3 Harsh Truths For Anyone Who Wants To Be A Movie Director - Kenneth Castillo

In this Film Courage video interview, Filmmaker Kenneth Castillo on 3 Harsh Truths For Anyone Who Wants To Be A Movie Director.
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[@falconawesomeness1141]

Facts. I remember when I said I wanted to be a filmmaker but was waiting until I could afford a professional camera. Then one day I started making goofy films and practiced the art of storytelling with a cellphone and then things started opening up. Don’t let your ego become something that breaks you. Learn to let go and make magic.

[@filmcourage]

That's what is amazing about the time we live in. Congrats to you on breaking the barrier and creating. Nice to hear that it has already opened things up for you. Thanks for sharing.

[@CholoChaplin]

That's it. That's how you do it.

[@user-xe2pe3op6u]

Thanks for this. This is what I needed.

[@joifulnoiseproductions1266]

Amen! All about being resourceful! Haha I’ve been using my phone too and just using video camera style apps so I can still practice with the settings like exposure, focus, etc.

[@CannibalWHORE22]

That was my plan. If it makes an image then you piece it together. You have a film

[@nickole6601]

This isn't harsh, this is motivation ❕🦋

[@filmcourage]

Nice way to frame to Nickole. For some it may be too much while others feed off of it.

[@CholoChaplin]

I hope it's more encouraging than discouraging.

[@nickole6601]

Kenneth Castillo definitely !

[@seansswamp]

amen

[@DiNOVisuals]

So much truth. Some people just want the fancy and powerful looking title but don't fully understand the responsabilities that come along with it. Aswell as all the intricacies that you are required to have a grasp of in order to execute well while maintaining harmony, especially under pressure. Planning, preparation, Clear vision, empathy, great communication and dealing with egos (including our own) are just a few of the many important aspects of filmmaking that a lot of so called Directors/Producers need to understand.

[@filmcourage]

Excellent comment!

[@phantomofpulp4190]

Exactly.

[@JonathanEBoyd]

Well said Very true

[@samwallaceart288]

Damn that was the best 6 minutes I’ve listened to for a long time.

[@CholoChaplin]

Glad. you enjoyed it and thanx for checking the interview.

[@speakFILM.]

great, underrated point. once the crew is engaged, you know you got something good!

[@teeto4963]

As an aspiring film director, I’m working on my first short film and I’m a freshman in college. I’m unsure what I should major in in order to fulfill my dream of becoming a media artist. I hear people telling me that my interest is too sought after, and is a useless passion in this time. Not sure where to go from here

[@rakscyn]

Thanks for your inquiry. Here are my thoughts. (1) With respect to your major, consider business, especially with an orientation to finance. Many (if not most) major decisions in film are made with respect to business thinking in mind, especially with respect to audience analysis (2) Read voraciously in your field, and network as much as you can, to learn what others think --- and let those awareness synergize with your thoughts and goals -- so you become more knowledgeable, more talented (making shorts is a good maypole here). (3) Never let anyone tell you what your passion should be. Your passion is for you to decide, you to follow, you to persist.

[@joifulnoiseproductions1266]

Media Production is a good degree route as well

[@graceperiod5947]

Saying a Director has to have a level of Narcissism is utter BS! There is never a reason for a good director to be Narcissistic. Film is a collaboration and Narcissism is the opposite of collaboration. The only thing you need to do as a filmmaker is “Be Nice” that’s it. Be nice to actors, crew, vendors... just be nice!

[@maxsdad538]

You don't even KNOW how wrong you are. Narcissism is YOU directing the film that YOU want to make because the story moves YOU! You don't "collaborate" on the story, you collaborate on the construction. If you don't make it to please yourself, then you're nothing more than a short order cook trying make to someone else's breakfast. I like mine over easy.

[@VincentStevenStudio]

HAHAHA! Be nice he said lol. See that's the thing you can be nice but not everyone will be nice to YOU and will want to help YOU. I'm a nice person I'm nice to the actors and crew but once in a while there will be a crew member or actor that just will not cooperate because of their ego or arrogance or they think they know better than you and you will have to put them in their place. And sometimes it's not by being nice. Sometimes nice doesn't work. And this is just my experience from directing shorts. Imagine million dollar movies.

