How to Actually Succeed as a Creative

[@capnmnemo]

How do I become successful enough to be able to afford a mike stand? Won't find out here. I guess.

[@Delmworks]

Do as the wealthy do. Commit Tax Frau-

[@thorne-4pple]

just keep practicing. you'll get better. eventually you'll get so successful at breaking into peoples houses, you'll be able to get a mike stand for absolutely free, PLUS be able to afford ANOTHER mike stand.

[@glitchy000]

I used a USB mic made for Wii U from a Best Buy discount bin duct taped to a broken desk lamp with a sock as a pop filter. Get creative.

[@chesterdavis27]

Mike stands are for weaklings. Are you a weakling? Wouldn't you rather spend the money on craft beer or black t-shirts?

[@rat6735]

who is mikeal

[@crowmudgeon]

"You don't break in as a visionary, you break in as a servant" is a phenomenal piece of advice---very much lines up with my experiences here on YT as well, it's just that you aren't serving producers, you're serving the audience. One thing I learned early on is "it's hard to make people care about things, but it's easier to make things that people care about." A vast majority of audiences don't care about your idea that they've never heard of UNLESS they can latch on to some point of familiarity within your project. That's why stories that twist pre-existing ideas tend to get more traction than stories that are 100% original. Audiences can't value something until they know it exists. You generally have to save your extremely original stuff for when people know and value you as a creator, regardless of what you're making. Edit: I'll also add, I'm not saying to make things you don't value just to appease other people. I'm just saying to find the intersections where the things *you* value line up with some existing audience, community, or interest.

[@Eisegesis623]

"It's hard to make people care about things, but it's easier to make things that people care about." That's FANTASTIC. I've been toying around with a version that's like four sentences long, this is so much more concise!

[@MartinJab]

> I'm not saying to make things you don't value just to appease other people I'd say that you should say that. :D That is, if you want to get paid by those people. If you want to sell your movie to millions, you have to make sure that those millions will actually enjoy it.

[@kofiay]

Well said

[@Black_pearl_adrift]

This is actually really mind opening because even if *I* like my work (sometimes) I know I’m not regularly picking up the work of unknown writers.

[@CheatTheReaperOG]

Well said. Relatability is critical. It's good to be reminded that you can do your own thing but it'll probably be easier and more accepted if you are somewhat established.

[@comradeproxytheuseless7458]

Great video, Scriptman, you're my favorite E-girl.

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

I got the body pillows already

[@localscriptman]

@@zaidlacksalastname4905pillows plural??

[@pieperson444]

@@localscriptman dollar store case with the cheapest prints

[@brianknox4738]

7 foot 2, so... ​@@localscriptman

[@King_Bertil]

@@localscriptman 7'2" don't fit on just one

[@pomegranate_thief]

This upload speed is giving me whiplash.

[@nerdock4747]

This man is producing more content than the MCU.

[@SairanBurghausen]

Don't wanna go projecting my own psychology on him, but epic bipolar productive season moment.

[@gonkdroid8279]

Insane levels of production

[@blaisemcfadden1422]

I’m developing a dependency at this rate

[@anothercastle17]

“In a world of stars, be a planet” is a great summation of this.

[@9nikola]

There are way more planets than stars. The stars are just more visible.

[@braxtonm9712]

horrible line

[@deburrito6882]

Lucas Script Dude strikes once again with a "ambitious enough to encourage you but realistic enough to actually make you start planning" type video

[@Chloeraven]

"Being likeable is the least stable positive quality" is solid advice for literally any aspect of life. If all you bring to the table of any situation, from creative projects to bagging catfood at the ASPCA to being the CEO of a massive company, is "likeabiltiy," you're screwed the second you so much as rip a fart at the wrong moment.

[@thesunthrone]

Yeah, don't strive to be likeable - but it definitely helps if you're a pleasant person to work and collaborate with. The two are not the same, even if they might seem so at a glance.

[@KangarooKommando]

: “Ah, shit.”

[@Chloeraven]

@thesunthrone oh yeah, be likeable, but don't have that be the ONLY thing you bring to the table. There's always gonna be a thing about everyone that makes a person unlikable to someone, so having something else to show next to the likeability evens things out for safety. Plus, even if no one likes you/is proud of you, you can still say to yourself "I'm proud of me because I can do xyz."

[@9kyuu]

i think you just cured my social anxiety lol

[@romko4496]

Todd Howard likes do disagree 😏

[@mikevincent8728]

This 20-something has managed to bag about 40 years of industry wisdom into a 20 minute video... The absolute quality of this lad.

[@ElysianLys]

That's really it. Everybody wants to be a trailblazer, but there's absolutely nothing wrong in humbling yourself to do small, unglamorous work and placing yourself in the service of other people. All the opportunities I've gotten over the years were from folks who saw that I was willing to show up, be attentive, and do my part without having an ego about it. The people who enjoy working with you will carry you along with them, and you'll do the same for them, collecting an arsenal of folks with the right tools. Putting in the time to build community through humility and generosity (without grinding yourself down to the bone!) is how you make things happen in any field, creative or otherwise.

