How I Made 10 Feature Films at 22 Years Old

[@Joel-Haver]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Hearing the stories of you making your first movies makes me feel "now THAT is filmmaking" plain and simple. Your experience feeling uninspired and discouraged in film school echo mine a lot, all the way down to the department head telling you that you can't make a feature film. 10 Feature Films at 22 is such a huge accomplishment and you've got a whole life ahead of you full of creative and wonderful things. Keep being a renegade and keep making the stuff you want to make, Jacob!

[@jacobboatsman]

Thank you so much for the support, Joel! I truly love watching all your films. Your video, in particular, “You’re Already a Filmmaker!”, left an enourmous impact on me and I still rewatch it regularly. Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many filmmakers, including myself!

[@Sethward]

I was just about to comment, I wonder if Joel knows this guy!

[@jboremus]

This is what it's all about. Not only is this video going to blow up, but I guarantee the feature films will find similar success. Excited to follow your journey, and keep it up!

[@casetheace9845]

Insane you made a 90 min film in 8th grade. The dedication is unreal props! Great video!

[@sunday]

Keep going my dude, legend in the making

[@JeremyAlfredo.G]

You are truly inspirational, I'm glad I found your story, been running into peoples videos on KZbin about the process of creating and building something bigger than yourself, watching videos like yours helps me realize that there are people who were braver than me and took the first step, makes it easier for me to the same, thank you.

[@patrickcasella]

Super cool to hear your perspective on storytelling. Lots of good looking visuals out there, but no story. I'm writing a 30 minute short right now and it's very impressive that you already have 10 features under your belt. Even just finishing a video that long is a feat. Let alone, creating stories, characters, and plot lines. Cannot wait to see your journey moving forward, best of luck!

[@timsherohalf]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. You’re a hero mate! I respect your discipline in working towards your goals, your focus on telling a good story above having the best gear and your desire to do what you love at all costs. Can’t wait to see your future work!

[@brianrachal]

Hell yeah, man. I love your energy but it's important not to understate the importance of having supportive and willing people around you. I'm also 22 and in film school (AND from North Carolina), even started out by making stop motion shorts w/ legos (shoutout the Nintendo 3DS) and shooting skits with my friends on my phone. However, my dad didn't make me edit and some mistakes made led to my friends not wanting to make anything with me at the start of high-school. I was depressed and my passion lay dormant for years until a video project for my english class made me realize it's what I wanted to spend my life doing. I have learned a lot in school and am proud of what I made, but that pales in comparison to your accomplishment and sometimes I wonder where I'd be if things went differently in my life. I am 100% with you on making things by any means necessary, but it's much, much easier physically AND mentally when you're surrounded by supportive and encouraging people. As the Daniels said in their oscars acceptance speech, "everyone has a genius inside of them, it just takes finding the right people to unlock that genius."

[@failedfilmmaker]

I absolutely love this. 10 features are just awesome. I'm jealous. Being almost twice your age, I've made 3 no-budget features but started probably another 4. You are on a great path, I love the switch to screenwriting after the teacher telling you that you can't make a feature. Keep going, we need voices like yours.

[@newguy5672]

Never lose that passion. Wish I had done 1/4 of the work and I’m 2 years older than you man. Major props

[@koenwooten2920]

I have 30 years in the film industry and I wish I had the wisdom you display. Keep it up!

[@wiccanreade]

So super proud of you. I can't wait to see what you do in the years to come. Never forget who you are and all the strength within you. You continue to choose so wisely. Remember your skills and keep growing!

[@floatsting3851]

Beautifully inspirational! I'm nearly double your age and you're having me think about what's really possible. Keep it up!

[@KenjiMcGuire]

Thank you for making this video, I found it super inspiring. I’ve always felt it’s a shame that there are so many people I know who are capable of amazing work but are holding themselves back because they think they need a certain budget, or a certain amount of people on set, or tons of lighting, etc. Though I know I can make a feature without a large budget/crew/etc, the thing that’s currently preventing from making my first feature is my perfectionism. I know the first feature I make will not live up to my standards and I will enjoy making it, but my perfectionism has held me back from starting because I overthink every idea I come up with. Hoping I can get over this hurdle and just make it already, and this video was definitely a push for me to just start. Thanks again!

