somewhere!

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely, no exception for any filmmaker

[@mandalayfilmclub]

Thanks for this! Super inspiring!

[@LifeOfRiza]

one of my favourite directors! 💛 i love these videos, i'm always fascinated with how people get their start in the film industry.

[@StudioBinder]

Agreed, these starting out stories are so helpful for aspiring filmmakers

[@jonaharbet1504]

Awesome video! Really well done.

[@HuutDylanProductions]

One of the best studio binder vids. Thanks a bunch

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@Paarths]

Watching a Wes Anderson film is like watching a painting,

[@StudioBinder]

Fair point!

[@thedylanconen]

It was great to see how Wes Anderson launched his career, please do more like this!

[@StudioBinder]

We appreciate the feedback! People seem to want more videos like this so there's a good chance!

[@thedylanconen]

@@StudioBinder that’s so awesome thank you for your reply!

[@dragonstone6594]

Wow, this is amazing! I never knew this.

[@StudioBinder]

Here to educate & entertain :)

[@Xondrise]

Somebody, please, call James Caan, for the love of God!

[@StudioBinder]

yeah, we felt that 😢

[@SillyWillyFan47]

Wow! I missed the whole Wes Anderson thing. Now I get it - thanks!

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to help!

[@arimagdielcuevascarcamo4729]

Amazing! Now I understand

[@kane2730]

Please make more of these kind of videos!!

[@StudioBinder]

Will do :)

[@chrisgill261]

Owen Wilson: “Wooouuw”

[@StudioBinder]

wow indeed 😅

[@Premkumar-nv5bv]

The day I'm winning an award for my film. Im gonna thank this channel ❤️👍

[@StudioBinder]

Looking forward to the shoutout!

[@brandonscullion]

Rad video! Can’t wait to see French Dispatch! I love the Vince Guaraldi Trio music!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it! Our editors have great taste :)

[@jerrygil1965]

My favorite debut films

[@funforspice]

Great video

[@NoStyleDutch]

Bottle rocket (the feature and short) and Rushmore are my favorite wes Anderson filmed

[@osmith356]

I acc beg u he is one of the best directors ever!!!

[@AnilMohanKumar]

Please cover Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock and James Cameron ❤️❤️❤️

[@StudioBinder]

They're good candidates!

[@OffTheDomeMediaGroup]

Awesome...👍

[@Ajs-zone]

When will we get our next episode of shot list guys can't wait to see 🔥🔥🔥

[@StudioBinder]

on its way!

[@109-abhinavshahakar6]

Awesome Video...

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@ThePlaceForThings]

best one yet

[@StudioBinder]

Great to hear! Is this something you would like to turn into a series?

[@howardron543]

Now do every first film for every well know director... Or my favorites at least... Eheheeewew Quentin Tarantino Christopher Nolan Neill Blomkamp

[@StudioBinder]

Solid choices 👍

[@user-oe6bv2rb4f]

Go a learn something about cinema, Dumbarton

[@joonamato]

We don't need any more content of that Quentin guy

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Inspiring :)

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

@@StudioBinder Thank you Studio Binder & Team , You guys are awesome :)

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Superb

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@saulgoodman1236]

This is wes’ reservoir dogs

[@StudioBinder]

Yup, exactly

[@farizshadier6324]

my favorite wes anderson movies is the grand budapest hotel

[@LuisSierra42]

It's his magnum opus

[@StudioBinder]

That's a great film too!

[@farizshadier6324]

@@StudioBinder absolutely 😁👍👍👍

[@gigerbrick]

6:40 We all loved Pulp Fiction.

[@ajinkyasanas7352]

Make same video on Damien Chazelle Director of "whiplash" and "la la land"

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@areyoufriendly]

If ya haven’t yet, it’s must-see if you Like Wes, or entertaining films in general.

[@josevelasco216]

How about Yorgos Lanthimos for the next one?

[@nosound5903]

Yesss

[@LuisSierra42]

The favorite

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@user-mx6il5xo5g]

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE!

[@StudioBinder]

more on the way!

[@user-mx6il5xo5g]

@@StudioBinder What's film?

[@goldroger9990]

Guy Ritchie!! please make the video on him too

[@insanejughead]

I second this! Rock n Rolla is constantly in my dvd player.

[@goldroger9990]

@@insanejughead I feels he is kinda underrated

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@insanejughead]

@@goldroger9990 Incredibly underrated! He does the intertwining of story lines better than anyone else, even Tarantino doesn't touch Ritchie.

[@peakpictures8479]

I’m making every director needs a bottle rocket my new motto😂👌🏼

[@sameerahmed-gx8js]

Still waiting for studiobinder to make a video on Wong kar wai

[@ElectroDrives]

In the StudioBinder software, is there a way to turn off the scene numbers in the screenplay format?

