How I found my style as a filmmaker (and how you can too)

[@leokeller]

This man! Ryan you’re killing it. The style of your most recent videos is incredible, love that you share all your knowledge with us

[@RyanKao]

Leo, appreciate this so deeply man. Thanks for being apart of the journey with me and all the effort you put in with me

[@rhimiles]

Spot on. Style doesn't come from thin air, it comes from a unique combination of influences.

[@RyanKao]

Couldn't agree more!! Thanks for watching!

[@KofiYeboah]

The goat is back ✊🏾

[@RyanKao]

AHHHHHH WE DOIN IT

[@WhySteve]

Great advice! I often look at very old videos and despite the lack of good cinematography, it has something my new work lacks... story. Picking up a camera 5 years ago was to find any way to capture a story. Now it's more a way of making things look good, not caring what its about. Now it's time to find the balance.

[@AndreasSippus]

Thanks for bringing this up. Feels like a game changing thought process for someone who's lost on their own style

[@RyanKao]

Always hoping someone can take something meaningful away when they're in need of a different outlook. We all get stuck more than we'd like to admit... Thanks for the comment Andreas!

[@OutaTimeFPV]

I liked this video within the first 5 minutes, continued watching, and then went to like it again forgetting that I already had. So many great points. Definitely one of my favorite videos you have made.

[@RyanKao]

This means a lot! Thank you

[@theyosmusic]

Love this video man! Really helps a lot and seriously amazing work!!

[@RyanKao]

Glad to hear it!! Thank you

[@Ekestoms]

Man, i feel like your recent videos are some of the best around on filmmaker youtube! They make me feel the way i felt starting out as a video freelancer in 2019, but 4 years later! it's incredibly cool to see well thought out videos on lighting, creativity, client work, short films and not feeling like "yeah i knoww all that" Keep it up man!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for this comment. Truly amazing feedback to hear. It's been a constant learning process with many bumps and lessons along the way. And I'm still working towards the end "goal"--whatever that may be. Appreciate you watching and supporting the channel!

[@maybackfilms]

Your videos are always spot on and well executed, Ryan! To me, trying to replicate what I already like is important because it is a reflection of who I am, what I like, and why I found it inspiring in the first place. Yes, everyone should create authentically to who they are, but often it is when we are inspired and feel connected that authenticity comes out.

[@Dj_lawrence]

Bro!!! Exactly!! Love the tips, I believe the second tip on color is huge for me. That's a challenging one there. Awesome video Ryan, inspiring as always brother

[@RyanKao]

So glad you liked this one... Color is such an amazing tool for your look. Take some time to play with it and experiment if you haven't!

[@CineDailies]

Great video bro and points. One thing I would add when it comes to style is the “why”. Many of the dps I follow deeply focus on the why, which births the styles we all come to love. The why drives the decisions for the production, lighting camera movement, color grade etc. Something I think about often

[@RyanKao]

Thank you so much dude. And yes, I honestly couldn't agree more. At the root of all the points I talked over, the "why" is what will fuel the intention and overall narrative of your art.

[@Iam_rayhutch]

Bro thank you for discussing this topic! Any artist that makes a fuss about copying is not a true artist IMO. Every true artist knows the value in copying with taste. Nothing is original anymore it's what you do with it that makes it innovative.

[@jonnyrogers]

Imitate before you innovate By copying style of someone in your field, you learn the skills necessary to produce at that level. Then you can take those skills and start making things in the way you want.

[@RyanKao]

Preach.

[@ocallawanson]

you have definitely been a big help throughout my creative journey as a filmmaker and Director. Thank you

[@RyanKao]

I'm so glad I could help, thank you for being here!

[@MintyBricks]

What you said in the beginning is so relatable!

[@RyanKao]

Glad to hear it resonated with you!

[@EasyTigerCreative]

Happens often when I see certain Creators’ I like but also makes me feel motivated to know that I can reach that goal if they did. One day I’ll figure out my style that people will recognize haha but for now still working on it 😊

[@RyanKao]

It's a tricky mindset to battle, but overall I think the importance of supporting and encouraging other creators is so so huge and we all need to do a better job at. Go get it man, I believe in you!

[@EasyTigerCreative]

@@RyanKao appreciate that a lot! Thanks for the encouragement and all the videos you post. Inspire me to create and enjoy the process to get to where I want to be!

[@AndreFoster]

Such simple advice, but it helped me gain so much clarity that I needed right now. Thanks Ryan!! 🙏🏽

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful. You're very welcome!

[@cineplugg551]

Ryan is a blessing to us all ❤

[@RyanKao]

😅🙏

[@Yusaku_VCP]

Already found my future film look. It was long time ago I want that look of oldies. And now watching this is so inspiring! 😍

[@RyanKao]

Amazing!! Send me some stuff!