[@Shotbyshot_official]

This is so relatable I am 13 and I have a whole friend group of friends who want to act in my movies I have made 3 short films and I am now writing my first feature and my friends are helping me,I don’t have any money for a camera so I use my phone with some gear,this was such a great video keep up the great work.

[@jacobboatsman]

Thank you so much for sharing! My fullest support to you and your future!

[@PostromoPictures]

Great work! I shot my first feature at 22 and can't imagine having done ten by that point, look forward to seeing what's next!

[@JakobRoss]

Such a great video man, I related to basically everything you said in this video! Growing up in a small town and being the only kid in that town who was interested in cinema felt so strange. Thankfully, all of my friends and family were incredibly supportive. I’ve managed to create over 10 short films myself, collaborating with my friends to make the craziest film we could make. Seeing this video at an odd point of my life, where my work is finally being seen on KZbin, is eye opening for me. I really hope you blow up man because you got some incredible work here.

[@jacobboatsman]

So good to hear so many people with such similar stories! Best of luck to you and your films!!

[@ryanmoore1582]

You are awesome. This is the true indie spirit! I waited a long time to make my first feature- and I see so many people never jump in to make theirs. Often because they are waiting for that "perfect" time to make it. Or waiting for the money to fall from the sky. Just do it!

[@jacobboatsman]

Thank you so much for the support. YOU are awesome!

[@NathanLathroum]

Loved hearing your perspective on everything. I, too, can't say I've found much direct support for the projects I've done in film school, especially when it came to anything more than the thesis shorts. Your filmmaking attitude is phenomenal! (Suffice to say, I immediately subscribed.) Excited to get a look at some of your features when I get the chance. Congratulations on making them, and best of luck with the one you're shooting now!

[@jacobboatsman]

Thank you so much for the support!

[@ExplosiveBaller]

So inspiring, man. I dropped out of film school because so much of it was restrictive, placing limits on what you could do or even think about. The more I've learned about "real filmmaking" has made me sad, because it's so gear centric, and there's way too many moving pieces for even the simplest shots that it takes all of the fun out of it. I find myself wanting to make more things by myself or with smaller groups/crews just because that simple run and gun style is infinitely more fun to me than the days worth of set up for an insert shot of a light switch or something

[@liahansen]

this is insanely inspiring.

[@wakefulstate]

I stumbled on this... great stuff Jacob! I'm 41 and found filmmaking 7 years. Keep creating! You're on the path.

[@failedfilmmaker]

old guys unite!

[@TraySamuels]

lets go!!! I'm cheering for you

[@doseofdan1348]

You’re so right. I’m 30 and been in this for like 10 years and always wanted to make a feature but never did. Good for you man! Thanks for sharing.

[@jacobboatsman]

Go out and make your feature!! It's never too late :)

[@hekero]

I REALLY REALLY hope you can make it big!!! Fuck the doubters, the cowards, the discouragers. I myself am starting my journey as a director. I hope to meet you some day. GL and HF!

[@jacobboatsman]

Thank you for being here!

[@magpiesmovies]

That's so incredible and inspiring to see you making feature films pretty much by yourself! I think there's so much discouragement to beginning filmmakers, so many reason for them to wait until they know more or have more equipment to start. It's so encouraging to see you ignoring all that and just doing it!

[@angelpeuth]

I’m so glad this video was in my recommendations, I’m also a SCAD student and I’ve been scared to even start my feature film ideas because I’ve felt like I’m not good enough. But the best way to learn is through trying, and you are living proof of that. Great luck on your future films, I know you’ll be a success story!!

[@jacobboatsman]

You are good enough!!! Please - make your feature film! Steven Spielberg started out making feature films with his friends in his backyard. Filmmaking can be the most satisfying when you're pushing the boundaries!

[@nicobass759]

Just coming across this - super inspiring to see someone my age with the same passion for storytelling who would rather learn by experience than through school. You've given me a lot more motivation to follow through on my projects! Just took my first screenwriting class at college and loved it.

