Horrible Filmmaking Advice That's KILLING Your Career

Bad filmmaking advice is hurting your career. This video is all about advice to ignore so you can focus on the things that matter.
#filmmaking #documentary #careeradvice
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CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
0:42 - Why you should be careful with these advice
1:21 - “The market is too competitive”
2:33 - Why people romanticize the idea of filmmaking
3:33 - Real world example of persistence
5:37 - “Bigger = Better”
7:18 - Take this example from a filmmaker trying to go big
9:12 - “Buy the gear and jobs will follow”
12:06 - Final thoughts
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[@peternavanac9310]

Your actually saying the things that move your viewers forward because…you seem to want your viewers to be moving forward 😮 Now that is a breath of fresh air!

[@SamLee74]

You're *

[@jeanguillaume4589]

I am that guy looking at gear videos, buying gear and not using it

[@poljakov13]

GearSNOB ?

[@Hykje]

KZbin is full of "filmmakers" who actually don't do any filmmaking other than filming themselves talking about what amazing filmmakers they are.

[@DialloMoore503]

LOL.

[@DePrimal]

Woah true

[@inframe-brooklyn993]

Hey Luc, I feel like you and I are having this conversation every week. I started making docs fifteen years ago, and my first one, was as you alluded to about a local animal shelter because we went in to adopt a puppy and I thought their grass roots model was unique and inspiring. I spent two years running around Brooklyn with this guy and a small JVC that shot 1080 (this was 2012) and a decent Senheiser. No lights all outdoor and natural light. the next one again small local about a folk singer. It wasn't until I had two full feature low budget docs under my belt that I managed to get serious people to talk to me on my third doc which was political in nature. The success of that has made my current doc where I am talking to Senators and serious scientists and activists only possible because they looked at my body of work and saw that I wasn't sitting around waiting for my big break (which still hasn't come, I have been waiting twenty years to be an overnight success!) There is nothing glamorous about documentary filmmaking. I have already logged over 40 hours and two thousand miles of driving up and down the eastern seaboard mostly by myself to get this documentary done. I was talking to a young filmmaker who wants to make docs and. he asked me where to start. I said find something you are passionate about that you can make with the gear you have and can be completely shot within a two hour drive of your house. Don't buy gear, save your money for gas, tolls, and food and go out and shoot. He was sort of shocked by my answer, but that is exactly what I did on my first doc. I think I have run on a bit. Keep speaking truth to power my brother.

[@victorcasillas8057]

I live in a city 20 min from Los Angeles, the city of San Fernando. There is a Mission here and two houses from the 1700s. It’s predominantly Mexican-American, about 80%. It is known as the Wedding and Quinceanera (Sweet Fifteen) capital of the San Fernando Valley, because of all the Wedding shops. Mexican people from all over Los Angeles come here to plan their weddings and Sweet 15/16 celebrations. Its a very old city with a lot of history. Anyways, I’m going to do a documentary film about the City of San Fernando, which by the way I was born and raised here and still work and live here. Do you have any advice?

[@nerucheung]

I used to do the bare minimum and blamed the industry of being too competitive. The moment I started going out of my way a lot more, was the moment I saw a significant amount of work and people coming my way

[@adolloyd]

Cracking advice - love the way you explain things out, makes perfect sense. I'm not a KZbinr/Film Maker or anything like that, but I'm simply thinking of using a 2nd hand Canon digital camera that I bought a few years back (which I really know nothing about) plus added a couple of lenses, plus a DJI Osmo plus a DJI Mavic Mini drone - all bought around 3 years ago but not used because, basically, my life was turned upside down, so now could be the time to finally get out there and have a go, eh? Thanks for the vid!

[@robertruffo2134]

People say that about everything fun to do, that it's too competitive, but when you start hiring people, you realize how hard it is find a good editor, a good makeup artist, a good anything, let alone a great one. It's not easy being great, and it's even harder to prove that you're great to the right people, but if you do the work and get there it's fine, you can make a great living, in 2024.

[@alexanderdavidyuk5027]

Absolutely

[@kevinbatts2804]

As a working Doc DP these are all 100% facts. I wish we had Luc 12 years ago when all we had were GH4's and DSLR's.

