How Edgar Wright Saved My Filmmaking Career

[@Germania9]

_10 years from now_ *How Patrick (H) Willems Saved My Filmmaking Career*

[@tsarstepan]

Edgar Wright is so due a financial success of epic proportions. It boggles my mind how his incredible genius often is undervalued during their theatrical releases. The box office failure of Scott Pilgrim to me was one of the worst crimes of omission committed recently by movie going public.

[@Germania9]

Scott Pilgrim not shown in Malaysia is equally the worst crime committed by the local cinema chains, for the obtuse reason of it being 'not profitable'. The bastards here have no taste in good cinema.

[@TheBuenaventura93]

Baby driver did really well though

[@JebStar10]

English please

[@dbrowdy]

I adore Edgar Wright and I love the Scott Pilgrim movie. But the marketing for it in the US was criminally bad. Like it might as well have just said "Hipsters Only!" It actively repulsed me. I didn't know it was an Edgar Wright movie but I don't know if I would have gone even if I did because the marketing made me roll my eyes so hard.

[@CinemaBabble]

This video was much needed... I just got rejected by all the MFA programs that I applied. thanks for keeping my spirits up!

[@tatehildyard5332]

Alejandro Ramos De Jesús I tried applying to the Hollywood film schools but was rejected and being a California resident, I couldn't afford the tuition even if I got into any of them. I did however get into University of Iowa which was my top choice anyway. I feel like I'm better off in the long run because I'm studying regular writing and not just Hollywood writing. And actually knowing an NYU student, I can confirm what Patrick says is true.

[@kls9710]

u of iA is well known for it's writer's program. Congratulations! wishing you all success in all endeavors.

[@tatehildyard5332]

@@kls9710 Thank you. Granted this is an entire year late, but thank you anyway.

[@tatehildyard5332]

@@kls9710 So weird turn of events but, not super into writing anymore. Figured out I was more excited by cinematography and photography and just creating mood and atmosphere through visuals. I was able to actually have space to grow and cultivate a skillset with a camera that I didn't have before, because I didn't display prodigious talent for it in my adolescence. Now I'm a DP on a feature length documentary and my photo work is being nominated for a Hearst Foundation Prize (and I'm not even a journalist or journalism student).

[@BUMP0H]

A true story: I was at home being 'sick' watching TV. I saw this trailer for a movie that had these flashy fights, awesome music video game references. My mum saw the trailer with me and said when it comes out she will take me to go see it. Cut to a month later, Scott Pilgrim VS The World was released and my mum kept me home from school that day just to go see it. I remember walking out of the cinemas doors, turning to my mum and saying, "I want to do that. I want to make movies like that." I owe my filmmaking to Edgar Wright for making me find my true passion in life, which is to make movies and stupid videos for the internet. And, no joke, I have analysed the hell out of Scott Pilgrim, from the sound, to background, to even figureing out where Edgar's cameo was. (First time Scott and Knives play in the arcade, there's a guy in the background playing a shooting game behind Scott. That's him...) I am so happy you made a video about Edgar. Even the whole idea of simulating his style was something I did with my student films. He is my all-time favourite director and I cannot wait to see Baby Driver when it hits theatres in Australia! ☺️☺️☺️

[@VARIOUShorses]

Sounds like you've got a really cool mum :) I kind of felt the same way in regards to Scott Pilgrim but from an editing perspective - I wanted to know how to make all of those flashy cuts so seamless and easy to watch. I dunno if I'll ever get there, but trying to has been a lot of fun.

[@xero0015]

Now that's how you advertise your channel.

[@BUMP0H]

But hey, that's just a theory. A EDGAR WRIGHT THEROY! And, smash montage...

[@waimanalo]

props to you! Awesome content!

[@TonyQuinn]

I had a similar experience, only I saw it at a friend’s house with a friend of hers and her fiancee. I remember having the same expression as Knives when Sex Bob Omb started playing and the opening credits rolled. I had never seen anything like that movie. It encompassed so many genres and yet didn’t feel like a weird hodgepodge (credit obviously to Bryan Lee O’Malley as well.) I went home and started writing a story which basically aped it’s style lol, but I had such a creative fire in me that I didn’t care. That was when I fell in love with storytelling!