[@solanumlycopersicum5594]

Just for an example: Take Anime. One of the greatest names in animation, Hayao Miyazaki, started out as just some noname assistant, and worked his way up project by project, before him and a bunch of likeminded friends were given a Lupin the Third movie, and then set themselves apart and created Studio Ghibli. Another example: Take videogames. Another Miyazaki: Hidetaka Miyazaki of Dark Souls fame. He was just some studio hand, until they gave him Demon Souls, which was a huge success. By this point his projects are among the most popular video games of all time. Movies are giant projects. People need help with lots and lots of stuff, and usually one gets to know the people above oneself. A creative field is an industry, but it is also a social web. People remember you. And while the industry has become larger, and therefore may be less accessible, at the same time this may make it more accessible, because more people are needed.

[@jakeortman2110]

Wow. This was a great “ego check” for me, as an artist who has struggled with putting my own personal work out there and getting frustrated or depressed at the lack of attention, it just makes sense that whatever the quality of my work actually is, people will always care about their projects more than mine. Thank you Mr. Script Man

[@tjsmith5276]

I LOVE this video. I'm a 34-year-old black male, Savannah College of Art and Design drop-out, Disney internship reject, living at home with Mom and Dad, author of one novel independently published. I worked as a pizza delivery driver for several years and now I'm a waiter at a seafood buffet. I've sold a good bit of creative work in the past, from paintings to caricatures and even copies of my book. I feel that it's healthy to kind of get rid of that surface-level optimism and get yourself used to working through problems. Before I finished my novel I had this idea that once I did, I'd have such an easy time just selling copies. Somehow, even though that bright starry-eyed optimism is gone, the spark that I feel is still there. My book is not professionally edited, which means it has so many errors, even after lots of proofreading (admittedly done by yours truly). There are days when I feel like, if I had to count on this to make my living, I'd be screwed. However I also feel a certain pride in having done the project, particularly when people tell me how much they enjoyed it.

[@BigToody]

What's it called? Can we buy and read your book?

[@tjsmith5276]

@@BigToody Yes you can.

[@tjsmith5276]

@@BigToody For some reason, my comments keep disappearing, but it is called "Kristen In TJ's World" and it's on the Jeff Bezos site which I can't say because I think it'll delete my comment.

[@tjsmith5276]

It's called "Kristen In TJ's World" and it's on Amazon.

[@tjsmith5276]

@@BigToody I'm trying to tell you more but my comment keeps getting deleted for some reason.

[@kaleidico]

"In a world of stars, be a planet, dammit" Best part of being a writer is making up quotes like this, like bro I cannot wait to be a faceless name credited for quote #47 in top 100 thought provoking quotes that will make you think

[@KrampusVlogandDumpsterfi-kr4ic]

I like this. For all the prettiness stars have, they are still just made of super-heated gasses. Planets can support life

[@LtPulsar]

@@KrampusVlogandDumpsterfi-kr4ic Planets can only support life when they're the correct distance from a star. It would be extremely difficult for life to form on a planet that was too hot or too cold.

[@9nikola]

​@@KrampusVlogandDumpsterfi-kr4ic We have found just as much life on other stars as we have on other planets. Earth which supports billions of life forms every day is an outlier adn should not be counted.

[@Designed1]

@@KrampusVlogandDumpsterfi-kr4ic as bright and warm stars are, they're also dangerous. get too close and you'll risk burning away everything you have

[@Ardorstorm]

@@9nikola I mean... you're right, but whoooosh

[@vaddlliinz3338]

Which enneagram is this

[@aretzuu]

Enneagram Type 10. Revenge.

[@onemoreminute0543]

Type 11: Sigma​@@aretzuu

[@geng6443]

3

[@everia_games]

12

[@michel9428]

Type 7 dude, do you even know how to count?

[@glitchy000]

- Started going to community college and working two jobs - Got into art school, shouldn’t have passed but they had low standards - Learned a lot - Started first tangible steps of small passion project - Got bed ridden with depression - 2020 lockdowns - Learned a lot more - Read, watch, play - Passion project comes together - Making KZbin videos about stories that matter on a deep level to me - Suddenly, I have an audience [to be continued…]

[@dallassegno]

Bed ridden is probably a bad diet. Stop being a vegetarian/ vegan. They lied to you. The pyramid is upside down.

[@vashvana]

As someone with social anxiety, the idea of putting myself and my work out there is terrifying, and “getting into the industry” is equally terrifying to me

[@JeanPhilippeBoucher]

The strategy definitely worked for me in the game industry : get in as some kind of assistant, focus on helping others do their things instead of trying to get help, people will eventually want your help on stuff that's above your position, they'll make you fill that gap unofficially, then officially. Otherwise yeah bringing up your personal goals and project is about as appealing as sharing that dream you had last night.

[@nonameless2]

Thanks. I like how you made it clear how selfish & immature it comes off if someone is just like "this is gonna be BIG gimme ALL YOUR TIME!" It's like walking up to a stranger and being like "I'm a great person marry me now!" Like, no. Things take time. People need time to build trust in you.

