5 Filmmaking Mistakes to Avoid

[@D4Darious]

When writing your script be sure to avoid paralysis by analysis. Don't overthink it ;)

[@j.kwiatkowski6682]

That is gold. Thanks Darious!

[@caveartfilms434]

D4Darious You are right. Get it written, sling down a script.You will change almost every word later but you will have the skeleton to work from.

[@thenewnewsmen6523]

OMG! I didn't know you watched Dslr guide! I'm a massive fan and just want to say you've given me some brilliant tips for learning the trade (sorry for sounding a bit over the top)

[@DSLRguide]

D4Darious avoid paralysis by analysis - very nice, very nice! I'll remember this as we go through pre (it's already written, by a guy called Johann Farhan).

[@dhairyasharma6933]

Darious and Simon both in the same place, dang!!! Love both of your work

[@yalechung1718]

This channel makes me love film more than I already do

[@getintofilm]

More terrific filmmaking tips Simon, particularly the part about the balance between remaining self-critical whilst also accepting that perfection is impossible. We also love that Vince Gilligan anecdote.

[@jMcWill781]

God damn man what is your monthly Apple budget???

[@WallaceAyers]

Hahaha

[@TonyBabarino]

Gauge Wiley Hahahaa! Funny! :)

[@PhilipposSlicher]

+Gauge Wiley Haha!

[@Screech891]

He must have a Braeburn sponsorship..

[@ReidCipriani]

His voice is like melting butter

[@thecollective6040]

As creatives and just as people we all have had that instance of fear. Ultimately, it can be one of the most substantial reasons of our success. If we don't know what failure is we can never understand and appreciate success. "If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative." - Woody Allen I think Woody Allen summed it up best. Great Vid.

[@matty9460]

Last 2 were especially good but I would add a 6th, recognise your talent. you've made films? Then your a filmmaker, don't be afraid to call yourself one.

[@ilyaonthefly]

***** True. I think you should recognize your successes, not only failures.

[@mishtaromaniello8295]

+ilya m. Or in my opinion: Recognize your failures, and then learn from them.

[@goodlivergang6403]

+Mishta Romaniello I would go in depth to that, saying that it pays to recognize that failures are not bad. Failures and corrections are the learning process, itself.

[@mishtaromaniello8295]

GoodLiver Gang I'm just saying learn from your mistakes. XD

[@hannahbutton1883]

Love the first tip, I no longer use my computer for script/ story boarding... I like to go for a walk and then I'll start to write/ draw or record myself. Ideas flow so much easier when I'm not faced with a blank screen

[@tahnolikessharing]

Sound advice, Simon. KZbin is full of equipment reviews, but barren when it comes to the actual advice beginners need. I've had to learn a few good practices the hard way since I started making films semi-professionally two years ago, but in the process have managed to have win a film contest, and build a good reputation; all without forking out thousands upon thousands of dollars for an array of lenses and equipment beginners are led to believe they need. It's so refreshing to be able to refer to a genuine channel such as yours that focuses more on the less obvious things that actually make films great.

[@SuperSamStuff]

Ending on a ZeFrank quote was a perfect idea. Very excited for your short film, all of your videos have been getting me through the production of mine

[@MikeinRL]

The tone of voice and font/graphics make each of these videos feel so compete. Keep it up, Simon.

[@Terriblysorry]

you posted this at a perfect time for me. My first short has just been filmed and I'm so eager to push perfection and constantly worry when really I should be more thoughtful on when to know when to finish

[@alexormulea]

This is my favorite of all your videos because it made me realize where my major weaknesses are... in your list, my worst mistake was getting scared to even begin on projects... I have ideas and I wrote scripts and I thought what I wrote was to big, then I was scared I'd fail to make something interesting if it's small... I'll come back and tell or show you what I'll do soon... I'm inspired now... thanks so much...