[@quasarone3083]

Edgar Wright is a f***ing genius

[@Yodplods]

fucking

[@WarpstoneHoarder]

Thank you for not giving up back then! Love your videos!

[@dlvnmedia]

I love the positivity on this channel. Patrick you have no idea as someone who suffers critical suicidal depression and has for most of their 40 years of life how much that can help someone. So thank you for that. Edgar does this for me as well, so heres hoping there is a video of you drinking and telling your parents why Edgar Wright ia awesome in the future. Those always bring a smile to my face.

[@avinash22i]

For me Edger Wright doing a BOOSTER GOLD and BLUE BEETLE buddy cop movie for the DCEU would be an absolute dream come true. Heck I would take him directing any movie for the DCEU at this point. He would fit in with WB very well. The man is a genius and truly one of the best directors in this new age cinema.

[@orfeas248]

as much I'd like to see that too, remember what happended with ant-man... I doubt he'll do any big superhero movie after that.

[@williefreeman282]

orfeas what happened to ant man

[@helloimash]

He was going to write and direct, but ended up only writing a fraction (we do not know how much) of the final film before exiting, cited "creative differences."

[@avinash22i]

How MARVEL and the WB (DCEU) work are polar opposites. WB is a studio which is known for giving freedom to their directors. He will be an amazing fit to the WB/DCEU family.

[@apples8527]

Joel McHale and Donald Glover for Booster Gold and Ted Chord Blue Beetle? I think that'd be awesome.

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

Baby Driver is fucking slice of fried GOLD, you will love it, I assure you 👌🏻

[@BenFromCanada]

now THIS is a storytime video.

[@metr0dusk4247]

Edgar made me feel amazing, being a loner aftet graduating High School I was uninspired and didn't feel in a way alive, I was loosing creativity. I watched Scott Pilgrim on DVD because I heard its about Video Games. I watched it and I was surprised, this movie was more than just Video Games it was in some ways very relatable and super enjoyable. Few days later Shaun of the Dead popped up on tv, I watched it and then I knew Edar Wright was *THAT* movie director. Then I watched Baby Driver, The Worlds End, and Hot Fuzz. And I am thankful for him, as a director and as a person with a good vision.

[@thesuperframe]

I saw Baby Driver a month ago (Press/Advanced Screening) was amazing, LOVE EDGAR WRIGHT !!! glad he's had the same affect on you as he has done me. btw this was an amazing story Patrick, I'm sure a lot of us can relate.

[@sensitivewriter-director5487]

Awesome story, Patrick. Wright is just one of the best filmmakers out there. I was lucky enough to go to a studio screening of Dunkirk a few months back. Wright happened to be there... one row behind me to be exact. Like the fanboy I am I couldn't help but stare at him in all of his glory. I started to feel way too awkward and had to force myself to stop looking back at him. lol. Still... it was a truly lovely sight to see Wright and Nolan chat together in the lobby of the theater after the film. I wish I could have heard what they were saying... probably... "When does is that fat guy going to stop staring at us?"

[@Hulavuta]

haha that is amazing!

[@jaythefourth]

so thankful for your content, man. times are tough when you get in that depressive rut, and I tend to slip into that a lot. the way you express your enjoyment of filmmaking has helped revitalize my love for the craft countless times. please keep doing these. thank you, Patrick!

[@bobbydbuze]

What a great story to share! Appreciate it man! And couldn't have come at a better time for me! Thank You!!!

[@Lotus-Son]

Patrick you helped me out, man. And probably a lot of people watching this. I think this was so honest and awesome of you to share something like this because so many people can relate to this. I'm not a film major but feel like I went through such a similar situation with grad school, in general (for me it was chemistry). You were so forthcoming with this and it makes for a video that was so much more original and refreshing than a lot of content on KZbin. In the same way you are thanking Edgar Wright, I am thanking you, on behalf of a ton of film students that are going through the same thing, as well as anyone else going through a bit of an individual crisis internally after graduating (you're helping out a lot more people than I think you know).