[@Simon-yv4jm]

I love the way you think about stuff When I watch other writing youtubers they're just like "yeah, you can add this little thing to your story, to make it feel this way", "you can write more like this to make it more EnGaGiNg" and shit like that, which does not answer any of the questions I have or even worse and is basically a wasted brainpower of both me and the author of that video and then there's you, and you give such fundamental advice that it basically flips over the way I think about stuff and then I'm sitting here, like "damn this should've been obvious for me!" But it was not, in fact, obvious, so yeah... Thank you for being exactly the way you are! Huge respect

[@KangarooKommando]

So many of my epiphanies are me realising that a thing I believed was a requirement or immutable is not in fact a requirement or immutable. It takes someone coming at things from a completely different angle to highlight these things sometimes

[@CookiePieUniverse]

I'm a game dev student and this video made me rethink my priorities and see the gaming and all creative industries in a more positive (and realistic) light. I'm thankful for the advice and your videos are an inspiration so keep up the great work

[@TheVnator]

As someone who was in love with game dev in high school (and still is), I took the path of "lucrative as a job, fun as a hobby" and went into normal software with creative endeavors as a hobby on the side. I ended up creating some really fulfilling creative projects (games, web stories, etc.) while working and earning comfortably in software. It's pretty much trading out the connections for a better paycheck, but I still get to keep the creative outlet. And the neat thing about game dev is that you don't need a multi-million dollar production to release a hit (though you definitely need to know what you're doing and release a game in a high-earning genre, and it needs its quality and features to be on par with or above competitors in your target earning bracket)

[@jaimebac7728]

This is a really good video for not just anybody in writing, but any creative process. I'm a PhD student in STEM that was recently hurt by my advisors' refusal to listen to my projects. I *know* my ideas are far more robust, rational, and meaningful but I had to admit at the end of the day this is not my money and resources, and I'm asking my PI to take a risk in investing in me. Why would they? To this day, even right now, I struggle to swallow this hard pill that it takes a long-time, a LONG-TIME. decades. to build trust in your community that will allow your vision to be manifested.

[@somerandomdiamond7345]

Best of luck.

[@nittani.]

Absolutely not

[@jozco_158]

just quoting this for future uses lmao "In a world of stars, be a planet (dammit)."

[@shizumi5243]

TLDR: Become a ghostwriter before becoming a successful writer. I know this is not just about novelists, but I feel like it could also apply to them in this way.

[@generalveers9544]

Actually kinda helpful though. I’m a novelist, and I watch this channel all the time, but get a little bummed when the advice hones in on something that only applies to film and a disconnect pops up. Thanks! 👍

[@user-ww5oo7cv5o]

​@@generalveers9544i think being a literary agent, editor, or other publishing professional could help too, as it might provide a more direct connection with ppl u might want an "in" with. ghostwriters are great, and correct me if im wrong but i think they work more directly with authors than with the editors or agents that one would query with in tradpub

[@SCP--oz6oz]

As if one would consult a ghostwriter instead of ChatGPT these days

[@Black_pearl_adrift]

@@SCP--oz6oz if you’re an actual writer, like you enjoy writing and reading- chat gpt is an awful writer! It’s so easy to catch it being flat, lacking perspective, and not surprising. It actually takes more to make chat gpt a good writer than to just write the thing yourself

[@Augustus_IX]

OR - become a ghost, writer

[@AAXANTIAIART]

Great advice. Break into any industry not from the outside but from the inside. Only thing to add: Your own passion projects are still necessary as eduction and calling-card, not because anybody might care what you create. The value of art school is not just not the degree but in addition to any actual skills one might pick up an education in collaboration, humility and the ability to take critique.

[@mosspoet6143]

This sounds good for book writing as well. Starting out with ghost writing or something, instead of coming put the gate with a whole book and no one knows your name.

[@Im.myfuture]

Dang my boy wasn’t kidding when he said he prepped a bunch of videos. Good shit bro! 👍🏽

[@oldsoul3539]

One major mistake in what you mentioned, if you're aiming for favors and ladder climbing you *have* to make sure they know what you went through to help them. There's an old stereotype about how companies fail about two workers, one whose skill is getting all the work done quickly and expertly and the other whose skill is keeping their boss aware of how much they've achieved, then when the company hits a bad patch and has to tighten it's belt it's the highly skilled but quiet employee who gets the sack, which leads to the whole company failing because they didn't understand how much that company was relying on that guy. It's a stereotype for a reason. If they don't know how much you went through they don't know how much you helped them. You can act like it wasn't hard for you but at least put a very brief summary in their head or they'll assume you didn't do much. It's part of why communication makes for good relationships, you get two people working their ass off coming home and each feeling like they're doing 90% of the work because they don't see the other working, and what you don't see you don't know.