[@jacobboatsman]

Yo! Congrats on your first screenwriting class - glad you loved it! Best of luck on your next projects, lmk when I can watch them!

[@THE_VictoryPictures]

Top notch video, very inspirational! I still haven't made any feature films but I'm slowly working my way towards making one with how much longer my short films have gotten, but this video has made me so much more excited to jump to finally making a feature, thanks for making this video!

[@Littlefirefilm]

This was so interesting to watch Jacob. Super inspiring, I relate so much to that extreme desire you clearly have to make movies, a void that nothing else could fill. Definitely checking out your movies in the near future!

[@Ottorabe]

Love to see a video hitting off for you, looks like you’ve put a lot of work in to get to this point. Best of luck fam.

[@kudkjrskwj]

i love your chill vibe and relaxed energy. i was shocked at the amount of subs you had. You're def gonna blow up any day now. Best of luck.

[@jacobboatsman]

Thank you so much for the support!!

[@lil_lion69]

It's crazy to hear how strict some film schools are with thesis films. For my thesis, the professor in the class said "I recommend students stay within 10-15 minutes but can do as long as they want". Multiple people made features and it was overall a great experience.

[@kjdoesit]

Thank you for sharing this. It's amazing to see what you're capable of if you have the passion for it. I just started my channel and hope I can create feature films in the future. Thanks for your inspiration!

[@brianburrous4775]

you're amazing. what an epic story. can't wait to see what you do next

[@CG_Lord]

This is awesome man. Glad to see you kept going. I just started learning to edit for my gaming channel its more simple cause it’s meant to be comedy and gaming but I’ve been loving to learn how to edit and create a story within the context of the fun things me and my friends do together or just ideas I get in my head.

[@kip388]

You're a filmmaker after my own heart. Growing up an aspiring filmmaker, I admired most the indie directors of the 90s -- Kevin Smith, Robert Rodriguez, Tarantino, Soderbergh, Linklater, Liman/Favreau -- where I'd marvel at their early work, saying 'Look how much they did with so little!' I'm finally coming to the realization that what the industry values these days, maybe with the advent of digital technology, is simply 'Look how much they did!' As you said, there is a woeful lack of focus on the story, and a lot of focus on the technical/logistical side of the craft. I think for many it simply feels like a safer and more linear path to making something 'successful'. Creative success is subjective and nebulous and elusive. Technical success, or a big impressive production, can be had for merely a price. And that goal -- success -- dictates what gets made. While there's something to be said about being able to amass and handle a larger production and the logistics of that, especially if you want to get hired as a director (since, for example, a TV show will also probably have a big crew, and even if your one-man-band film is great, that doesn't necessarily mean you could execute something with a larger production, at least in prospective employers' eyes), I do think this bias towards big production methods blinds us to other potential ways of creation-- Kubrick, for example, produced his later films himself, and kept his crew to a minimum, because he was an iconoclast and didn't like wasteful productions. I wonder what he or Cassavettes or Welles would have done with the technology we have on hand today.

[@johnpaulsylvester3727]

Dude, as an almost-30 college student studying filmmaking, this hit HARD. Keep up the good work!

[@CarsonHolt]

This is HIGHLY inspiring. I love this story so much.

[@chowe9]

You make my heart SING!!!

[@jenko58]

I was dumbfounded when i saw how many subscribers you had on my rewatch, i wouldve sworn it wouldve been hundreds of thousands the first time i watched it, good stuff

[@TheViewProductions1]

this is so nice to see. i make films myself and i can relate. im 19 rn. but i love this video. i understood everything. and your really nice with what you do.

[@tobyainscough]

This is really inspiring man, I got your web series recommended a while back and couldn't find it so I'm glad the algorithm pushed me back your way! I've been having a similar kind of experience with film school so far, so since the turn of the year I decided to stop waiting for others and just make whatever I want, whenever I want. I hope to make a feature one day too, I've tried 3 times with the Oscars movie challenge but I haven't quite reached feature length with any. Anyways kudos to you man and I look forward to watching some of your work.

[@jacobboatsman]

That’s amazing!! Glad you’re here :) you totally got this!! The Oscar movie challenge is hardcore and is a feat that you even went out there and did anything! Keep at it, make the art you want to make!