[@BrenPetersonMV]

I am glad I wasn't the only one who saw Scott Pilgrim 6 times in theaters. This video was awesome, and I can relate on so many levels. I am glad I have been researching Edgar Wright in my college classes, so your video could pop up. Edgar Wright is my idol, and Baby Driver made that even more clear in my mind. Great video, and you earned a new sub.

[@MeerkatChris]

I also went through the same feelings having found his almost-hidden TV sitcom brilliance, Spaced! I was depressed at just having finished it the first time I watched it, it was THAT relatable and inspiring.

[@stevensong8784]

Liked your nonlinear narrative. Mentioning Wright right before Columbia rejection sends stronger punch to the audience. P.S. I'm unemployed, aspiring filmmaker. And us connecting gave me boost. Thank you Patrick!

[@joelrolston8736]

This is seriously the encouragement I've needed as well. Thank you for reminding me that success is not built on the merits and degrees we earn. It's the experiences we create, and the care we put into our craft. I think I'll do some writing this weekend!

[@elliebee6537]

Yeah, I've probably seen Scott Pilgrim more than anything else! Well, maybe except for the Star Wars original trilogy.

[@AstroLizard]

The entire video felt very sincere and the simple but heartfelt ending was a cherry on top. As always a very well made video Patrick (H) Willems, hope everything continues to go well with your life.

[@kevincruz2470]

This is incredible! I'm actually going through something similar and glad I clicked on your video! I'm not a filmmaker, I make digital marketing content, but Edgar Wright has been one of the biggest influences on my video work. I loved all of his movies for the emphasis on movement, sound design, and editing to the beat. I never studied film making but this made sense to me so I kept at it. After graduating last summer I was stuck not getting the jobs I wanted and my creative work not taking off like I wanted. Snapped out of my depressed state recently and been steadily progressing. Your video is more reassurance that I have to keep making things happen instead of focusing on what's not working and get back to the state of mind that got me passionate about video production.

[@playgroundchooser]

Recent subscriber here, in fact I subscribed while drunk one night. It's only taken a few videos of yours watched in my right mind to realize this is one of the best channels on KZbin. Continued luck and continued success!

[@carolinast94]

This is so pure and sweet. What a delightful story, really brightened my day. Thanks for sharing!

[@LegoJunk128]

This is a very inspirational and uplifting video, Patrick (not to mention well-made!). I am a film student at Pratt, and Edgar is an all-time fave of mine as well. My friend and I have tickets for the first screening of Baby Driver in our city (Dover, DE) and we're both pumped as hell! Here's to you, to Edgar, and to filmmaking!

[@gonaye1]

I watched this video twice. It is so inspiring and truly awesome that you got that sincere message from Edgar Wright himself.

[@MaxMarriner]

Been a long time since I've personally connected with a KZbin video so deeply. Thanks for this, Patrick.

[@samuelmineiro9416]

Great video Patrick. I want to be a novelist (well, a published one; I've already written loads but I'm sixteen), and always encouraged to see creative people move past the trial of fire that is college rejection (I may be there myself in two years).

[@lou326]

I've almost got tears at the end of your video. So moved. And I LOVE EDGAR WRIGHT his work is just amazing, so so good that it makes me want to go and be sick. Literally.

[@TheGoldenPhire]

Awesome story dude. Putting out this video probably helped others who are in the situation you were in too. It's a full cycle.

[@moeezS]

So many great filmmakers never bothered with film school. On the Baby Driver screening I went to recently with Edgar there for the Q&A, they showed a very old clip from the 90s where he blew up when he was very young making a cute video for Red Nose Day (it's a charity event in the UK) about wheelchair accessibility. No film school malarkey. The lesson is to just keep on making stuff and eventually you'll get good at it to then get noticed.