[@philiplinden]

This advice transfers across industries too. I'm an engineer and every one of your points applies to my "incredible dream ideas that will change the future" which is a technology and not a script. Great video, keep em coming

[@Ghost-eq5hg]

Wanted to let you know that you're the only writing youtuber I can watch. I've been writing since I was young, and *not* script writing, but your videos often apply similarly to what I enjoy. Thanks for what you do! The technical viewpoint is new and interesting. I hope to one day have something to show you, and the money saved. I'm not gonna say anything sappy or anything because parasocial relationships are weird as fuck-- you're good at what you do, you share free and accesible advice, and thank you for it.

[@CrunchyDiopter]

14:46 I really have to back this. I've been fortunate to have people mentor me even when I've provided no value to them. But as you say, you have to show up. I've done free work, but they took care of me not just in terms of work but emotionally and spiritually. Most of the old heads I've met just want to know that the younger generations care about this as much as they did. Bonus points if you care about good leadership.

[@SizzleCorndog]

Ngl i think a lot of people our age/ younger don’t realize that the first step to success is to actually get in the door and the key to that is to shill a little. By that I mean making yourself available and useful, and the perspective you need to have is a multi-year one. After a few years of that you can go off and start to do something that you want to do. I’m a chemist so the track is a little different and rn I’m focused on getting a masters, but I had to spend several years in industry being a lab goblin which gave me some clout when applying to different schools.

[@tantanthespaceman1923]

Lmao, where do I get a lab goblin? I’m going into archeology and ancient language but I still want a lab goblin despite being nowhere near a lab ever

[@SizzleCorndog]

@@tantanthespaceman1923 the secret is to go around to every college with a decent chem department and say "hey kids you wanna work for $15/ hr and benefits?" They don't know what money is and they'll think its good for their career and you get to have someone who will calibrate your instruments for practically pennies. No but fr tho the first few years after graduation sucks ass until you actually get some decent experience and can justify going back to school for an advanced degree. Also good luck with the archaeology degree, my college roommate is an archaeologist and all I gotta say is you better like driving.

[@CalvinNoire]

Thank you LSM. After 23 minutes, i have become a very successful writer using this video! Calvin Noire sends his regards.

[@Mrstobastoba]

I know that guy! He wrote that successful book I read 24 minutes ago.

[@CalvinNoire]

​​@@Mrstobastoba I love your video essay on my novel that was uploaded 25 minutes ago!

[@kaikalter]

Not sure how many people follow your channel for writing books, but for the ones who do; This mostly what an agent does, having connections to and knowledge of the people who get things done. It's still hard to find an agent, but it *might* be easier than just sending whatever you have willy nilly to the first person you get to respond.

[@tridek1949]

My toxic trait is watching this whole video and still thinking I can force my way to my goals through sheer force of vision.

[@tridek1949]

Watched too much anime. Gotta find a way to shake off that "Nah, I'd win" mentality, lol.

[@somerandomdiamond7345]

@@tridek1949 "Who's stronger? The entire creative industry, or you?" "If the creative industry used insider connections, it might cause me a little trouble." "But would you lose?" "Nah, I'd win."

[@jerryloncey]

This guy captures what makes me uncomfortable about the entertainment industry. Their....everything....is so temporary. Their fame, marriage, success, etc. It's like they're building a house of cards and the only winner is the house. This is the only reason I want to stick to B2B. So I don't have to depend on "likeability" to advance in life.

[@lidds__]

"Do it for the skills, not the prestige" should be a larger mantra

[@DesignatedHealer]

Looking in the comments: the only comment that scriptman has replied to is one about him being an e-girl. Guess it's confirmed

[@Matchatail]

The bit about "likeability as a brand" is extremely eye-opening advice.

[@Epicwindow3]

"You don't break in as a visionary, you break in as a servant" i think that is also true for game devs so time to make all my games free lolololololol

[@jonahmudlaff6576]

This is such excellent advice really makes me feel better about "not progressing fast enough" or whatever compared to all the entrepreneur type artists while I'm "stuck" doing freelance art for others rather than my own projects.

[@igamergirl14]

As someone who is obstensively in the comics industry, I feel a lot of the same ways towards that as you described towards the film industry. One thing a different comics creator was talking about, in a way different from your take on connections, was that a lot of the people whom he thought were really close because they worked on anthologies together and what not turned out to be not close at all. There is a real "cool kids" side to certain entertainment that makes it seem like if you are at the bottom it is hard to get in, even though those "cool kids" may be more isolated than you expected.

[@myfilmdiary]

100% facts, as someone who graduated from film school, thinking I would have instant work in the film industry but was very wrong. I struggled for a few years, until I found work helping other people make their projects, and that's where I found to grow the most and make the connections I have. The best thing someone has told me is that it's not who I know, it's who knows me.