[@Matthew13tube]

Very insightful list of mistakes. I for one, am guilty of all of them at one time or another. I think I will take your advice and make it a point to get away from the computer and try and create in different environments to help keep things fresh. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[@thisisryan2094]

This channel is amazing. Way to go man. I use this to help me learn film making and I feel like I'm getting better every day.

[@joshuaruddiforth2921]

Same

[@TeamAPS]

Excellent episode as always. I can definitely relate to a lot of these tips myself.

[@liamyoo2]

I love your videos as a student in the multi media industry. Thank you for your great advice as always.

[@BigCityBrittany]

Damn Simon! When did you become such a good motivational speaker? Keep 'em coming. You have a massive impact on filmmakers young and old.

[@alexcrespo2340]

Your voice, and the way you speak... man I wish you could read me a book before I go to sleep. Every night. Seriously, half of youtube it's screaming and fast editing and this channel is full of wisdom, calm and positivity. I just LOVE it.

[@DSLRguide]

mineapolis _ haha this really means a lot to me, thank you! positivity always wins

[@808_BEEZY]

I'm beyond impressed with your character. Passion bleeds through your videos. #ThankYou

[@mellaniemellbourne7050]

A lot of this advice translates into other mediums as well, such as art or music. It's good to hear someone say these things too, as being an artist, I always feel pressured into doing what's popular and what's in right now, rather than what makes me happy to create. But at the same time, I truly feel my greatest pieces were the ones I enjoyed making the most.

[@fb1119]

This not only applies to filmmaking, but as I enter the school year it also applies to my studies. Good video, Simon.

[@FrankyEames]

number 4 is spot on. and that graph someone posted up is so true. thanks for the great content as usual.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Again, great video, short and sweet. Amazing how much useful info you squeezed into this tiny video. Thanks.

[@dawsonboyle99]

Thanks Simon so true I struggle too with too much computer time and making a film because I'm afraid it's going to be something no one will enjoy, I understand you had this problem when making your shirt film but I'm glad your working on a new project! Can't wait to see it!

[@MarcoAurelio-pe4pi]

I love how a lot of what you say is not applicable only to filmmaking. It really gets me thinking about my life and the way I do stuff. thanks :)

[@isabellerickards5919]

I'm an Australian Year 12 student who is hopelessly in love with filmmaking and I just discovered your channel. Thank you SO much! I will binge watch all of your videos.

[@DSLRguide]

+Isabelle Rickards That's awesome, I too am a year 12 student hopelessly in love with filmmaking! Good luck getting through them all, the old ones are pretty boring ha

[@dennonrich1823]

this is great because I'm trying to get into making my own little films and right now just trying to take any sort of hints thank you so much for the help

[@JordanFountain]

Great content on this channel, keep em' comin!

[@jeraldrobertsii6268]

Simon man thank you so much! You are helping so many people and so many of us to not only be better filmmakers and artists but better people too. Thank you so much! Keep up the excellent work!

[@DSLRguide]

Jerald Roberts II wow, that is the ultimate compliment, that's so good to hear! Hopefully i'm also helping you to eat more apples too :)

[@jeraldrobertsii6268]

Unfortunately I don't eat as many apples as I should but hopefully that will come with time just like the filmmaking stuff haha

[@chandlerryd6750]

The reason I like your channel is your vulnerability--this stuff, right here in this episode is what sets you apart from the plethora of crappy DSLR channels. You have a quiet confidence and a willingness to expose your failures. Those two things are invaluable.

[@DSLRguide]

+Chandler Ryd why thank you Chandler! I'm learning to make all of my projects as personal as possible, whether short films or dslrguide episodes :)

[@sleaponit21]

chandler, micheal caine said ? never blink.

[@FlorianFahrenberger]

Great tipps! This has been an amazing channel so far and you deserve way more attention! Personally, the mistake I find myself making way too often is to rush things on set. I might have planned our the whole thing in detail and have some great idea for amazing shots, but in the end I often see myself rushing through everything and not be happy with the end result. This is partly due to the fact that it is often my friends and family helping me out and I feel bad using up too much of their precious time, but in the end it is even worse to have wasted a little less time but get a non-satisfying result...