[@Yusaku_VCP]

@@RyanKao ohh sorry, i dont have i was saying like i found my future film look like. i dont have yet short films in my main channel.

[@N-DOP]

Hey man, it's quite funny that I see this video now. Just yesterday I had a talk with my buddy about feeling like this whole industry is 20 steps ahead of me.. Now I see this video of you telling the people how to develope a unique style. I always thought I'm the only one with this problem (which is of course irrational). Thank you for the motivation and the little insight into your own journey!!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for being here and taking the time to watch and comment. I'm glad you could resonate with this message. Best of luck to you!!

[@ChaceMcLees]

So, so good. Can't wait to try Cinema Grade for myself.

[@RyanKao]

I think you'd reallly like it man

[@antonsemenyura5337]

Awesome image and strong content, vibrates within! Thank you.

[@RyanKao]

Many thanks to you!!

[@M.A.D.C.J]

You have been on a roll with these videos bro. So proud of you.

[@RyanKao]

Tryin my best my guy haha...Let's hang soon

[@leokeller]

9:15 Hey, I know that guy

[@RyanKao]

idk who that is

[@missykaymoments]

❤ this!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for taking the time to watch 🙏

[@BenjiSelby]

Aye Cinema Grade is amazing! I've been using it for about a year and love it! Glad you referenced your other video about matching shots from movies, That was super helpful and we learn a lot from imitation before we become our own artists! Two videos in less than a week... sheeeesh bro 🔥

[@RyanKao]

It's soo good! Such a refreshing program to use, even though I have a very in depth workflow with Resolve. I love getting to play around with color. Thanks for being here Benji 🙏🙏

[@seanmartinflix]

Relay enjoyed this one.

[@RyanKao]

Glad you enjoyed it Sean!!

[@ronellubiano6930]

Thank you

[@RyanKao]

Thank YOU

[@mountain1253]

Thank you Ryan. This was really insightful for a guy struggling to get his feet wet.

[@regenosis]

One thing that scares me about filmmaking is that sooooo much work goes into the actual filming, all the equipment and staff and feathering this and adjusting that. But you won't see the final product until it comes out of the editing room. Like how do you know, as you're filming, it'll look exactly like what you envisioned once it's done editing? If it doesn't turn out the way you want, you have to set up everything again and call everybody back.

[@RyanKao]

Very fair point. It's extremely challenging and daunting to understand all of the components. I would highly suggest just taking some time to break apart each step and not worry about the others. Take it in waves. Here to help if you need!

[@tigerjosephvideo]

Hit my exact feelings, word for word, in the intro lol

[@DanielDiosdado]

Very inspiring tone. Very well done and with great taste. Keep up the good work and make it contagious! 🎥😎☺️🎬

[@RyanKao]

Thank you! Will do!!

[@Lynneverly]

Loved this video! Very relatable en great tips!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so much!!

[@josephlipsen1]

Love this video and this concept!! Well DONE!!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so much man!

[@Stedmen]

Definitely trying out cinema grade!!!

[@RyanKao]

Good to hear! Hope you enjoy it!!

[@vanscatindoy]

So good & inspiring Ryan. Thank you for your work!

[@michaelowenchandras]

Amazing video! as usual

[@RyanKao]

Thank youuu!!

[@kadirgold]

Yeah we read the description. Also that background tune is crazy, where can I find that?

[@kadirgold]

2 mins in

[@TuckerPearce]

Banger! 🔥 Excellent video Ryan, so insightful and inspiring as well. I’ve been needing a push and videos like this really help. Thanks man. Did you change the thumbnail from when you first published this one?

[@PabloChacon16]

I love your vids brother!

[@RyanKao]

Yoo thanks so much Pablo!

[@AeAce]

I still can't find my style, I've been all over the place with my creativity. 😞

[@RyanKao]

Don't give up! It'll come. 👍

[@sijilo]

😊

[@njcimaging]

Thank you for the video!! Is there anyway you can give a tutorial on how to use cinema grade with Final Cut? It’s hard to find anything on KZbin for it.

[@RyanKao]

I don't currently use final cut, but I'll reach out to Denver and see if he can dig up a solid tutorial for you 🙏

[@vinhsanity]

Dang, maybe I'm too late, but I couldn't get the 20% code to work...

[@MarcoColoma-nz4jp]

What hepened to the 2:1 aspect ratio?

[@chrisbutler8856]

This concept of stealing other people's stuff and there are no original ideas in art is why AI is going to destroy the ability for many people to make any money in this industry unfortunately

[@RyanKao]

While I certainly agree, it will likely cause some difficulties within the industry, I don't personally believe AI will replace storytellers.