[@finleycooper7710]

This was super inspirational to me. You have accomplished so much in the time you have had on this earth. I am 19 and have directed five shorts, I have brought up the idea of making a feature but I have also been discouraged. My main problem has been the writing process because I find it takes so long for me, I obsess so much over details so I keep on rewriting and the process of writing a short can take up to 4 months. I would be interested to hear more about your creative process as I'm sure it would be very helpful to young filmmakers such as myself.

[@jacobboatsman]

I plan to make an entire video to just the writing process shortly! Stay tuned! Thank you so much for the support and best of luck to you and your art :)

[@da_forma]

A powerful message and awesome energy Jacob! Keep at it!

[@the_flipside]

Great stuff Jacob! You're one to watch for sure!

[@randyscottslavin]

Dude this is epic. The right spirit. Keep it going.

[@wearetrackclub]

Really impressive and inspiring, Jacob! Kudos to you! Looking forward to see what more you'll achieve 👏

[@Blade_of_glass]

Love this video so much! crazy to hear that a the head of a film school shut you down for being too ambitious when you have done it before. You are one of my inspirations Danger Boatsman

[@jacobboatsman]

always a pleasure working along side you!

[@SeniOumer]

Much respect to you 🫡

[@FUTeditz2214]

You’ve got hella potential keep pushing brother❤️❤️❤️

[@angelaguilar6302]

You are a true filmmaker. I really wish you success and as a fellow screenwriting major you inspire me to do more.

[@localscriptman]

Absolute mad lad

[@envrie9423]

Ooweee big fan

[@chowe9]

I loved hearing Pet Clark sing in the '70s, the song from Finnian's Rainbow: "Follow the fella who follows his dreams!" I'll follow you everywhere!

[@ZaidAftab]

Jacob! I just stumbled on this video. I love what you are doing. Loved what you are doing, keep it up brother. Gonna checkout your features soon

[@Vitaphone]

Congrats! It’s impressive to see someone on KZbin who can actually call themselves a filmmaker and it’s not cringe. I would guess The Fabelmens would have moments that would hit home. I’ve had the same experience on most of the sets and shows I’ve worked on… glad you have found people to work with that want to make pictures for the love of it.

[@jacobboatsman]

Such a great movie! Eerily familiar

[@judnichols]

Great stuff - looking forward to seeing your work 😎

[@kristjan-jonsson-film]

Filmbros, I think he is the chosen one

[@wiccanreade]

Agreed. Made for this.

[@JamesFullelove]

Hey dudeee. This popped up in my recommended. Wow, 10 features. That's pretty crazy. I'm currently studying film production in the UK and it does feel like we hardly have any practical projects and when we do they're really short so totally get you. I've had this KZbin channel since 2017 reviewing films and I want to post more but I'm so scared so I just do nothing and yeah, it's kinda freaking me out. Anyway, this was pretty inspiring. Keep it up!

[@jacobboatsman]

Don't be scared! What do you have to loose? You got this!

[@JamesFullelove]

@@jacobboatsmanThanks!

[@NoahStrattonTwine]

Just came across this. Dude. Rad story and a mental, mental achievement. Just wrapped on my first feature, so seeing your momentum, passion, and consistency at such a young age gives me so much hope for the future of all indies. Gonna check out your features now!

[@jacobboatsman]

Congrats on your first feature! I'd love to check that out once it's released! Thank you so much for the support :)

[@EposVox]

This rules. Screw film school

[@brokeglassfilms32]

Love this man. Keep it up!

[@bujomoss]

This is incredible stuff at your age! I’m 19 and looking to break into the film industry myself. If you ever need an animator I’m available haha. You’re truly an inspiration, keep up your passions.

[@guybarryman]

Great video! Instant sub, I can’t wait to see what the future brings for you!

[@turnerburton]

Your story is so similar to mine (down to our love of filmmaking stemming from early stop motion taught to us by our dads) it actually caught me off guard. I’m 21 and freshly graduated from college, where I managed to burn myself out on 7 short films I wrote and directed within about a 3 year period. It’s extremely reassuring to see somebody like us with your kind of attitude. Now I’m beginning the process of exactly what you’re taking about; hopefully I’ll be making a no-budget feature just for fun with some friends this summer. My question for you would be, what is your “bar” for a story idea? I always hate when people ask writers where their ideas come from because I believe you either have them or you don’t. I have them, but I’m constantly writing them off as not good enough to execute. How do you go about combating that?