[@wyntrheart]

I love how this is simultaneously a reality check *and* encouragement to keep working toward your dream. Peak advice honestly. Thank you for sharing your insight

[@kingtut6243]

As someone with quite a bit of social anxiety, hearing your take on the whole concept of "networking" in the industry was quite relieving. Over the past couple years I've been able to help a number of people with putting together their narrative projects, but exclusively over the internet. I feel incredibly in my element when the only lens through which I'm perceived are carefully composed discord dms I can spend hours putting together. And being someone who really wants to someday work in the film industry someday, I've spent a long time terrified that I simply won't make it because a vast majority of resources on the internet about breaking into the industry talk mainly about making friends and connections through charming people higher than you in the hierarchy. To me this step sounds harder than any work I could ever be potentially hired for. I'm really glad to hear that your experience getting work at least has differed from what I've been lead to believe. Obviously I don’t want to limit myself from socially earned opportunities forever. But like you said, there seems to be a lot of optimism to found in reality Always appreciate how succinct and straightforward you are with your advice. Great video as always :)

[@dallassegno]

All opportunities are socially earned.

[@MsPuroWag]

You consistently have the BEST takes and i need you to consume my soul now. Thanks.

[@JaphethG]

Yup! I started as a PA that would do anything to make my ADs happy. I would volunteer to do any shitty job on set and it made me indispensable to those productions. It was slightly toxic but I was young and wanted it. And now that I’m a working Hollywood writer, I’m always looking for entry-level creatives who have that hustle! I will find you and elevate you. Flip side is…you gotta know when to pull the trigger and ask for promotions. Also, pro tip in Hollywood: Ask for the job you want and be prepared to be rejected harshly…then ask again.

[@InkyDustMan]

"In a world of stars Be a planet dammit." Slap that on a t-shirt and sell it. Although, I will admit this seems to be a very traditionally focused view of what it takes to be a creative, which makes sense, you're a script writer so you're talking from that angle, but a lot of us aren't trying to take a stab at that particular piece of the entertainment pie. Some of us do just wanna sit back, start a web comic and relax. Which I guess is where "get better at your craft" comes in. Still, great video.

[@thebgrey]

the tonal dissonance between the batshitinsane-5am-still-awake delirium of the enneagram videos and this are remarkably great) the difference between the constructed chaos of the consumable material and the thoughtful deliberation on success , mwuah chefs kiss.

[@landonvago]

It's exactly how Chazelle made it, 10 years of writing for others until Whiplash. I've been thinking about this strategy for a while, it's great to hear this from you also. Perfect timing.

[@AddictedAntler]

dude idk if you'll see this but genuinely, thank you. my entire creative career i've ALWAYS been drawn to helping other creatives achieve their goals rather than set sights on my own Next Big Thing. and it's been difficult when seeking out help to hear the same fame chasing advice that never applied to how i wanted to apply my skills. this video really meant a lot to hear that not only are my goals not strange, but something that *can* set me on a stable career path if i play my cards right. thank you for doing what you do man :)

[@CelticStoryteller]

I'm 15, and I'm fully invested in this industry. Well not fully, I have my academics, but long story short, you've helped me understand what I'm actually doing writing stories and learning how to character and plot, and how to use inspiration. I want to start doing, essentially, the exact same thing you're doing. I don't see much else I can do with what I have. I want to put a mark here saying that you have helped someone understand what to do with their passion. Thank you.

[@filiformis]

Literally everything here applies to game development. It's kind of shocking how similar it is. I'm a programmer who's been making games for as long as I can remember. I've found the most comfort and success as that background guy there to help other people bring their stuff to life, and much less success working alone on my own stuff (even though I still do). The demonstrating value aspect is 100% on point, though I couldn't have articulated that before watching this video. The people I've enjoyed working with long term are those who made stuff happen, and the smoothest working relationships I've been in are those where we were both contributing something valuable to the project and realized that in each-other.

[@webi6421]

God, thank you! So much advice ATM about becoming successful in the visual arts just tells you to turn yourself into a brand! I want to make art/tell stories not curate a fake version of myself for people to fawn over. Giving less of a shit about audience and more about collaboration and process is the way to go.

[@Alisha.makesfilm]

I just came back from work a defeated visionary who thinks the world is harsh towards creatives and THEN BAMM 'Luke says shut up look at the other side'.... chances are my over stimulated ass will forget what u said in next few hours but the soul will remember and she love u.

[@nonameless2]

"there's not exactly a correlation between the quality of a script and whether or not it gets made"

[@repo445-d4h]

This may be focused on the film and script writing scene but I see it having relevance to pretty much every industry. Bring solutions not problems. Be humble. Understand that people will only be invested in your efforts once you are invested in theirs.