[@QZ_AU]

Hey it’s Thomas here. It took me 5 years working as a videographer and about 2 years to figure out how to get my feet into the film industry. I have more than a handful of friends who were doing better than me but they have given up along the way. We used to share the same dream but now theirs have died. The film industry is brutal (especially in some countries like mine where there’s no labour protection) but if you keep grinding and have the persistence you’ll get there 💪

[@ToddDeSilva]

Great advice. I kind of went opposite. I just finished and released a feature length doc, whereas I was trying to do a bunch of micro docs and never ended up finishing any of those. lol. The gear thing is clutch. Yes, gear does matter, but not when you are practicing. Use what you have. Have a bunch of old smartphones, great, set up a multi-cam set up with those. The foundations are the same no matter what you use. My doc isn't perfect (i've learned a lot from it), I filmed it all myself and it took close to 6 months to complete, but I completed it, and that's the important thing. I have learned a lot from you, keep on with the killer content.

[@juandediosgrajza1848]

Thank you for the advice, definitely needed that motivation boost to keep shooting.

[@segwaymusic]

Another great video full of great advice. Thanks Luc!

[@BryceDocherty]

Super solid advice man! Im in the process of making more shorts to fullfill my creative curiosity and portfolio and working with non profits while doing weddings full time. If you are passionate and relentless enough, you will make it happen! I wish I would have came to Mark and Mikes meet up. I saw you were there. I will def make the next one.

[@rickymcc8624]

Hi Luc, followed your channel for a while now and I have to say in my pretty limited experience you make a lot of sense. I too love gear, can afford to indulge as an amateur who is not dependent on getting work to eat or fund my GAS habit. But, I know in my heart of hearts nobody of any importance is likely to want to hire me until I can clearly demonstrate a solid capability. As a long term amateur in stills I can do that. I'm not there in video, so need to keep practicing. I'm trying to collaborate with other amateur enthusiasts to do this as well as attempting small personal projects. To that end your comments about 4-5 small projects that one can finish, review and learn from makes total sense. Sure I'd love to do something big, but it's too soon for my skill set currently. I don't think I'm being overly modest or suffering from imposter syndrome but rather trying to be realistic.

[@davebear6312]

Two and a half years into my company Paradise Productions Unlimited, I’m finally listening to you veterans! Thanks for keeping us children (and I’m 66 years old) in line!

[@citycloudnine]

You are so inspiring!!! I wish you every success Dave!!! I know this sounds silly but I thought I was too late to start getting into film making at the age of 29

[@maltepaulsen647]

great advice, thank you so much!

[@victorquilichini277]

thank you for this, really needed it

[@derwinjax]

This is exactly what I needed. Thanks sir.

[@gabemillerfilms]

Luc is by far the most truly inspiring film making mentor on KZbin, thank you man! 🤘

[@NoGrip]

Thank you. I needed to hear the “you don’t need the FX-whatever” line. I should work with what I have for a while

[@LukeCypert]

I've been thinking about doing this kind of video for how to get into the film industry. It's very different to get onto movie crews than to be a "filmmaker." I finally made the jump to film production 3 years ago and it's been incredible! I barely make any of my own work anymore. But I am DP on a feature this summer, so that's fun :)

[@LukeCypert]

But you should absolutely anticipate applying for hundreds of jobs that you won't get as you build your credits up.

[@HeathClark]

Great advice Luc!

[@coltonmonroe9824]

Thank you for this❤

[@petemellows]

I’m just a simple guy doing photography videos. But the advice you’re giving here is helping me plan and shoot better. And yeah, nobody said I should definitely start a KZbin channel…

[@rkc84]

Incredible content Luc.

[@barry_bierman]

great advice!

[@elizeusantos93]

Perfect Video! It has become everyday video lately video like: U need this as a filmmaker, What is in my camera bag... bla bla bla! You earned my subinscription

[@Nielsslieker]

Slowly becoming one of my favorite youtuber!

[@tomguder]

Thank you!

[@WhySteve]

I've got a friend who gets work out of new gear. Every damn time 😅 Even if he buys some dumb crap for himself, the way he shares it on social media impresses people and he gets work out of it. I guess he's lucky that his clients are super vain.

[@johnclay7644]

good points, iuc 6K is certainly growing in terms of availability informative content

[@directedbyvideoguru]

I'm a music video director based in Nairobi Kenya Thank you for the amazing well illustrated advice. I love your channel. Thank you this is really inspiring 🙏🏿

[@GloryStoryCz]

Great content.. so true

[@AnthonySaintJames]

Process over product!

[@igobyandrew]

I knew when I clicked on this that I would be called out. It’s true. I haven’t done a great job of reaching out to other filmmakers in my area, growing my network and looking for new clients. Gotta change that.