[@LeeMaverick]

Hi Patrick! Well... you are the guy that made me go back and rewatch all of EW's films and motivated me to start writing a screenplay I had in the back of my mind!! You are really passing it forward with your videos!! I love them!! Perfect for film nerds!!!! :)

[@Th3NrY]

I really thought he was going to say: "I did what any college graduate did...I attempted suicide"

[@PanthrsInkStudio]

Rejected application from Film school and a fresh college graduate... I feel like am currently at your position back then. Thanks for sharing the experience... Btw love all your video essays, learned a lot from them.

[@seba_salto]

I'm in a similar position in my life and i'm kind of stuck in a job that doesn't have anything to do with movies, so I found this video really encouraging! keep it up.

[@DaddyGamerReviews]

Well now I need to thank you, I've been unmotivated and easily distracted (nice way of putting it) from working on my own content for awhile now. After a day of procrastinating upon watching this I fired up the project and am going to get done what I set out to get done. This video has been sitting in my Watch Later for a little while now and that fact I watched it on one of my worst days is perfect. Sincerely thank you.

[@DangerousMuteLunatic]

I'm at an extremely similar point in my life right now, and I love that how you ended up getting off the couch and back to work was just by making silly KZbin shorts (like what I'm doing now). That makes me feel a little better about myself. I don't know how to parlay this into a career, but between this and your Waverly Films video it's nice to know it's possible.

[@jerrod7361]

It's always surprises hearing the story's of these great KZbinrs of People from a Website like IGN talking about how they got rejected but then you watch them and think they are so amazing at there job you have no clue how they got rejected from doing something they are so dam good at. Keep up the great video's

[@md.tahmeedhossain9409]

If most people like you only pirated out of circumstance, the world would be a much nicer place for artists. Loved the video. Your sense of editing and cinematography is amazing. Your love for Edgar Wright and his influence on your work is clear. Great job!

[@cindyknows9220]

I've seen every movie and show Edgar Wright has made! So freaking hyped for Baby Driver!!

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

So glad you love Spaced, one of the best UK TV shows! My dad showed me it when I was probably way too young to watch it but I adored it

[@Iamz123]

To be honest, The first Edgar Wright film I ever watched was Baby Driver. It wasn't even in cinemas, but I instantly fell in love. Edgar Wright instantly became my favourite director ever. I couldn't believe how good his films are. I still can'!

[@nooranik21]

After my dad died and my older sister went to college, it was just me and my mom at home. We had been really close prior to these events but got really short with each other after and it always felt like we were at each other's throat. On a whim after and a bad couple of weeks for us, I suggested we do something that didn't require us to talk but still spend time with one another. We went and saw Scott Pilgrim. We both enjoyed it and had one of our first conversations in a while that didn't result in arguing. Not to say Edgar Wright fixed me and my mom's relationship, but it certainly was a catalyst and I owe him that.

[@AdamViklund]

Awesome video, Patrick! I drove an hour to see Shaun of the Dead, and did so again the next night. Game changing. I actually just injested Baby Driver into my theatres' server today and was lamenting the fact that I didn't have a key for it so I could watch it right now! Keep up the great work, man!

[@AdityaKumar-gg4ru]

he brings something so different and innovative that you instantly fell in love with his movies hope he gets into the DCEU who are trying to do smoething different with the genre with James Wan, Jenkins, Matt Reeves etc

[@4supergamma]

Everything you said about Shaun of the Dead I felt about Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. I saw it on my 16th birthday with my mom and she looked at like a crazy person when I would gush about it. I've watched it dozens of times. I love it.

[@akilkalel]

Thanks for sharing bro, I can relate to every step of your story. Good luck in the future!

[@phasedfilms1069]

Thank you for this video. I've been in that grey area for years thinking about going back to school. It's just nice to hear other people dealing with it too.

[@Shlo0p]

i really love your editing and voice over transitions in this video

[@DanielTolentino42]

It's funny because this video can be, for other people, what Edgar Wright's DM was for you, so after all, you are inspiring so much people (me included) too. Thank you.

[@TheTurbulator_]

Great Video!!! Nice change from the usual video essays.

[@dman0331gmodgames]

I'm currently in the process of story boarding an animition in the baby driver universe using the same exact song u used in whipsmash, I guess I'm not the only one who thinks queens of the Stone Age and Edgar wright style of filmmaking work really well together.

