How to make FILMMAKING FUN

[@Matthew_Chung]

When work is slow. Doing youtube and watching great filmmakers like you are the ways I battle creative ruts.

[@carlostigs]

Thanks!

[@kevinghansah_]

Just about type this!

[@WhySteve]

Man, I don't enjoy work whatsoever because I keep ONLY getting jobs I hate, so event coverage and highlight reels the whole time. So I'm depressed when I have no work and even more depressed when I have work. And some how, I anyways never have money 🤣 The "have fun" thing, breaking that barrier down and letting room for exploration is something I think we all need to do with everything we do!

[@jacobpietras]

Hey bro - I had a look at your website. You may not be getting work because of how you present your work. Firstly, you run ads on your website which sets off heaps of red flags to me about cheapness. This isn’t to say your work is cheap at all, it’s just that scammy websites quite often run pop up ads. Also, generally, just try get on set more. The more you are around producers, DPs, etc the more likely you are to be booked with them. Even if you’re doing events brother, work is a blessing. I slogged out years of events before doing commercial full time and I get it, it’s boring. But, you’re still making things for money. That’s rad.

[@WhySteve]

Hey man, thanks for the feedback! I wasn't aware the ads were a problem because I was running it through google lol. Definitely something I will take in consideration, thanks! Currently the issue I have is that I can't get to producers or DP's (or at least proper ones) because it's SUPER cliquey where I am. So best I get is crappy paying bad low quality jobs and they not only are things you DONT want on your portfolio, but they barely pay. You also don't want to be in their network, because they recommend you to more "help me out" kinds of people. Even the event coverage, weddings, product commercials and things I do for money, pay SO BAD in South Africa (again at least in the freelance world) so I'm always working and I'm not making enough to even be independent. If I didn't have good friends and family to lean on, I would have straight up been homeless lol.

[@carlostigs]

Thanks for sharing man! We all go through these experiences myself included. I still do work I don’t love but at the end of the day are we on the right trajectory? If so that’s what deserves the focus

[@WhySteve]

Yeah! Gotta keep on keeping on! Will eventually get there 🤷‍♂️😂

[@kereyvproductions5521]

If you’re really feeling spent about the cruddy jobs. Is there a fun film project you’ve been working on that could slot in around your work time? Sometimes you just have to take a day off to practice things that’s in line with what you want to do.

[@filmbythomas]

As someone who shoots on the Bolex regularly. I highly recommend everyone tries it out. Can feel very scary at first, but those things only make your time shooting digital far easier and less technical in the brain. Travelling around the world with my Bolex has shown that subjects react for more natural and candid to camera. The idea of shooting on Bolex excites everyone!

[@carlostigs]

Hell yeah man! Love to hear it

[@ethan_edmunds]

Related so much to your idea of being grateful for when you're busy but also when it's slow. It can be so easy to be stressed when things are slow and not enjoy the extra time to relax and be creative!

[@carlostigs]

Absolutely!!

[@juliustubbsDP]

Defiantly feel this I'm going through the same thing right now. Waiting for the next opportunity. Thanks for sharing

[@davionwashington]

That “have fun” hit hard bro. Cause sometimes we forget that this is our passion you’re working with everyday. This video helped to ease my anxiety alot. You should’ve went to school to be a therapist bro haha. Well done video as usual man. 🤘🏾

[@carlostigs]

Thank uou

[@nickolaasmedia]

I've found as of recent that I have more time, so I've been grinding away at the KZbin channel. It feels so refreshing because I can create things that I find fun and doesn't require stress or excessive planning. It's definitely nice to have an outlet to let your creative mind flow. Whatever that might be for people, I certainly hope they can find the time to do it. Great video Gian, happy to see you out and about shooting with your wife.

[@carlostigs]

Thank you!

[@johanneshauswirth5651]

Gian Carlo, you have often helped me on my journey as a DP and Human already. I really appreciate your vulnerable, calm way of describing things and inviting us into your thoughts. It is not taken for granted. Thank you very much man.

[@carlostigs]

Thank you

[@ChrisHartwell]

Beautiful stuff, Carlo! I've recently returned to creating KZbin video and it's been _slow_ and _rough_ and this video was _such_ a balm to my anxieties! Thank you for always being so willing to share of yourself - both your creativity and _your heart_

[@carlostigs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timdanyo898]

Intentionality is crucial. Setting up an intentional process for the visual/emotional outcome is what the best filmmakers do and how they create unique works and stay out of ruts. Thanks for the inspiration brother.

[@carlostigs]

Yes sir! Thanks for the comment

[@huntercreatesthings]

06:38 facts - the challenge is such a critically important part for me, it makes doing the thing worth it.

[@carlostigs]

Yes sir

[@BryceDocherty]

Love this so much dude. Following your curiosity as an artist and a human as a wise man once said is truly how I've been going about life since I heard him say it. Thanks for all you do Carlo. Keep having fun and enjoying life.

[@carlostigs]

I appreciate that!

[@TimoWithGuitar]

Thanks for your stories Gian Carlo, seems like your videos are always coming at the right time and your words are just what I need to hear. Feels like a big hug and bucket full of approval!