[@rhinosaur9636]

The part near the end about parasocial relationships was a take I’ve never heard before, but completely agree with. It’s such a different mindset than I’m used to, but you’ve clearly put into words something that was previously intangible to me

[@littleredruri]

Jesus dude we went from a video every few months to like 4 in just over a week. Struggling writers are eating good this month 🔥🔥

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

The idea that good writers are career writers -- because meritocracy -- is what we might call, "the writer's blue pill." The opposite of this is the writer's red pill which is basically, "Everything popular is wrong." (I.E passion and talent never translates into worldly success. Everything is cynical. It's all buisness.) And reality is a complex interplay of thouse two extremes. Even in the most "blue pilled" cases where a writer writes passionate stories and makes it big, there's still a lot of red-pilledness going on in the background. The entire first _Avatar_ movies is basically about how red-pilled the industry is, if you take unobtainium as a metaphor for creative genius; the philsopher's mineral, if you will. Massive industries are tearing apart the natural course of the creative process and corroding the human spirit, and so Jame teams up with his anima girlfriend to try and turn the tide and save cinema. But Cameron isn't just a creative, he's a hustler just like the people who make the industry which grinds artists up in a mill and spits out their spent husks the way that it is. That's Miles. So there's some self-reflection to, if not nuance, within the critique of the red pill sigma grindset attitude. Cameron is a guy who does both, which is probably why is all-round probably the most successful director of all time. I have a story and I don't even _want_ it to be made in anyone's name but my own. It's not about the passion in of itself. It's not about the fame. It's that I was told that something wasn't possible, and so now I just want to know. I want to know if it can be done. As soon as I hit that point, before the project is even at the editing phase on paper, I'll be satisfied. And _maybe_ I'll publish it after that. But if it doesn't get published at all, that will be the best possible defense against exploitation. I'm in this weird spot where my stuff get out there and I did jack point shit in terms of marketing myself or cozing up to people in the industry so I could network and call in favors. I did _negative_ work in that regard. I've _deleted_ stories that are just out there now with action figures made of half the characters. And I'm not enough of an asshole to bismirch that even when there are parts of it that bother me. It would be downright immoral to cry sour grapess given how badly most people want even a speck of something like what I've gone through. The only reason I'm even bringing this up is that I thin there's a lesson in here too. What I mean is, if you go down the blue pill route, even if you have the talent, the probability that your ideas are going to make it to screen A) intact and B) with your name on them, in miniscule. In all likelihood, someone will just snatch the good off you and shove you in a bramble patch. Yuo don't just need a name in the wrold so you can get on that grindset. It protects you in a way that that fey and mystical Tom Bombadillo prancing around telling stories isn't because he's not real and people can just take his ideas.

[@74gould]

I’ve spent a few decades in various creative fields (book publishing, illustration, graphic design) and this video rings very true. Being reliable & helpful to others in your field and being fun/comfortable to work with - these are the things that help you climb the ladder and establish something real. View projects & jobs as group efforts instead of competitions. :)

[@Inemin27]

Hey, LocalScriptMan, "let me take that off your hands, I pose zero risk". You have such a beautiful mind. Glad I followed you. There is always real value in your work.

[@CGSky]

Being of service and building a network is so important and something I've learned over the last few years developing and pitching my own video game project. It's very rewarding to try to bring your own project to fruition, but it requires a lot of energy, a solid network, lots of good mentors and a ton of luck (not to mention enough money to sustain it for several years). Creative projects take a lot of time, I've made some great connections helping others along the way, while continuously working on my own projects. In the end it's all about learning not only about the craft but also the business of the field you are trying to enter.

[@normalabsolutely7240]

I find this interesting. I have had a story in my head for more than 8 years of my life, and only recently, I realized i didn't just want to write a story. I wanted to produce others' stories and help them in order to help me. It's nice to know my mindset is a step in the right direction.

[@Milkbootable]

First video I've caught from your channel: definitely a message that bears repeating. Especially the bit about transferring wisdom and mentoring. Although I'm not really in the film-stuff world and more in the visual arts, resonated a lot with it.

[@thigikna]

In a world of stars, be a planet damnit.

[@ARandomerUser]

planet dolan

[@bigstick3064]

This a good way to look at a lot of industries. I’m a bio major in grad school and have slowly realized while looking for jobs that people are more interested in skills and experiences, rather than grades and a degree.

[@LuSteyx]

this is going to be the greatest month of my life

[@RedRabbitEntertainment]

Was it the greatest month of your life?

[@wahoo2627]

im an illustrator but somehow this video helped me as well. earlier on i was so obsessed with having the coolest ideas ever and being seeked out by the biggest in the game to work with, but i have found so many beautiful opportunities to illustrate for local businesses, my friends, etc. if you change your mindset, you realise how great this more realistic path can be! having dreams is so important, but putting the expectation of becoming a big visionary by the time you're twenty-something can be tiring. and i don't even have to stop my own projects. i make art and comics to post on social media, and i find that when i take out the idea that it's gonna be my "big break" idea, i actually get to focus on making something good. plus, if i get the opportunity to make something big, i actually have something to show as a proof of concept. i love this channel, its so cool! :)

[@sponko]

"In a universe full of stars, be a planet. Damn it" Thx for being real, you're helping me alot plan out how to pave a future for myself. Luckily I have set myself up to be exactly what you're describing in this vid, my entire mindset was to make myself as useful as I can to someone elses movie. Eventually I'll get my shot at my own.

[@fumpledink]

This is great advice for everything even beyond filmmaking/ writing I'm getting into fire fighting and I can see all of this advice applying well in that as well, accept fire fighting is a lot more straightforward than being a creative.