[@menoadil8404]

I like you're videos and I watch them because Im going to Sudan to film a documentary for a school project

[@lindalawson4296]

I agree with just about everything you said. I do, however, want to know what the minimum viable kit would be for a corporate video. I’m a mirrorless shooter now wondering if I need something more - even if used - to be taken seriously and level up rate wise.

[@GRIMSVOLT]

I don't care what topic a Luc Forsyth video is, if I see a new one, I watch it. Nothing but quality content and information.

[@brandonpierce]

Thank you for the reality check and logic vitamins to reduce GAS.

[@SIBIRIAKoriginal]

here's a thought. would you care for giving an anti-gear advice? For example, what could be the worst and cheapest or the oldest camera today that a beginner can start with? I bought my EOS Rebel T2i(550D) 2 years ago for $100 with the kit lens and I still can't get enough of it. I bought it simply to start changing lenses, this one was the first EOS shooting HD in that line and it has stereo mic jack - that's the dream.

[@itsryanwilkes]

Awesome advice, Luc. At the end of the day, you need to ask yourself "how bad do I want this" and put in the hard yards in to get there.

[@Valleedbrume]

Excellent advice.

[@briangurnett]

Great advice.

[@myvideoguy]

Everything is "too competitive" until there's disruption. You also need to find niches and just work for it, constantly. They exist, and if you want longevity it's best you find, dev and nurture them. Education and expanding or refining your knowledge and skills is a must too, as are relationships - with clients and colleagues. 25+ years full time here, has worked for me, from tape to tape editing days in the 90's through EVERY change since. Still doing it, still in demand, still loving it.

[@towardsamoreinclusivejamaica]

Thank you.

[@SWADEProductions]

I make films/docs because i love doing it! That is who I am big or small.

[@SirSeabass]

Great advice. I have a quick question though. I've been very fortunate to work in Reality/Docu series for the past year in several different positions but as a cam op and DP. In my reel, should I only include shots that made it to air or can I use stuff I really like from the cutting room floor?

[@wlb-racingteam543]

10:23 Wait a damn minute. The Chicken doesn’t come before the egg!? Now to recover, I have to go buy some crasy expensive laidar follow focus. Thank’s Luc !

[@coucoun1275]

I work in IT-industry. The best advice for our business as well as for filmmaking business is relations with people in the business. I mean the more people you know in person and they respect you the more chances you have to get projects, clients. As my former boss used to say frequently: “Personal relations make success in business”.

[@cameragod1]

People seem to forget that the film business is a business... you need to treat it like one.

[@carlosq00]

Terrific advice.

[@bencoheed]

thank you very much

Es súper importante tener una cámara adecuada, filtros, lentes y micrófonos. Yo traté mucho tiempo de rentar, usar cámaras que no eran adecuadas, micrófonos malos, arruiné algunos trabajos que podrían hacer una gran diferencia en mi carrera. Vivo en un país donde el acceso a buenos equipos a un precio accesible apenas está convirtiéndose en realidad. Si no tienes el equipo, no aceptes el trabajo. Dáselo a alguien que si pueda entregar buenos resultados, trata de que te incluya en el equipo, aprende y no arruines tu reputación.

[@marioguzmanphoto]

i am doing some videos for small brands for free to build a reel so i start contacting people. just now i started the networking aspect

[@dancrile5640]

When Scott Adkins stunt double/photographer brother drops info, one must listen.

[@quemahoning]

I would be interested in learning what level of insurance you feel is necessary for a documentary film maker.

[@SystemParanoia]

I've been working on my filmmaking skills outside of my 9-5 for a few months since I decided I wanted to pursue this. I've somehow landed a wedding photography gig later this year off the back of this effort?! I'm now t gonna turn away the money but.. I hope they don't mind that I just have an APSC and one prime lens lol

[@NunsenseStudios2110]

It is possible to make no mistakes and still fail. If that’s true, then what is the fucking point? I could put in all that work for something I love and in the end, no one will give a fuck about me or the work I put out. If that happens, if everything I’ve done isn’t recognized or doesn’t grant better opportunities… what the fuck am I supposed to do?