[@carlostigs]

You are very welcome

[@mrclarky]

Hey mate, one thing that's helped me over the years is remembering that you ARE NOT a filmmaker, you are a person who makes films. If you tie your identity too closely to your art or what you do, then when you're not doing it, you start to feel lost in your identity, and this can lead to depression, anxiety etc. This happens to a lot of people especially when they retire or a fired from a job (or in your case, just in between projects), they feel lost or lose the 'social belonging' that they had connected so closely to what they do, rather than who they are. You are you without those things. Hope this helps others also, take care :)

[@carlostigs]

Great insights! Thank you

[@danwucreative]

Your YT is my favorite channel right now man. I love how every video has these meta lessons on life, filmmaking or family. Big inspiration!

[@carlostigs]

I appreciate that!

[@FA1L4LIFE]

Perfectly timed video. Always love the honesty and authenticity of your channel!

[@carlostigs]

Thank you

[@shinyshirt]

Brother, this video is so refreshing and is hitting me at a milestone moment in my life. I'm so grateful there are other DP's actually learning how to use light meters and I have mad respect for you, not only because of your work, but also because it's a huge dream of mine to shoot a narrative project on 16mm film. I'm glad for you and your videos and hope one of these days we could work together! love your stuff man, keep pushing through during this moment of downtime in the industry!

[@carlostigs]

Thanks for the comment !

[@shinyshirt]

@@carlostigs ofc brother, keep it up

[@GabrielJThomas]

I resonate with all of this! My latest challenge has been practicing cinematography/lighting at home. I recently went in with an idea and vision for a lighting setup but that ended up way different than I intended. I was so frustrated and almost threw in the towel but it ended up better than my original vision. So now I plan on doing this consistantly. I learned something new through problem solving, experimenting, and embracing the process. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement and I'm looking forward to the 16mm film vid!

[@carlostigs]

I feel the same sometimes! But glad you have found some positive. It’s always good to go into something with an open mind

[@GabrielJThomas]

@@carlostigs I agree! It really is a testament for people to not give up.

[@khalafilyas2367]

I feel like sometimes doing work you hate might come as a blessing if you keep giving your 100% to it even though it’s exhausting. In my case I hated doing highlights reels vertically. But overtime it kinda became the niche everyone in my area thought I was better at so it wasn’t so bad at the end. Also I feel like as filmmakers we will never be satisfied. Always finding the next way to be creative

[@unclejerry486]

You might not be therapist, but you sure seem to be a natural at coaching, thank you for you time.

[@carlostigs]

Therapist in my past life

[@Zenen_Saneshige]

makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one. and people more skilled than me STILL have my same issue sometimes. On another note, FILM IS FOREVER!

[@carlostigs]

Yes!

[@mauriciotrujillo9016]

I always feel good when I see beautiful people creating beautiful stuff with beautiful cameras :)

[@carlostigs]

Thanks!

[@bergholm-f7g]

I needed to see this video and hear what you had to say. Im a freelance cinematographer from Finland and i’ve come to realize how bad i am to maintain positive mindset when there is not alot a jobs. For me personally its the lack of control and optimism in the future that work will allways come. Like how do you maintain optimism when your calender is empty for work? Keep making video!

[@carlostigs]

Sometimes I don’t man, I’m not perfect but sometimes the things in your control will help. Like creating things on your own

[@CarloTimothy]

dope I just got my first test roll back of 16mm and I’m glad I watched dozens of KZbin videos on how to load a Bolex and how to expose the film etc etc. and man I think I’m addicted now. I’ve dabbled with Super8 but wanted to graduate to 16mm and bought the Bolex in 2022 and just now finally took the plunge. so glad to see you dive into it. as a central jersey guy myself, it’s dope to see you do your thing. and your message about “work will come” definitely resonates. keep it up

[@carlostigs]

Glad it helped! And stoked to get my rolls back!

[@ambroisestudios]

This is what I needed today cuz a brotha is going through it! Thanks for this Gian Carlo

[@carlostigs]

Thank yiu

[@LoganBonneryt]

"Just do the thing." hit hard man! Great video Carlo👍

[@carlostigs]

Always!

[@carmine_rosato]

this weekend i am going to do the "thing"

[@carlostigs]

:)

[@InvisageStudios]

Great video. I've been looking to wind up and just get a job after 8 years of throwing a camera around... I don't enjoy it anymore, creativity has dried up, can't be bothered doing passion projects. Super weird timing though - I had my best year ever last year. this year is my worst year since I started.

[@lewispotts]

Haha the intro goes so hard at the moment

[@carlostigs]

Hahah thanks dude

[@QuasonMatthews]

I can relate to that feeling so much. Thanks for sharing dude

[@Brooklyn_Mood]

Recently did something similar, where shot medium format portraits on film for the first time so I borrowed a friends RB67 and light meter, bought some rolls and went out and shot and felt so good afterwards!

[@carlostigs]

That’s awesome!

[@SanjotBhasin_]

Love this video Carlo! I don’t get much work but I try to do more spec work now to keep me busy and challenge myself

[@carlostigs]

You can do it!