[@DSLRguide]

Florian Fahrenberger thanks Florian - you've been commenting for a while and I really appreciate it! When it's not money, time is the thing filmmakers always need more of! That's where I guess it's worth trying to find aspiring actors, or convincing regular people why they should be a part of the film. If they believe in the project as much as you do, then they'll want to take the time to make it good :) you'll get better at finding the balance between rushing and wasting people's time.

[@trashtastictakeout]

the direction your going in is really opening my eyes. keep going there. your inspiring me to focus on being true to my own aspirations. I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@DSLRguide]

trashtastictakeout thanks man - it's really great to be reassured that the new direction of the channel is working for you! glad you're here!

[@whitecut]

In my experience, imposed deadlines are the only way an artist can ever relinquish their work. This can add another level of stress to the work, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, but always for the betterment, because projects are actually completed. Satisfaction always eludes the artist, which is why they go on to do more. A healthy career is a learning process not an end result. You are a wise man and I have no doubt that you will go on to have much success in your life.

[@DSLRguide]

+whitecut I think you are right on the money there. I don't know what i'd do without deadlines haha, it'd be a complete mess. Process not result, AMEN!

[@OfficialTomJ]

Great video! I know a lot of people use computers to think of ideas and I'm going to try being more hands on.

[@cyorkgo]

Great wisdom from such a young soul. Keep teaching young man. You have a very bright future ahead of you.

[@kailasrishi]

Wow Simon..you created this beautiful back ground score ! awesome !

[@Streetspray]

even though you are young, you are one of my biggest role models! Keep up the great work!

[@nagol5178]

The outdoors thing is a big deal for me. I do photography so that gives me an excuse to hike and do landscapes anyway. However, when I'm writing music I've not gotten a lot done usually because I'm in front of a computer. I'm working on becoming more self disciplined. I have learned the lesson of not looking how others do things or not seeking permission from the world. For example I have some 4k cameras but my full frame cameras are 1080p. I started thinking for a while, "I have to save money to get full frame 4k." Now, I don't really think about it. I was seeking to do it in the latest greatest way.

[@navdeepsingh2768]

you are good man. People like you have brought back, my faith in my creative abilities which I left ages ago. Cheers man, you got me moving again. Hope our paths will cross one day :)

[@VionGaming]

Your videos are so good, I agree with the fear thing, I'm coming out with this new short film soon, and all I can think about is if it's too low paced or high paced, and if it's cheesy or not

[@gragasman99]

The first that hit me was that it was a short video, and still it got a lot of information. nice job!

[@DSLRguide]

gragasman99 that is brilliant feedback, thank you!

[@SessionCinemaFilms]

I've been with you from the beginning and your videos have helped me so much! You basically taught me all I know and also these videos just keep getting better and better!

[@DSLRguide]

Session Cinema thanks for being here for so long! Really glad you're enjoying the videos & learning lots :)

[@redshirts4757]

Good luck to you for your next short film, I look forward to seeing it!! 👍

[@Ultrarc]

This is the kind of channel that I can press like before even watching the video :)

[@Fletch85uk]

I'm in a situation where I ought to start making short films by myself to get noticed by the film/TV industry. You sound very useful as a guide to get started and I have yet to see more of your videos about filmmaking. I wonder where you got your skills from, college/uni or all by yourself somehow? Your sound is always bang on to the point where I can always hear your lip movement when you speak.

[@DSLRguide]

+Fletch absolutely, and you'll learn loads from making them too. I've learned everything I know from watching movies, other youtube videos & trying things out while practicing :)

[@punkishpnoy289]

This was good. Thanks for sharing. It's great to know that others are feeling the same way.

[@scattjax3908]

Great stuff again Simon. This music makes it feel like a thoughtful Interstellar moment, you Are like a Young Nolan. Very impressed, looking forward to more.

[@SmokeeWhine]

you have lots of helpful videos, thanks. I'm getting into filmmaking also and your videos are really good.