[@PoisonWaterLily3]

When I first discovered this channel about a month ago, I was sort of put off by the especially pragmatic approach to creative work you have, being an aspiring creator myself. This video is incredible insight into the actual creative industry and a more stable middle ground between "indies who make great things, but only get to live as long as the internet cares about them--not their work--THEM" and "wealthy business people at the very top of the industry who are completely untouchable". It wasn't until now that I've been made aware of this false dichotomy I've had in my head. Thank you for continually challenging my beliefs!

[@omfghailmao]

I'm working on a comic and initially wanted it to be published. Now I want to make it just because it's something that matters to me. If people end up liking it, yay. I don't expect to ever make my big "break" which bums me out but I'm just trying to get by. I think that's a majority of ppl.

[@BrianSievers]

This is exactly the right message to put out. The "reality check" of going from aspiring creative visionary to helpful creative member is the story of you, I, and everyone in this sphere at some point. Keeping optimism and thinking critically about your goals rather than abandoning them is such an important mindset to not only be "successful" but happy, so thanks for reminding me of that, and I really hope that aspect is something everyone here latches on to. Wild dreams are possible, you just dont know what they look like yet.

[@TapirMask]

I'm not a writer but this video is incredible advice. I struggle to complete my own games projects and would never ask anyone else to lend their time to them but completing work for others is definitely something I can do right now and seems like a fairly obvious way to create a network.

[@panzramstransam7695]

There are some serious pearls of wisdom in here that encapsulate life as a whole, not just the creative field. I’ve made a couple short films and wrote a few scripts, but all that is on pause while I pursue another creative passion of mine - jewelry. I found myself falling into that same idea that I just need the right people to see how “brilliant” I am and then I’ll make it, but this video put a lot of things in perspective for me. It’s a grind, but one you should be enjoying and loving along the way. It’s hard to be detached from the outcome, but it’s important to just keep going. Thank you for sharing!

[@eliasvargas.]

Been a full time artist ( from sound composition to visual arts) since 2017. & it’s my belief that marketing is more powerful then skill or taste. But if u have great marketing + skill & taste. Your unstoppable . Literally

[@antares_the]

Sound at 19:48 absolutely terrifed me

[@miketacos9034]

Okay I’m not the only one

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

This upload schedule is so tight I love all these videos

[@danieln727]

As an early film uni student looking to go into screenwriting it’s crazy how many questions this has answered that I’ve had for ages. When you talk about breaking in as a servant it just clicked for me. I’ve heard so much advice about working up through the industry in production roles but it seems to be hard to find advice for screenwriting beyond improving your craft and hoping for the best. I was just wondering, how do you get started finding that kind of work/opportunities to help other people working with scripts? Thanks for this vid, this channel has taught me more about screenwriting than anything else lol

[@localscriptman]

For film, offer your eyes to a senior thesis project. Those are the student films with the most leverage. But really any student film is a start. You are in an environment rich with creatives, just offer your help whenever you can. In a humble way. Literally just be honest “hey I’m a writer and I want to practice, can I pick your script apart”

[@danieln727]

@@localscriptman Thanks! I really appreciate the advice.

[@melancholyentertainment]

@@localscriptman Thank you! The advice in the video was fantastic big-picture stuff, but I was left itching for a little more specificity on the nitty gritty. This comment scratched that itch. I think one of the biggest obstacles for people mentally (after letting go of their ego and learning that their passion project is not the most important thing to everyone) is figuring out where they are even supposed to start practically speaking. Or maybe that’s just me. Regardless, your advice is invaluable, so point proven about making yourself helpful and needed, I suppose.

[@campusaint]

I honestly went in like "I know all the tips, and what not, it's all about connections", but the way you put it rewired my brain and gave me so much confidence and, most of all, peace of mind. Thanks man, what an insanely useful and educative video!

[@doldfamily9983]

"This is Boy's brother Rocky, he's a very interesting and unique character and I'm saving him for another point" Remember the video you made on child characters? You mentioned that you were going to talke about Boy's brother, Rocky but you never did so in case you want to talk about him later, this is a reminder because I'm looking forward to it :)

[@JoyStixGaming]

Just wanna say that ever since I found your channel, I've had my passion for creating reinvigorated. You give a lot of pragmatic but useful advice to someone like me who doesn't have any experience or knowledge about this industry that's easy for me to understand while also being encouraging. I'm 25, had I been "smarter" (whatever that means) I would've started this journey a long time ago. For years, I felt like I wasted so much time and that this was always gonna be a silly pipe dream for me. But now, especially after watching this video, I feel motivated to continue on this path and make things that I'm proud of. Even if they aren't my projects. So thank you, Lucas. You're one hell of a inspiration to me.

[@markbv591]

Damn, when I develop my story enough to actually start working on it more detailed, like writing individual scenes and stuff like that, I’m sure as hell gonna consult you for a lil help before I do all that. You rock, dude

[@venkatkimidi2954]

damn that last bit about likeability really is changing the way I see the entertainment landscape and youtube

[@MrAaaaazzzzz00009999]

no details, but i experienced dismantling my idealized paths to success first hand as well. ive decided since then to focus on work that i care about personally, not what i think people will want, because the hell do i know? its not only just success but satisfaction is found in connections with others, not through the arrogant belief that you can just make it alone with your skills and abilities.