[@Blakepurcell14]

The hard part to me with that view is you’re not seeing the whole thing as a journey win or lose, success or failure you still did something and came out the other side of it. And you have those experiences to pull from in later life and yes sometimes you do it all and it still fails but it’s better to start a journey and fail than to never start at all

[@musiolikart]

Awesome video, 100% true, I do a lot and film a lot for clients, I should upload more on YT. Best Dominik

[@ZvilgantisKailis]

I have a question that no one is talking about. Where do those clients come from who have money and can pay a lot for all kinds of video work? How to become this type of client because then you will be able to pay yourself for the projects of your dreams, buy yourself whatever equipment you want and film whatever you want?

[@SIBIRIAKoriginal]

Small is the new big today.

[@c59222]

I am a photo freelancer. I get booked for video by the people or clients who knows me just because many want to work with people they know and trust. They never google out a video guy. Market has not limits or the expiration day. And, they don’t give a fk about AI. These are corporate clients. Go out and shoot, learn as you go. It will grow as any other biz. But only if you are dedicated

[@divyv20]

Hey Luc , very good video . I can do better editing in your videos which can help you to get more engagement in your videos . Pls lmk what do you think ?

[@rainbowgaming8441]

the online influencer is not a real filmmaker at all not even close to us yea

[@sethuraman_g5260]

You are a wiseman first and a cineman next.. thanx

[@PeppePascale_]

Holy Mother this words are my bible. Amazing video thank you man❤

[@SWADEProductions]

You can film a flop with a red just as easy as you can a dslr with a kit lens.

[@mercurialhypersprite9556]

Is your username Luc Besson plus Bill Forsyth?

[@tessamoonproductions8743]

".... Runnerup to my mentorship program.? Wow! If only he had the scraggly beard for the HOMELESS LOOK, he might have been winner and earned the right to mentor to become a "REAL" "filmmaker."

[@HumblyNeil]

Take home message: Get an. Alexa and the baseball field builds itself!

[@wuliwong]

This video is a great example of strawman arguments. Ive watched a lot of KZbin videos on the topic of making films/documentaries and I can’t recall anyone saying its too competitive so don’t try or dont do small projects. The last one about gear getting you work is a little more nuanced but he spins it in the worst possible light.

[@AkaBull]

I know this sound silly and limiting. I have a few cameras, but only one that shoots log. I would love to shoot a local Doc, but what's stopping me is not having a second log camera. Reason being I want the colors to match.

[@JustMeDoingVideos]

Maybe there is an option for you to rent the second one?

[@AkaBull]

@@JustMeDoingVideos There probably is, I'm like hour and a half from BandH in Manhattan. It's scary, I've never shot a Doc before and I don't want to run out and rent or buy gear only for everything to go wrong and the shoot doesn't come off. I guess I'm all up in my head.

[@Eyeofkamau]

@@AkaBullyou have the option to focus on everything that can go wrong, or everything that can go right.

[@jn-xw3cq]

If you're afraid of everything going wrong, then plan, plan, plan. Plan on what you want to go right and plan for contingency for what goes wrong. It never hurts to overplan for any film project. What hurts is not planning enough. Another camera that you can match colors with will help as a b cam depending on your project. But maybe the scale of your project might also just need one camera. What exactly is the reason for the 2nd one? A backup in case of an accident or is it for a b cam for interviews?

[@okakafelix3644]

Mmmh.....content is King...we follow stories as viewers...but we can chose to make content for fellow filmmakers who are just a drop in the ocean...If a story is solid, I wouldn't care what you shot with... I have a pal who shot a documentary on a Canon 70D...and I only found out the gear like 5 years later when I started working with him while I am here still waiting for that next level gear...

[@AkaBull]

💯

[@HeadBangerExtreme]

Nice hair bro

[@hbmorris5558]

Now that's funny. 😂

[@BuckJolicoeur]

Bingo... Again.

[@tristan_lp]

Anyone here being the guy that doesn't watch gear videos and shoots with their Iphone to work for their clients? I'm working for social media to buy myself my first camera🤞Anyone selling their camera?😇

[@Sgyozo]

I've always felt that without an Alexa i'm a f..ing nobody. Now i'm a f..ing nobody plus an Alexa, such an improvement. :D

[@theedproductions01]

It must be nice to get everything handed to you

[@YoungBlaze]

I mean isn't that subjective... I'm pretty sure some one with a Nokia flip will say that about your iPhone?

[@dustmicks1]

Was your friend Matt Haapoja 😂😂

[@DroseMr]

🫡

[@NoGrip]

Thank you. I needed to hear the “you don’t need the FX-whatever” line. I should work with what I have for a while

[@connorfyfe81]

Great advice.