How to “Make It” in Film today (5 paths)

[@JulianTerry]

Thank you so much for having me on! It was such a great chat! Also, thanks for making me look way cooler than I actually am!

[@StandardStoryCo]

Thank YOU, this video could have been an hour long with all the knowledge you dropped 🙏

[@LiteShaper1]

Outstanding video with tons of relevant, practical and insightful advice!

[@MikeMatsuiJr]

Drop it!! ​@@StandardStoryCo

[@darhkbizarre]

Just moved out to LA and been watching your videos and BOOM @julianTerry comes in . What a day of inspiration... As I am writing my horror Content! Lets go!!

[@AndreaJoshuaAsnicar]

Jim Cummings is an indie-filmmaking hero. He's phenomenal

[@driven_films]

This is simultaneously inspiring and kind of demoralizing. I remember being the wide eyed kid in the 90s watching Jurassic Park and ID4 and hacker movies and thinking to myself "wow, I'm gonna be a director when I grow up, yeahhh!" but no one prepared that little kid for the harsh reality of the business. For every wide eyed dreamer, there's an army of entertainment attorneys, office workers, HR, payroll, and celebrity handlers. Now in my 30s with several years experience, with wildly ranging degrees of success/failure, I'm more motivated by the community and the love of creating. I try not to get demoralized by thinking too much about taking meetings for a year that go nowhere. I dunno, maybe I'm just the man-child version of that kid in the 90s.

[@OrdnanceTV]

We sound like the same person. Halfway through 34 years old and am in a more financially vulnerable position right now than the past 10 years but I have the potential to finally pursue videography and production fulltime (without moving to LA bc fuck that). Here's to us having good luck continuing down our paths 🍻

[@smann7236]

Thanks for sharing. I think a lot of us go into it naively. But end of the day it's a business like any other. I think back in 80s 90s there was more of a chance to get into festivals but back then you had to shoot on film and the lighting and sound could be off but programmers would see a vison, but nowadays forget about it. Majority of films that get into festivals are usually made by graduates from fancy film schools and using arri alexa cameras which are expensive.

[@smann7236]

​@@OrdnanceTV I'm still waiting to hear about a nobody with blue collar background making it in the festivals. Goes to show how difficult and bias the industry is. If I could give any advice to a young early 20s or mid 20s is get your finances in order. High paying job would be ideal, and then work on your film projects. Nothing worse than being broke and financially vulnerable and thinking you're going to get a get a big break soon, that's a set up, pipe dream...I dunno what do you think?

[@LightsCameraKonkle]

56 years old. Directed a feature. Wrote for studio. Still struggling to “make it” and get the next thing made. Maybe I’m not that good. But I love it. Too late to do anything else which is scary.

[@KenDavis-uo8kq]

@@LightsCameraKonklesounds cool to me. I’d be ecstatic if I could just get a short done.

[@aitoralvarez1212]

I've been making videos for work that are proper commercials while getting paid rubbish for it. I don't wanna put in the work to make my own shorts and docs, but I think this has finally convinced me to take the step. Doing nothing will get me nothing, so I gotta get off my ass rn.

[@marv1465]

I love how none of them include filmschool when Im already finishing my second year.

[@MG-js9kf]

how is film school?

[@prosto_kosott2796]

and I’m going to

[@goonaffliated7]

Quit if you’re paying for it. Honestly

[@peperclipsfilms]

Really like the down to earth tone in all your video's, keep it up man!

[@ExecutiveAutomotiveSociety]

I love that you're sharing this stuff and it really pushes people that are just getting started and people who are already doing the things that help their passion.

[@obscurity_films]

Most comprehensive video I’ve seen on this subject. I think this has convinced me to get “my reps in” on shorts, even if they don’t lead to anything other than my own personal growth as a filmmaker. I know personally, I feel like sometimes like I’m stepping backwards by making shorts after being given the opportunity to make a $10,000 feature, but I think it’s the other way around. I was so unhappy with the film I made, I wasted years on it, and I ultimately made someone else’s film. I’m interested in VFX and several different styles, so it makes so much more sense for me to make shorts. It helped so much hearing from all these voices. You’re one of the most helpful filmmaking channels around, Kent. ❤

[@tylereaton7231]

Thanks for the great breakdown! Jim is the man. Gotta check out Julian's stuff now. My first indie feature is in a few festivals right now (nothing on the level of Sundance or SXSW) but this definitely has me inspired to keep making lots of shorts and developing a specific style.