[@TheTomkap]

I'm 16 and have watched Shaun of the Dead for the first time two months ago, I've been obsessed with all of his work ever since. Edgar Wright reassures to me that I want to be a film director one day, and how much love I have for movies.

[@felixeller4649]

I also thought filmschool would give me a direction to build on, but the only thing i learned was how i don't want to make movies tbh. I left after two depressing years and became happy and successful doing my own thing! Keep up the good work! :)

[@billbojabens]

Just found your channel and I love Edgar Wright as much as you just subbed and excited to binge your videos.

[@dcz5961]

Wow! What a great story

[@RemixedVoice]

Patrick Bennett Fucking liberal!! 😂

[@victorlerouxassathiany]

RemixedVoice Dude you're almost a centrist, you're not clean either

[@ThaliaNashielly]

You can make it! Awesome story, Edgar Wright totally changed you! :D I hope to watch some of your work.

[@sabahbubbler]

Thanks man. I needed this. Stories and journeys from people are so inspiring. I guess I'm sort of were in your shoes, not sure what I want to do. Stuck in a job of music productions but I've always loved to act write and direct. Thanks so much man

[@quietdemon8138]

This video is exactly what I need I'm stuck in a rut in college with this boring so called film school course and honestly I think I would do have more success on my own but anyway that's beside the point thank you so much for this video you've really inspired me to rethink my choices

[@kiribundi]

Applying to film school resulted in my ego getting pounded in the @$$... Fine arts are mostly about subjectivity and luck. Not ever doing it again.

[@TonyQuinn]

Edgar Wright flippin messaged you?! Dude that’s incredible! I’ve messaged celebrities and gotten responses but that’s an other level of awesome. You should have printed a screenshot and framed it lol.

[@fromthawell]

Awesome stuff. It is cool when someone so talented is able to do something like that and show how grounded they are which just makes them that much cooler. Good video. The pace kept it entertaining all the way through. Best day & Best wishes to you & yours. :)

[@SimonBarnes]

Consistently in your audio is awesome - it's same whether narrating, speaking into the mic or using a lav!

[@ekehernandez]

I got a reply by Edgar too. I love he's so chill about fame and he can just respond to tweets and reply to dms.

[@ryanpeters9108]

I love everything you make but this video, I connect with much more than the rest

[@AbdielQuezada]

Thank you for sharing your story. Quite motivational. All the best in your filmmaking endeavors.

[@readwrecks]

Man, I can never remember what Edgar Wright looks like. Every time I see a picture or some footage of him, I am astounded by how much he looks like Jack White. Then I forget his appearance almost immediately. He's like one of those agents for The Silence.

[@EvanKiddFilms]

Dude yes! This was a great story. From one filmmaker to another, keep making stuff. Thats it. The rest will take care of itself.

[@LukeDodge916]

I really can't wait to see Baby Driver. Looks magnificent. Nice to see how a single tweet changed your life...

[@Hulavuta]

What an inspiring story! I have one more year for my BA and then I plan to go to grad school too. I have always wanted to work in a creative field but feared the instability of it. This story almost makes me wanna go for it...almost. I'll still have to think about it a bit more

[@lamecasuelas2]

you know, this is a good video I think that deserves to be shared with Edgar

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

Spaced, 1 second in on my very first viewing, the genius of the show was obvious. Let's not forget it also contains a very driven and talented Simon Pegg. Man from Nowhere ... rocks.

[@DavidLopez-wo5mq]

sir, you are a genius. I can't wait until I see you make it big

[@ElectricBubble]

Looking so good, that was sick!

[@KashifKhan17]

Thank you for telling this story mate!

[@BrandonGries]

Edgar Wright inspired me to make more odd and stylish original movies that arent afraid to be different than mainstream films and that is something id love to one day meet and thank him for

[@ROBatGraveShift]

Thanks so much for making this. Super inspiring!

[@RudieObias]

The fact that you're going to see BABY DRIVER at BAM instead of Nitehawk or Alamo is the most Brooklyn thing I can ever imagine!!