[@renegademax]

Be nice? Dude, have you ever directed a flick? Being nice is a great aspiration but in reality doesn't work; too many egos. You can start out that way but you have to be ready to drop the hammer on someone who believes they, without saying and sometimes with saying it, feel they should be directing the film, or that they know better. I've had to fire sound for continuously texting, 1st ADs for talking during takes or treating background like cattle, or producers who wanted to direct the show, and the list goes on. Making a film is a stressful privilege, and the responsibility is enormous, but oh so addictive.

[@CholoChaplin]

@@maxsdad538 This is exactly right.

[@bistostudiosentertainment4986]

I’ve had the aspirations to become a film maker and one day create my own production company since I was in the first grade. For years I’ve been writing novels and books that I can hopefully translate into the big screen one day. I’m only 18 now and I still have the same goals. Since I don’t have much to work with, with me being in high school still, I make short films using GTA 5’s rockstar editor and post them to my KZbin channel to get practice for my future. This video brings motivation and insight to what my goals are🙏🏽

[@THORFXMX]

Having worked in the Special Effects department on around 400 features/TV episodes/ music videos and commercials I can say from experience communication is key to a directors success. The most common mistake with new Directors is when they are unsure of something the will not ask questions in fear of looking unqualified. The second mistake is shooting out of sequence, that is to say shooting the wide/master shot last. Another is not knowing your shots. Often after doing a scene A Director will not know what is next and waste production time trying to decide

[@joyang3023]

I'm an aspiring director but I haven't done anything yet. I am on the works to start my first film and it makes me anxious to think of my capabilities. His last statements really got me and I am hoping to hear some tips and opinions from you guys like what can you say for first time directors?

[@filmcourage]

Thanks for the comment Joy. To anyone having trouble starting a project we would probably suggest putting together a practice project. Start with something small. We have a feeling you are already putting too much pressure on yourself. If you haven't done anything yet, maybe focus on one scene that you think is really cool or really fun. Keep it simple. Maybe just one scene with 2 actors. Look to recruit a few people to help you film that scene and schedule it out. At the end of the day nobody has to see it. It gives you practice and can help with your confidence. Work with whatever resources you currently have (and whatever resources your team is able to contribute). You will gain so much by going through the process, no matter how good or bad it turns out.

[@stevengonz]

Do exactly what he said, just go shoot something, possibly with a friend, get it done and move on to the next project

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

@@filmcourage wow, I needed to hear this. I've only written a scene\ a couple pages of a screeplay I'm writing and I still have no idea all the necessities and prerequisites of directing. Cinematography, color grading, aspect ratio, post production and editing, production design, etc. It's alot to take in. But this advice really helps.

[@CholoChaplin]

I would say this. Be as prepared as you possibly can, do not shoot for perfection and be open to the happy mistakes that will occur during your production and don't give into fear.

[@joifulnoiseproductions1266]

Whenever you watch a movie as well, take mental notes on the way lighting is used, camera angles, sound, cinematography, color, etc.

[@hdpmrr]

"...you have time and energy and a cellphone. Make something."

[@Thespeedrap]

Best advice watch alot of good movies from great filmmakers.

[@YksnStories]

"What have you done?". That's the question every producer should ask themselves. Thanks for the enlightening video, am gonna start working on my dream of becoming a film maker

[@DrewTieng]

I don’t think these truths are harsh! Love this channel! Was interesting to think of the dynamic of someone not wanting to ask a producer what they’ve worked on, because it might invalidate the idea of someone important wanting to help them

[@filmreviewer117]

The comment by the crew being engaged is brilliant,. He's right they are on dozens of film sets a year and if there more interaction with the project then you know there's something here.

[@CholoChaplin]

It's been a minute but definitely need to respond to all these great comments. Very proud with how this interview went and thank you to Film Courage for the opportunity.

[@wonderwomanx1268]

That’s not narcissism, that’s self worth and belief in your work.

[@SilverSighting]

Love these videos on Film Courage! Very informative! Thank you!

[@AxelAxe]

Yeah when the crew is into the story you know there is magic happening.

[@stevendiffey9162]

Great advice. Thank you 🤛🏻

[@CholoChaplin]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@JonathanEBoyd]

Great Video Great advice Very well articulated it's always a balancing act when it comes to these things

[@CholoChaplin]

I appreciate that comment. I just try to be as helpful as I can in what I'm saying.