[@shivrajgoyat7778]

The whole videos looks like I was chatting with myself in my head. I think every budding film maker constantly weighing these 5 paths. I think one can mix up 2-3 paths. Great Video Kent.....kudos buddy. It's so relatable.

[@TheConstructiveCritic888]

As an actor, I was following the path that so many working actors for decades had followed. I trained, started getting work by 30, and looked like I was on a definitive path and the years of consistent hard work was paying off… Then at 31 the tv show I was on was canceled and my reps had a conversation with me saying that my specific demographic was no longer desired. They weren’t wrong as many friends of mine in the same demographic were on respected tv shows and dropped by their reps… So it just goes to show you that in film/tv nothing is ever ever ever guaranteed and the industry is constantly evolving. Had I been born ten years earlier I would’ve had a solidified career and not had to worry.

[@DAMON409]

Acting is not hard work. It is very similar to modeling and hinges on looks, not talent. Most actors barely have high school educations.

[@WillSchwartzz]

@@DAMON409 That's a wild takeaway

[@DAMON409]

@@WillSchwartzz facts

[@rickskellig4652]

​@@DAMON409That's ridiculous, have you ever tried to act? It's actually a hard job that is very mentally and physically exhausting. Obviously the stars can have have a cushy life and be catered to but even then the days can be very long. But for the average actor it's a tough job with a lot of rejection

[@DAMON409]

@@rickskellig4652 I was a professional actor for 7 years. Look up my Tv and film credits. Damon E White. Any more questions?

[@DangerousMuteLunatic]

I just saw this movie at Fantastic Fest called Last Stop In Yuma County that Jim Cummings was in and I ADORED it.

[@davidsklubal]

Thank you for this video Kent, I’ve been spinning my wheels the last 8 months trying to get to the next step in my career while paying my bills and ultimately burning out. I think remembering there is no rush and success is different for everyone keeps me going

[@HughGuiney]

This video is low-key an exposé on all of the ways the bottom is falling out for indie filmmaking. High production costs + high festival competition + no rewards for getting into festivals + no rewards for getting millions of views online + risk-averse investors + paltry streaming payouts = a dead-end career path. Not trying to discourage anyone from following their dreams, but all of us who pursue this are effectively degenerate gamblers.

[@space_1073]

It has always and will always be difficult to make a living off your art, but you do it because you enjoy doing it. This profession is only like gambling if the only thing you care about is massive success.

[@alifilmstuff]

So inspiring, cannot wait to get out there and creature features and more shorts! Thanks for this video :D

[@dreammachine1492]

Jim Cummings is my favorite director working today. Thunder Road and Beta Test is one of the most inspirational films on a story and technical level.

[@roko1.083]

Great video! Really hope to make it into the industry someday. I’m 15 years old and for now I try just watching lots of movies. I’m pretty sure next step should be starting to write. You videos are great to watch and they help me find motivation man, thanks!

[@rickskellig4652]

Read the script of every great film and scripts for films that you like, that's a great way to learn how to write scripts. You can download then for free online. And listening to podcast interviews with writers is good too, like Script Apart and the Q & A

[@leroystreetproductions5870]

Glad to seeing your channel blowing up, your informative/conversational and witty style really works well on youtube! Congrats.

[@Kaitlyn-kw2zh]

Thanks for the video. It's great to hear you talk about the pros and cons of the industry, and the patience it takes to be a filmmaker. I'm only a sophomore is high school, but I'm confident God has called me to be a filmmaker. So any perspectives on the industry, and information on ways to 'make it' are always great.

[@ArranCrawley]

This is great. Clear, concise and valuable.