[@andrewevans950]

Simon, I saw the sample script on the blog post, and that got me thinking, "What do you think about cursing in films?" Sure it adds atmosphere, but do you think it is beneficial? And in what ways would you use as for it to not be to obtrusive to the scene/story? Thanks, can't wait to see the outcome of the short film!

[@ian-solano]

Never stop, please

[@EvRlutionTVHQ]

Definitely agree with the too much typing. Mentioned that in my video. Great minds think alike!

[@JoseCavendish]

You are so right about the first mistake. It's the story of my life. Thanks for this useful tips

[@phant0mdummy]

You're wise beyond your years. Really love your content.

[@DSLRguide]

Color Bars cheers, really appreciate that!

[@KoriTV]

Whew. I thought you were about to say something bad about SLAA. Love that book. So inspiring. Great channel btw. Keep doing what you do.

[@tonydantonio2607]

i remember something one of my favorite directors, Paul Thomas anderson, said in an interview one time. He said something along the lines of... I wish, when i was younger, that i wasn't so afraid to put my work out there because it doesn't matter if its perfect or not, it's your vision and you should be proud of it.

[@DSLRguide]

***** that's awesome. A few years ago I probably would have seen that as a self absorbed way of thinking, but recently I'm beginning to understand this way of thinking. He's not saying that he's a genius and that he needs to stop other people ruining his ideas, but instead saying that trying to be someone else is not going to work.

[@cserbuj]

Really nice stuff here. Just many things I was looking for. Continue with good work. congrats!

[@mynameisnotmali]

a lot of your advices apply not only to filmmaking but other stuff too, I only write and they are all very true :)

[@joshray2117]

I needed to hear the quote at the end of the video. Thanks for this!! :)

[@kailasrishi]

wow simon ..you created this beautiful background score ..awesome .its one of my favorites now ..lol !

[@neoray10]

well covered Simon :-),the top most mistake would be thinking that great gear will get one a good film,

[@danieldmeza3121]

Your videos make me smile, man.... Like every time.

[@playwithnaufal]

Good advice for my short movie

[@buhnee7678]

I love every video I've seen of your work! You have great advice and you educate so well!

[@DarkRygen]

Great video, Simon. Looking forward to the short film!

[@DSLRguide]

***** cheers Euan!

[@joiner123]

thanks simon, insightful and thought provoking as always

[@samuelmorris9609]

All of your videos keep getting more and more inspirational! Thank you from San Francisco :)

[@DSLRguide]

Sam Morris you're welcome Sam!

[@jacobmetcalfchannel]

Really enjoy this advice. I hope you go far my friend.

[@KieranJB]

Haha, I've actually been writing a workshop on this very topic for my Uni's filmmaking society! Loads of great points, always so important to learn from your mistakes and think about how you can improve :)

[@mishtaromaniello8295]

I agree with #1. If I do type, I will use my electronic typewriter I own so at least I'm not sitting in front of a screen.

[@FrancescaGeorgiou]

Oh wow. This is the first video I have seen of yours and I am deeply impressed. Thank you so much for making it.

[@DSLRguide]

Francesca Georgiou why thank you!

[@vb8888]

The way you talk and the way you look strongly reminds me of Richard Dawkins. DSLRguide ROCKS!!!

[@NoobVisions79]

Omg great video !! Really love your channel mate !

[@natejoseph]

Great stuff SImon. Thanks for sharing.

[@thaimuturay9671]

Extremely inspiring. Keep up the good work.

[@tamfruit]

Love the self awareness in this video and the quote at the end. :)

[@filmgirl9546]

Profound, Sir. Needed to hear this.

[@GlobeHackers]

You are a wise young filmmaker. I certainly wasn't when I was around your age. Hang in there!

[@lizzygracekramer]

This is on point! I am guilty if all of these! Great video!

[@Nopaleeto]

You're doing great,I will use these tips to my advantage,I will never forget you.