[@patrickhwillems]

I would normally go with Alamo but the BAM screening (plus Q&A with Edgar) was announced first, so I got tickets immediately. And I don't even live in Brooklyn!

[@RudieObias]

A-ha! BAM is my favorite movie theater in Brooklyn because of its curation and proximity to my apartment. I live about a 20-minute walk from BAM, so I'm there almost every weekend! Alamo is close second. I watched BABY DRIVER last night. It's fine.

[@TheDiscoNarwhal]

3:22 Oh shit, was that 5 seconds of Millionaire by QOTSA? I mean I already had a lot of respect for you but... more.

[@patrickhwillems]

Good catch

[@DanteVukotic]

Baby driver is one of the most fun movies I've ever seen in a very long time.

[@niknieblas]

I knew there was a reason why your videos resonated with me.

[@0yys_0]

Hey! I just watched baby driver & found your excellent video.. I loved it! I go to Columbia film school currently & can tell you that you seem to have great sensibilities with/without it. Keep it going ^^ !

[@lsmoulton]

Good luck mate !!!

[@lilith42069]

I love people like Edgar Wright who can balance the idea of filmmaking as an art and as an enjoyable magical experience. I find it incredibly excellent when people have an intricate knowledge about the genre their movie falls in and plays with and deconstructs tropes. Quentin Tarantino films, The Evil Dead franchise, Adaptation, Woody Allen films, Punch-Drunk Love, When Harry Met Sally, The Nice Guys, Rick and Morty, Twin Peaks... all great shows and films that aren't defined as being solely genre or arthouse films. There the best of both worlds and I love when films pull that off. I love the Criterion Collection and what it does, but I find myself getting a lot of titles from the library and finding myself disappointed. It's the same kind of feeling I get whenever I watch Oscar-bait biopics like Chariots of Fire and The Imitation Game: bored. It's not terrible, not great, just boring. But then you got a film like Baby Driver. It looks fabulously quirky and it's seems to be willing to go into darker territory while keeping a light demeanor. In a nutshell, I don't like films that are incredibly stupid to the point it boggles the mind how much money the movies make (*cough* Michael Bay *cough*) but I also do not like it when people don't try to grip you with a great story and characters with excuses like "It's art!" (Remembering your awesome first video: film students getting punched) And that's why I admire this channel so much. You're doing it in the vein of balancing genre with art like so many great creators have done like Edgar Wright, and I hope you and everyone you're working with keeping doing this. It's just amazing to see how far this channel has grown. Godspeed!

[@sundaefilm2285]

This is such an inspiring story, keep it up man!

[@Dalyablack]

I really loved hearing your story. You're totally going to inspire someone else now. (Like me!)

[@kartikeysharma4926]

The Cornetto Trilogy changed my life.

[@BeastPictures]

I like, how your video is constructed like an Edgar Wright movie ;) and I agree: he's a genius!

[@hunterc8943]

I’m so glad I found this channel

[@aperfecte]

Edgar featured my scott pilgrim video on his blog and twitter. That is one of the highlights of my life.

[@fearfulcat]

I just started watching Spaced. So unique and so great.

[@CAPb-SLO]

I can remember being home after my heart operation I couldn't move and could only watch tv and then I saw hot fuzz on tv and It blew me away without edgar I wouldn't have discovered my love for movies

[@kevw333]

spaced- best sit com ever made. found myself randomly drinking in the pub that features in it as was round the corner from my brothers flat in London. nearly pulled a fit bird but got way too drunk...

[@viewfindervlog]

Inspiring words. Told from the heart! Nice man!

[@AlejandroMontoyaMarin]

Love your channel man. Great content, great perspective. Keep me coming!

[@you2449]

Hey. Your favorite Director was just on a radio interview, on "Jones' Jukebox" on KLOS in L.A.. It just ended. Was talking about Music in Films.

[@eyeslayugh]

I love your channel, your helping me on my filmmaking skills

[@netherrack6619]

Props for using QOTSA in your "Whipsmash" film.

[@oisind3593]

Edgar is such a stand up guy. Like damn he didn't have to send you those messages