[@pixelkat1819]

aww film. The Arri 16SR II. Occasionally the 35 BL3. Waiting a couple day for dailes to be shipped back from Foto-kem. The anticipation of finding out if everything looks like you wanted it to. The old Spectra lightmeter that used metal slides with holes…each corresponding to a particular ASA. Actually still have it. To many memories.

[@carlostigs]

Anticipation is real

[@pixelkat1819]

@@carlostigs …so was the relief when the film and lighting looked good. 😉

[@ahmadghanim5886]

love this Gian, keep going! always appreciative for the openness with your journey on the week to week. i have to ask what brand those croc looking white shoes are...

[@carlostigs]

Kane shoes!

[@idsdigitalmedia]

Would love to understand more on how you used the meter on set. On KZbin I have seen contradictory stuff

[@JamesDavis-qi8eb]

That's so cool. we used that in class this semester. Loading it and hearing that sound after was one of the best feeling I have felt In a long time ...if anyone need help out there with the stuff and is in the riverside CA area let me.know I love this film stuff so much....

[@carlostigs]

Glad you like it!

[@franklinosh]

"HAVE FUN" Yep that hit harrrd

[@royl4421]

you the actual best man. can't wait to see the 16mm!

[@carlostigs]

Thank you

[@alexhartungmusic]

Thanks man! really love everything you and Danny do. Hope to work with you guys someday, or just be around and learn a ton. Thanks for sharing. thanks for being humble as hell:)

[@alexhartungmusic]

and.... you're in amazing shape!! those arms...god damn it!

[@carlostigs]

Thank you!

[@WillisWildeWelt]

Thank you so much for this video. Its really helping me right now.

[@carlostigs]

I'm so glad!

[@AxTechs]

If you like shooting 16 on a bolex, just wait till you get a project with an SR3 or 416. Every time you shoot digital afterwards will feel like a let down 😅. I've shot 4 projects with decent budgets on film, and it always makes crew concentrate so much more, and it's great not having to worry about white balance and dynamic range distribution of asa

[@carlostigs]

Can’t wait for that!

[@EricFloberg]

So good.

[@carlostigs]

Thanks bro!

[@piusgyagenda]

This is a great video filled with an inspiration

[@Lensamaulana]

nice advice mate...cheers ! greeting from indonesia people who love filmaking🤗

[@carlostigs]

Thanks for watching!

[@PattyMcGoo]

Needed this brother!

[@carlostigs]

Yes sir

[@7ninephotography199]

Do you have any tips on color grading? The colors on this are amazing!

[@carlostigs]

I have been thinking of making a video! Stay tuned

[@owenwagnerphotography]

Great video Carlo!

[@carlostigs]

Thanks!

[@ivovarchol5180]

Hi guys I had this idea also like a month ago I bought super 8mm camera but somehow can’t find website to buy the film in Europe. Can you recommend?

[@carlostigs]

Maybe eBay?

[@KipJackson]

The intro hit me so hard bro !!!

[@carlostigs]

Haha hope you enjoy the video

[@rajfl90]

Good talk Carlo!

[@carlostigs]

Thanks!

[@majidshanaa5812]

Damn I'm a 16mm hobbyist and I've never seen those lenses before what are those? Also- congrats on putting some film through the Bolex, such a special and deeply satisfying exercise isn't it? Did you use the spot metering too or mainly just incident readings? I find spot metering to be a bit easier and more intuitive. Great video man, wonderful message

[@carlostigs]

Old c mount zeiss lens

[@PowersBenzoCoaching]

Wonderful cinematography! Does anyone know what kind of lenses he uses?

[@carlostigs]

For my talking head I use a Sony 24-70

[@thomasterminet]

Thanks for making this

[@carlostigs]

No problem

[@MattAitia]

You're going to fall in love with 16mm when you get the scan back haha

[@carlostigs]

So stoked man

[@redbeardproductions-kevind9806]

Do you use a digital camera to check the exposure before you shoot with film?

[@carlostigs]

I did a little when I wasn’t confident in my metering

[@pikasalsachu]

Will you share the clips filmed?

[@carlostigs]

Yes

[@pikasalsachu]

@@carlostigs cool! Thanx

[@murilovenancio5495]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@zaccruz_]

Thank you.

[@carlostigs]

Welcome

[@alanvidot344]

So regretful that I sold my Bolex H16 outfit and Kern lenses and Beaulieu R16mm with an angeneuix zoom!!

[@carlostigs]

Ahhhh such a shame

[@BlaineWestropp1]

👌

[@carlostigs]

:)

[@FilmSpook]

👍🏾👍🏾Many Thanks, my Good Brother! Awesome Work. Instant subscribe from me. Best Wishes to ya, Man. Carlos from Detroit.

[@carlostigs]

Much appreciated!

[@gazpromedia]

❤❤

[@carlostigs]

:)

[@SamiWilenius]

👍

[@carlostigs]

:)

[@redbeardproductions-kevind9806]

I get really depressed if I don't have a project to work on...

[@carlostigs]

sometimes its worth it to make something yourself. But we all do myfriend you are not alone