[@armanjoshuasanandres9419]

You're such an inspiration to our film industry! :) I am so impressed! Cheers!

[@rubenortiz7735]

Great video! Btw, the music was amazing. Did you make it yourself? And if you did, have you ever though of putting your music up on soundcloud? I really enjoy the music you make and would like to be able to listen to it. Thanks!

[@DSLRguide]

ruben ortiz thanks Ruben! yes I did make it, and it means a lot to me that you liked it! I guess I've always wanted the music to be for that episode an nothing else. Maybe one day!

[@rubenortiz7735]

Ok great, well if you ever decide to share it, ill be the first to listen (:

[@mantra4ia]

thank you Simon!

[@jarcustime]

Thanks well said Mr. Cade.

[@thetrekkiegamer1299]

0:18 I agree. i love my PC, but I write scripts on a typewriter sometimes because it feels more like I am actually making something..

[@WhitneyNicole]

Great video, I needed to here this. Thank you!

[@darkflora6948]

Thank you so much I needed this and there aren't Many for film making

[@EduardRekker]

So recognizable. Thanks for sharing.

[@fwalshmlg]

really like your vids, very like Film Riot and D4 Darious but truely like your stuff as I'm also a director and hoping to make a feature film someday, but really like your channel, you sir gained another Sub : )

[@dru3871]

Love you man, I look up to you.

[@samuelhardy6495]

You sir, have a bright future ahead of you. Keep it up! -Sam

[@DSLRguide]

+Samuel Hardy appreciate the positivity, cheers Sam!

[@BSunsetB]

+Samuel Hardy second that

[@issahosman8392]

Samuel Hardy I want to make film

[@ArthurJeffreyChomba]

Helpful videos. Learning much.

[@7afiz-Crypto]

Awesome man! Thank you.

[@5ammo]

Good on ya dude! Your videos are great and it's a great thing, the things that you are doing. Thanks for taking the time to be helping us. The karma will definitely be circling back to you, as I'm sure it already is. Keep riding this wave that you are on ;-)

[@chipbrandstetter]

Great work, sir.

[@carloscamargo2210]

This guy is an artist

[@Gaga0fGaGa]

I stayed all night long to see your video, you are very talented and inspiring.

[@JackLeighFilms]

1:54, 1:56, and 1:58 had me laughing so much! Great video, as always Simon :)

[@HunterWoods]

Why don't you blink...?

[@bertsteemers5860]

+Hunter Woods You're right, in the whole episode there's not one blink!

[@EDCGadgets]

He never breaks eyecontact even for a split second, which emphasizes the weight of his words. Helps the viewer to stay focused.

[@jalapenolemonade]

Hunter Woods oh shit I just realized 😂😂

[@ilyaonthefly]

Simon, that was really, really well said. I loved every tip and I connected with everything. I particularly enjoyed the first mistake - sitting at the computer too much. I think it does dull creativity with our projects; instead we need to look at our ideas more visually and with a hands-on method. I also agree that we should worry less about failure because, even if we do fail, it will be a huge learning curve, that will ultimately benefit us for the rest of our lives. I'm sure you know who Ryan Booth is, very talented cinematographer. He recently posted a great picture on Instagram, it's a graph of knowledge of art and filmmaking and how it transforms as we make stuff. Here's a link, if you have time, you NEED to check it out, seriously: instagram.com/p/6soD5nTPzG/?taken-by=ryanbooth One more thing - I really love the shirt you wore in this episode! Could you give me a link to it or something, looks really epic! Thanks! :-)

[@DSLRguide]

Ilya M. couldn't agree with you more - hands on and ready for failure! Big fan of Ryan, and that is an insanely accurate graph. Totally know what it feels like to realise that we're not as good as we think we are, and that there's way more to learn. The expert knows nothing, that's awesome :) I've had this shirt for ages, can't remember where I got it haha :)

[@Sonjira]

Ilya M. Well, that graph described to much of my existence. Nice find, Ilya!

[@ilyaonthefly]

DSLRguide Agreed.