[@jeffturtle3565]

This is how the world works in scriptwriting, I assume because a movie is such a massive thing that's so impossible to make, but what about novel writing? From what I understand, authors submit books to agents and if they're good enough the agent sells the book to publishing houses. There's no one to work for, it's about your quality. And sure you can make connections with people to make getting an agent easier, but it's not like you have anything to offer others.

[@localscriptman]

Idk anything about publishing other than the fact that it sucks

[@Not_a_Pro360]

TLDR: don’t beg, make yourself something to beg for.

[@JulianJohnJunior]

Go from undesirable to undeniable.

[@Beaver_Monday]

Thanks for replacing the insight of the video with a hollow ass motivational poster for boomers to share on Facebook

[@Not_a_Pro360]

@@Beaver_Monday I’m 15 and this is deep… sh** I’m too late

[@LoSDockForBoats]

17:59 Doctor Who “The Christmas Invasion” (2005) reference

[@ALIVE-Company]

This has to be one of the best written videos in terms of succinctness, your way of speaking is to the point and has inspired me to continue doing what I'm doing. In a world of stars, be a planet dammit

[@pho9195]

big fan of the pink microphone very awesome video. personally as an aspiring comic artist i definitely feel this. i realized a while back that the industry grind really dampens my groove and makes art unenjoyable for me. To be successful for me is to just have my art out there, i dont care about how many people see it and i prefer being aggressively anonymous when it comes to my art. i just need to get the crap out of my brain. started pursuing medicine so i can make enough money to do art without finances and connections worrying me, and im happy. keep up the great work man! im excited for the rest of the enneagram series

[@MageBurger]

You say this is depressing marketing stuff away from your usual happy content, but honestly you’ve kinda helped me with my creative depression with this video. It is pretty comforting knowing I don’t have to have 40 years of knowledge on marketing trends and 100 years worth of every type of industry grade art skills to gamble my life savings on 10 different projects I’m 100% responsible for to MAYBE make it big. Also I never thought too much about the idea of working for free. As someone who’s been starving to make something without the burdens I just mentioned, this is a bit of an eye opener, so thanks.

[@lps-wolf-in-stone]

Working in a gallery has so far given me a lot more insight in the art world from a success standpoint just being there consistently than a lot of my classes have, so I definitely think that bit about really inserting yourself in the community is something that is not paid attention to enough. We are not solitary creatures, and often learn and work better when surrounded by others that are willing to let you be apart of their own passions.

[@joedavies2695]

This was a great video, sure there was loads of excellent advice in it, but mostly the 'don't you think she looks tired' Dr. Who reference is sublime

[@TaranVH]

Nice to know that I'm not alone with my apparently unconventional advice of "work for free" to get a foot in the door.

[@panzramstransam7695]

There are some serious pearls of wisdom in here that encapsulate life as a whole, not just the creative field. And all in 20 minutes! I’ve made a couple short films and wrote a few scripts, but all that is on pause while I pursue another creative passion of mine - jewelry. I found myself falling into that same idea that I just need the right people to see how “brilliant” I am and then I’ll make it, but this video put a lot of things in perspective for me. It’s a grind, but one you should be enjoying and loving along the way. It’s hard to be detached from the outcome, but it’s important to just keep going. The stuff about socialism and money is absolutely hilarious and so spot on too. Especially in the film world. Thank you for sharing!

[@rudiharling]

i don't have any particularly fancy words but this video is incredible. to get a reality check on the creative industries and a way to build a stable, solid career is a breath of fresh air (as to many who seem to be, consciously or not, in it for the short term and only thinking of the present rather than a balance of the present and the future, at least in their actions). thank you so much.

[@dado8467]

You truly are the GOAT after all.... Really great advice man

[@Rxbertjr]

i appreciate this post, re-enforced some thoughts and beliefs i had. i believe anyone trying to develop a presence on social media nd wants some insight to perspective, this video can be a great help to them. Keep it up brother

[@Noonien96-nx6yj]

The secret to getting your screenplay published is to write it as a novella instead, and then put eclectic clip art on the cover instead of a painting, like a pair of sunglasses and a bottle of wine on a wrought-iron cafe table for example. That way consumers will assume you wrote a comedy story and then you'll get optioned based on sales alone. Use lots of hard consonants in the book's title.

[@storyscience101]

I really appreciate this take. I never I gained that this would be an easy industry to crack in, but I’m prepared to be part of other people’s visions if only because I know the value I can add to it. Thanks again champ.

[@VinyasaDesigns]

“Be useful to others creative visions”. Exceptional advice. Exactly what worked for me in building a 15 year copywriting careerI’m semi-retired from career. I had no degree, no permission from others. Just a sense of curiosity about how to use words to sell stuff to people.