[@SeanFoyMakesMovies]

Really well laid out presentation. It really is frustrating out there, so it's always great to hear things again and get new insights and perspectives

[@thewellvideoproductions8244]

Great vid as always! Basically nobody knows how to succeed in Hollywood. Lol These pointers will certainly help, but I believe the cream will rise to the top. Out of thousands of bad videos, one will surface, be the one. It's always story story story. No one cares if you have a realistic-looking robot walking through your scenes if there's no story backing it . Every successful filmmaker out there just preaches practice storytelling with your cell phone and then move up from there. Happy film making, and don't forget to have fun!:)

[@miguelchaparro8955]

Thank you for your perspective ❤

[@moniqueharbaughmazier]

as someone trying to come up right now, thanks for diving into possible paths right now. Would love to continue the discussion

[@sebastienwiard3900]

Wow one of my favorite directors with one of my favorite youtuber ???? Your channel is awesome, keep it up :D cheers from France !

[@NicGebbie]

Love this, definitely made me feel better about chasing this passion for film!

[@CharlesJacques-v1w]

damn this arrived at the best time possible! im' just finishing off film school and am looking into the different paths i can take to break in. Thanks so much!!

[@Superjeanmarc]

Thank you for this video, it’s amazing. You rock.

[@joelalleyne3012]

This video is gold as a beginning filmmaker. Thank You!

[@hyperaxx2180]

Thank you so much for making this video, as a student filmmaker approaching his final year, this is exactly what I needed!!!

[@Tkd_on1]

I love your videos and the insight you give🙏🏾 thank you thank you!

[@robertulrich3964]

have a strong story and don't let anything come off as boring. That will help you alot. Ask youself, would I drive 15 miles to a theatre and pay $16 to watch that? Movies are to evoke emotion. Evoke passion.

[@MrFunnybit]

Learning a lot from your content - thank you!!

[@StandardStoryCo]

Thanks so much!!

[@MattAitia]

Great video! Path #4 is something I’m aiming for as well

[@TheConstructiveCritic888]

That part at the end where Jim was saying that you can learn from just producing because you see what works, what doesn’t, and what that director blew their budget on. Boy is he right… drives me INSANE seeing how others blow their budgets…

[@howiemccormick]

Going to my first film festival later this month here in FL. Going specifically to see Danny's movie (ITIS) and obviously to finally attend one. Looking forward to meeting him.

[@NoahPopejoy]

Can't imagine how confusing it must be for Jim Cummings to share a name with Jim Cummings. I lowkey thought it was the voice actor Jim Cummings and was like "Wait. Jim Cummings(the voice actor) is making films?"

[@wweshadow1]

Thank you for your videos!

[@zelda6781]

Your content is so informative and I learn so much from your videos! Thank you! I actually made a short film after watching your videos.

[@MrPRICELESS24]

thank you so much for this kent, really needed this 🙏🏽

[@cecens98]

cant wait to see your next big project

[@ForteanaMedia]

I made the cut! 😅 @ 14:13 Hoping to have time this summer to go through all the added material since last year.

[@callmesyr]

HOLY HELL!! Love Jim Cummings!

[@ScottJeschke]

This was so good, Kent! I'm curious, do you have those full interviews hosted anywhere? Would love to hear more from these two.

[@StandardStoryCo]

Long edits of both interviews will be on WRAPPED very soon wrapped.school

[@sethgrantfilms]

Thanks a bunch for this video. It beautifully distilled the way I've thought about the industry for a long time now, but you've made it much more clear than my brain could have. I think like you said in the end, the best thing to do is continue creating, and follow every avenue you can at the same time. If you ever need a DP in the New England/NYC scene, HMU.

[@KameronMcQueen]

One of your best videos yet! 🔥

[@PortableTrevor]

HOLY SHIT JIM!!!!!!!!! NO WAY!

[@lucutuz]

Hey man, your film ''Bad is Bad''is really good, you are really talented filmmaker, I wonder how you haven't made it yet

[@lexmax08]

Absolute great and inspiring video.