[@ttrev007]

i do think this day and age their is no excuse to create videos. We are on KZbin and i see great one man/women shows where they create really great videos all by themselves. I think it is a great place to start.

[@ayoublahl8970]

Tankyou for this fantasic video👑

[@ajacorynn]

Definitely needed to hear this today

[@oldjimfilms]

He's right. I worked with Kenny before, he's a good director

[@dreal500]

This guy is so cool! Love his demeanor and attitude!

[@themaximusfilms3194]

6:05 Im starting to create my first ever short film using Iphone 6. Im so excited. Idc what tf will happen but im excited lol

[@diegomesadiez]

“The fact that you´re sitting there asking me when you have time, energy and a cell phone… Make something.” “You have to do the crap to do some cool stuff.” Just the motivation I needed today!!!

[@eletor]

I feel this

[@sachads5322]

That was inspiring.

[@SanjaySharma-jy5dq]

It would be better , if there is directors and actors discord here do drop it guys

[@technomentis]

Solid!

[@herbertscott9575]

Great, pragmatic life wisdom

[@sdjohnsononyoutube]

Nice

[@anjelgoldmine2334]

Are you a producer? Yes an executive film producer baby 👶🏾

[@MenaCourtadeProductions]

I will die a Filmmaker.

[@chloewinfrey]

I love the part about naivety. 100% true...

[@Lucas-dr6ho]

I’m 15 and any advice on what I need to do would be much appreciated

[@major9097]

I wanted to try to make a small part of a film, what I will do if I dont have green screen?

[@anishfolorunsho]

Dope

[@dragunov815]

Oh.

[@danielmiliszewski5802]

Kenneth, I understand.. This man did nothing but spit truth.

[@Thespeedrap]

Read alot too

[@tgf-d3934]

Man this is good for middle school, the questions should have been ducked.

[@GreylanderTV]

I think he said his 3rd rule backwards... he meant "let it be more done than said"

[@KarrieDreammind5]

Haha, people getting offended when you ask to see their work.. that is funny. Like he said, why would you get offended? I'd get excited every time someone shows interest to see my work and I've happily show it to them and then I'd happily await to hear feedback. 😀 I feel like nowadays people care too much about status and showing off than actual quality of work.

[@ST-xe6yu]

Wow, describe my son to the T?! Tryna learn about his career choice more and everything he said describes him, ya, my son a film maker for sure, waiting for him to get through the crap and make some cool stuff!!! But being his mom, nothing is crap!! Lol

[@evaosirus6055]

Lmao breaking hearts with films love it

[@bingbong1437]

My dream is to make great horror movies

[@gevdarg]

"Competence" instead of "Confidence"?

[@JustTooDamnHonest]

Kenneth Castillo is the real deal and there are a lot of egomaniacs out there and I can name a few. JJ Abrams Rian Johnson They are not learning from their mistakes and they are blaming that on the fans(the very people that gave them their money in the first place).

[@ThePenguinXW3152003]

Who what to make a 3D short film

[@BlenderDumbass]

#imaproducer

[@mikebeats3281]

Lot of producers never got their credits because of politics. 😂

[@justaman9724]

Can you name those producers?

[@KouverKardashian]

dose the director pay the actors or dose the studio pay them?

[@filmcourage]

Are you a producer?

[@pathwithin1519]

No

[@ActorsReal2Reel]

No...well content wise I’m a DP, editor but not an actual producer in title

[@pathwithin1519]

@@ActorsReal2Reel do you do that professionally or a hobby? Next year I will have a lot of content.

[@ActorsReal2Reel]

path within professionally but not in the industry. I own a company that’s growing and work for a couple clients who have money so it’s my full time gig. Right now we have shot 16 short films in the span of this year. Most in the last 3 months.

[@pathwithin1519]

@@ActorsReal2Reel good for you! I hope it goes well for you. I'm just starting on my first Doc, and have realized how difficult it is, but really fun!

[@vreezy9474]

I will direct a movie with thalapathy

[@nick31111111]

Ugh

[@samwallaceart288]

Damn that was the best 6 minutes I’ve listened to for a long time.

[@filmcourage]

Nice to hear this one connected with you Sam. Glad it found you.