[@jacobboatsman]

Haha! That is so crazy to hear you share that similarity! So excited for you to go out there and create that feature film - that'll be so much fun!!! That's a really interesting question - I would say my "bar" or when I know to pursue a story is ever changing and a bit complex. Right now, I have a few ground rules for myself. If I am able to openly talk about the idea to a friend or family, then that means I care about it enough to be proud of the idea. A lot of times, I come up with "dud" ideas, that may be fun scenes, but not fleshed out enough stories. They typically turn into scenes for a more fleshed out idea. I will also say, in this stage, the only person that you should be making your no budget films for is yourself. I had a professor tell me "The more niche your story, the bigger the audience" and I fully believe that. If you try to tell a story for the sole purpose of "this thing is in right now", then you're not making it out of love, you're making it for everyone else. No idea is a bad idea! Hold onto them, or write them down somewhere because they've all come from somewhere! But the story you always want to go for is the story that means something to YOU. If you're able to tell yourself "this is something I'd want to watch in the theaters" then you know you've got a great idea :)

[@bramzwingli]

I produced 10 features in three years. Keep up the good work man. My first few features were shot on gh4s!

[@judethatdude]

I love your attitude towards film

[@jackpubbo]

This video was amazing it was completely to the point and definitely taught me a lot

[@wunderwald_films]

Yea awesome. Thats the right spirit! Keep doing! So many similarities! Exited to see your works...

[@brunobilandzija1823]

Love your attitude! The only way to follow your dreams! 🍀🌈🥭

[@fledits]

Such a great video. You're already an inspiration and I just found your channel! I will definitely keep cooking :)

[@Trentenjoel]

We need more people thinking like this!! Love your work Jacob! Also... let's make stuff together.

[@jacobboatsman]

Yessir!

[@thisischristor]

I make a film every week for my channel here, so I relate to the challenge, but a feature every year is another level. You mad dog you.

[@dan68177]

The simple answer is the best here and that’s to just go for it

[@DeenAllen]

I love this. As an actor, I am working on a feature film and short film at the moment. This is truly inspiring. I can't wait to see your films. Bravo

[@zeptilian]

Really cool, thanks for sharing.

[@FarleyProductions]

Congratulations on making 10 features! That is a huge accomplishment! Considering how much goes into a feature and the limited resources as an indie film maker. 🎉

[@jacobboatsman]

thank you so much!

[@extremeanimationstudios1118]

I totally support your journey but I do want to add to the conversation in these comments with something a little different! As a fellow film school kid who was a little disillusioned with it once he got there I totally understand your struggle. What worries me is this idea of constant output though. I think in this world of everyone having a video camera in their pocket and people making literal mini movies on tik tok it can be easy to succumb to this culture of CONSTANT output. I’ve definitely felt that pressure many times. However, I think what I really truly admire in the artists I love is the passion and care they can put into a single project. Though I agree you don’t need a million dollars to make great films, I do think there’s something to be said for spending a long time to make a piece of art you truly believe in the best it can possibly be. Like trullllyyyy falling in love with an idea so much so that you can’t rest until it looks as close to how it does in your mind as you possibly can. Sure you might not be able to get that million dollar financing, but STRIVING to make your thing as incredible as it can be is sick! I’m a huge David lynch fan and that man ran out of money like 5 times while trying to make his first movie. He even slept in his set! But that five year production committed to this idea because he believes in it so much is beautiful to me. Sorry kind of a ramble just some thoughts I had watching your video haha, best of luck to you Jacob!

[@extremeanimationstudios1118]

Or to put it more simply I guess I just question Joel’s comment that “10 feature films at 22 is a huge accomplishment” it shouldn’t really be about the number? There’s so many movies to watch out there I just think it’s so much cooler to put everything you love into one thing that can truly break through.