[@ReidVV]

Watching this video makes me wonder why anybody would actually want to try to do this honestly it's bordering on insanity no it is insanity I guess we need to be more thankful than we ever expected for insane people and their talent

[@warriorclassmedia]

Awesome Jim

[@WhySteve]

I single handedly edited two feature films as the only post-production person during lockdown that were on major streaming platforms and I never saw more than $500 and got zero contacts/network. So, sometimes, shit reaaaallly doesn't work out at all.

[@Ryan-ux1yr]

What are the movies?

[@WhySteve]

"The Ground Under' and "Vertrou Niemand". Good luck 🤣

[@PamArtsValentine]

This is awesome- thanks!!!

[@johntrefryfilm]

Excellent video and interview!

[@charliednewell]

good stuff mang! 'ppreciate it

[@missybell_arts]

As an East Coaster, it seems like a huge advantage just to move to LA to have access to more equipment that's affordable. At fests I see a huge difference there b/c of access to better stuff even with an equal story + actors. What are your thoughts?

[@AdamPaulStone]

Got a crazy Wesley Wayne story 🤣 So in 2021 he contacted me to edit his short film, I didn’t know he was in high school and the film was kinda graphic and sexual… I found out he was in HS and I decided not to edit the film… it just made me uncomfortable… then I see he blew up 😂 Life is funny

[@darhkbizarre]

I was at Sundance when Thunder Road won. I was doing volunteer work and was like this mofo did it! and did it well!! Inspired!

[@sergioalcantar3290]

Informative. I appreciate it.

[@TheJaylaReshon]

Your edits are hilarious 😂

[@TheJaylaReshon]

Great video

[@abhijeetadde7084]

Indeed it was very good ideas 💡

[@ahmedkamal7095]

woah no way!!!!

[@Sisanf]

Great video!

[@lukeworrall8518]

NO BLOODY WAY. MY BOYS.

[@SilBuijs]

🙌

[@LightsCameraKonkle]

Very interesting

[@LoganScottY]

What film is that clip you played at the start from? lol

[@miguelchaparro8955]

What's the Film name of 16:11, please? I laughed a lot

[@49rango]

And remember, if you give up you’ll never make it. If you keep going, you just might.

[@wiiplaya25]

Wesley Wang and how he approaches criticism really put me off to him as a person let alone a filmmaker. His short film was not my cup of tea but him egotistically stating "no one has captured the high-school experience like MY script"/ "EVERYONE I showed this too has cried" all while blocking those who critique him is comically disturbing.

[@DavidK-wg8wz]

makes sense since he was a child chess prodigy, he was probably raised all his life that he cant do no wrong also he's like 19

[@katherinedun1]

Hearing white American men speak about how they made it only helps some of us

[@aki1latuer]

ima start my youtube channel

[@braxtonm9712]

That's all well and good but I want to be successful now

[@danny71737]

Anyone (with $10k of equipment) can do it, like me! (With $10k of equipment)

[@CERTIFIEDBABEWRANGLER]

I am so tired and broke

[@swashyhimself]

Danny Gervrtz method is the best although I don't rate him

[@kevinmejia1989]

Anyone who starts out by making music videos for Lil Dickey, is not starting out. Starting out is knowing no one and finding these people on your own. But thank you for saving me the time haha.

[@StandardStoryCo]

Had to cut down a lot of details but he got that gig through film school friends after they all moved to LA, this would have been before LD was nearly as famous

[@TheKodakChris]

Everyone starts somewhere bruh lol lil dicky was not always at the size he is now. It’s really not hard to make connections and come up together. A lot of people do it by networking

[@kevinmejia1989]

@TheKodakChris As someone making my own stuff, I just don't have time to hear success stories, but I'd love to hear a story about someone coming from where I have to get where I want to go!

[@Technique1995]

Man this more sad. I would say in India is better there diverse local industry.

[@lukearthur7319]

Are you scared AI will soon make better movies than humans?

[@ryanbodily5007]

Oh no, I'm making $2,000/day. What will I do? (Just kidding, I get the point lol)

[@michaeloliver6349]

It’s a not a career, it’s a calling, and no one who’s good or decent at it, cares about profits and name recognition… so really not so competitive out there just lots of noise from sheep and useful ponds