[@StudioBinder]

To remove the scene numbers you would need to format the scene headings using the General format on the screenwriting toolbar.

[@sebastianvalladolid3530]

Does anyone know the camera Wes Anderson used for the short film version of bottle rocket ??

[@owlfact8525]

Hey what is the name of narrator ? You guys are more informative than my filming classes ...

[@StudioBinder]

His name is Gensho!

[@filmreviewer117]

It's a really good film

[@StudioBinder]

Agreed!

[@bobusan_duuuugnut-oh]

Wish I started earlier in my life. Too far now into life now to write and start down this long road. At least I can enjoy learning the process instead of trying to make it.

[@James-Tanner]

Makes me think of napoleon dynamite, don’t hate me. Gonna watch this soon.

[@clff1342]

“Wow”

[@StudioBinder]

"Wow" indeed

[@davidye226]

The narrator changed whaaa!!???😭

[@StudioBinder]

We have two!

[@AJK994]

Do a video about Spike Lee. Whether Directing Style or how he started.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@aggelosnikolaidhs3546]

Can you make a video about Sergio Leone and one about Guy Ritchie?

[@StudioBinder]

We might! If you're interested in westerns, you should see our video on Logan and the neo-western genre kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4HcZGprj6qjY8U

[@vairamvrv2576]

Finally new narrator voice super

[@dafilmbrat_2]

whats the song at 9:11 ?

[@eeeeepina]

do Taika Waititi next!!

[@jashandeepwaraich7783]

Mean streets, please do a episode on that please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@deolbass3912]

Do a video on , how to dubb dialouges in movies?

[@gigerbrick]

6:42 Unbreakable

[@jwalaraj8950]

Could you do Sathyajit Ray and Maniratnam's career stories?

[@StudioBinder]

If there's a strong demand for them we might!

[@cainazzo1]

I would like an essay on Dario Argento with a focus on his murder scenes

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sapthagirienterprises1942]

Please make video on christopher nolan and I have made my first shortfilm suing your studio binder software

[@StudioBinder]

we cover his directing style in this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIutmpJtbb2IjMk

[@BraxtonJCinematography]

Could you all do El Mariachi by Robert Rodríguez next?

[@sethflix]

ALAN PARKER!! Cover Alan Parker next! Specifically "Midnight Express" and "Pink Floyd The Wall."

[@piyush4801]

Aiming low but getting there

[@StudioBinder]

we all start somewhere

[@anusharudraraju4202]

Please make one on Alejandro Iñárritu

[@mganesh]

Do one for David lynch guys

[@flamingocupproductions5329]

Please do one in William wellman

[@akshaypadmanaba7446]

Make a video about Hoyte van hoytema.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion! If you haven't already, we have a series covering Deakins' style you should check out, this is the first episode kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWraaXyVjqllb6c

[@sanilalkuttimon1755]

❤️❤️❤️

[@StudioBinder]

❤👍

[@Cert116]

John Woo please!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sanjaymaurya5520]

please do one on martin scorsese.

[@StudioBinder]

on his debut film? we have a Director's Style video on him you'd love kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnSvnqmYmph3aKM

[@aslan9334]

I have a weird connection to them 1 am a Texan like them 2 am from Houston like Wes 3 my High School was close to Wes

[@stevevilson7031]

An Essay on Abbas Kiarostami! Pedro almadovar, Micheal Haneke!

[@StudioBinder]

We appreciate the suggestions!

[@georgepavey8871]

this channel is the fucking good stuff

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@crizzonet]

Darren Aronofsky would be a solid choice. I’d also enjoy seeing something about Alex Garland.

[@chihabelagag2735]

How to quentin tarantino made reservoir dogs

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion! We have a director's playbook on how he approached writing and directing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIeUhKBmjKinfrc

[@chriscarbone2466]

Do Paul Thomas Anderson next.

[@JeighNeither]

Why doesn't this channel get more views? It's got nearly 1 million subs, but only averages 100k view per video?

[@kamo2729]

They wanted to do something like The Godfather, and they changed it. Then, they got James Caan. Funny story.

[@osmith356]

TAIKA!!!!!

[@illogicalcreations411]

Have you done PTA's short film? Cigarettes and Coffee transitioned to Hard Eight.

[@StudioBinder]

We haven't covered his short film, but we did do a Director's Style on the first half of his career kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6esZp6sfrBglbM

[@shlomitokov6724]

You have to cover Christopher Nolan!!! 🎥🎞

[@StudioBinder]

He's a prime candidate!

[@macmediaavg6959]

Would be good if you could do Guy Ritchie.

[@aaronragasa6173]

SEAN BAKER!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@osmith356]

TAIKA WAITITI!!!!!

[@athuls3011]

Make a video about Denis Villenueve

[@StudioBinder]

Our director's styles on Villeneuve kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIrZmqB9ntlmpLM