[@AKIDJAD]

Amazing man, such an inspirational video 🔥

[@sherfiie]

This is a legendary origin story right here

[@mace8770]

yeahhh jacob ur the coolest

[@jacobboatsman]

YOU are the coolest

[@jacobboatsman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/roXJiHlviJ11ebssi=g83DVuQPl07KjRbi

[@kytanella]

you're so cool!! you'll always be famous jacob boatsman, SCAD won't be the same without you!!!

[@jacobboatsman]

You're so cool!!

[@naif8880]

Believe me, if you continue doing what you are doing, you will achieve everything you want. I have seen some of the scenes in your films, in which there are feelings of amateurism, learning, and passion. This is what you want in order to achieve what you want. - A letter from a miserable writer trying to achieve what he desires.

[@raymonddavis9277]

Great video! Currently writing my first draft for an eventual feature (to be shot next year), so it's always nice hearing these types of stories. And if the story about the cops and crack house doesn't yell guerilla filmmaking, I don't know what will.

[@dhruvbahri9942]

I LOVE YOU BRO!

[@jacobboatsman]

I LOVE YOU BRO

[@maxrottach]

Ts so inspiring thank you 🙏🙏

[@MilopineDesign]

So many musicians and bands started with very little. A pile of shoddy instruments, some practice, and an audience to play for is all it takes to begin. Fantastic and highly acclaimed albums have been made with basic recording equipment. Many amazing works have been created without giant budgets. The idea that to make music you need to be a professionally trained, need a budget of hundreds of thousands to millions, need specific guitars, drums, microphones or amps, etc. is ridiculous. Why should it be different for movies? Why is it an acceptable idea that anyone can make nearly any form of art without a huge budget except for films? I'm glad people are challenging this notion. Thank you Jacob, keep doing what you love, keep showing people what is possible

[@jacobboatsman]

I love this take! Thank you so much for the support!

[@matthewhogue67]

This is sick dude!

[@sponko]

You pass the name test boatsmen if you keep the same passion good things will happen

[@TayoBiz]

You on Letterboxd man? Always like to follow fellow filmmakers!

[@jacobboatsman]

Yeah! It’s just “Jacobboatsman” I believe

[@jonjustinoIRL]

Ur so cool man, congrats man you’ll be really big one day

[@Bruno_fyi]

I'm 34 and grabbed a camera last year for the first time in my life. I'm trying has hard as I can to make up for lost time and learn as much as possible every day. I've done lot's of little things on Instagram but only one actual short film so far, but I'm working on a feature actually so that's scary. 😅

[@jacobboatsman]

That's so amazing! You got this!!

[@drewfromcharlotte]

YES

[@iMx221]

thank you!

[@NYCIndieFilmmakerSujewa]

nice video. indie fiction feature filmmaking is awesome :).

[@lockehutch]

Yo I’m in Huntersville NC! I’m going to film school this fall so i’m still early on but i love ur passion!

[@jacobboatsman]

Yo! Thank u so much!! Best of luck in school!!!

[@DejahEndeauxOfficial]

I love this! Thank you for highlighting your journey. I’ve always looked for opportunities for acting and writing. If you have any more passion projects, I’d love to network with you.

[@WW_Studios]

I think I'm your thousandth sub HAHAH. So cool bro!! I'm actually making my own feature film but it's 3D animated! Good luck!!!

[@jacobboatsman]

Thank you so much for the sub! I'm honestly really shocked by all the positive feedback from this vid. I've been on KZbin for 10 years and this feels like a huge milestone! Congrats on creating a feature film - that is so huge!!! I can only image how rigorous 3D animation is - major props. I'd love to watch it when it comes out!

[@WW_Studios]

That's awesome! And it's gonna my on my channel whenever I'm done HAHA @@jacobboatsman

[@CharlesJacques-v1w]

You are SOOO impressive and inspiring, im' 20 and would love to make my first feature too, im planning on making it in one year. Would love to see a tutorial series on your whole process, do you think there's a potential for you to do this in the future.

[@jacobboatsman]

I’d love to do that!! I’m hoping to do at least 4 more videos soley based on my personal process

[@AntonHerrmann]

So inspiring 🤍