Is Cinematography too Competitive?

[@tegidcartwright1202]

Yes mate - I only want to add one more caveat - if there's nothing coming up, nothing going on, and maybe you've got no mad worries - do absolutely nothing at all and feel fine about it. I've been hustling for 10 years or more and I find doing nothing really difficult, or "having fun" really difficult. But I've found a great deal of mental fortitude and recovery in doing nothing - watching a tree move. Nothing. And removing the guilt from doing that. Fan. Tas. Tic video theme mate.

[@carlostigs]

Love this!

[@lbrtvlldr]

Your comment reminded me of a friend of mine. He works for a big studio, and despite being offered permanent positions, he chooses to freelance for that same studio and only work 8 months max per year. I assumed he had personal projects or something on the side, but when I asked him, he said he does NOTHING during those long breaks. No work, just rest and have fun.

[@BrentBaldwinFutures]

“Maybe it’s time to stop waiting for things to come to you..and time for you to go after those things” 🤙🏼🎥🔥 thanks brother !

[@mottavisuals]

Thank you for speaking about this, it takes a bit of the anxiety away.

[@carlostigs]

Glad it can help a little

[@proexproductions]

Thank you so much for sharing your vulnerability, self reflection, and wisdom. For me, seeing the "competition" tends to make me feel shame and a lack of self worth. And whenever I express my vulnerabilities it feels wrong because most of what the algorithm puts in front of me is nothing but waves and waves of stellar work. Everybody appears to already have summited their mountains while I'm stuck in the valley searching for a mountain. I'm so glad I found you and Danny to follow and hear things like this. Much Love and good luck with your recovery

[@moviemaster3435]

Hey Gian! I'm a film student and your words really spoke to me. I struggle with comparing my work to others in my uni all the time, and so this video really hit home. Love the videos and the authentic style of your content, it feels great to know that we're all in this crazy filmmaking journey together.

[@HEIR.BRANDON]

My guy! Well said man, I believe alot of people STOP CREATING because they feel defeated and it's so untrue. There's so much more to filmmaking than shooting as you stated in video. I been studying other departments like grip, I was gifted a book called "The Grip Book" and I'm literally learning the technicalities on grip equipment. I have footage on my computer that I've been splicing up to use for future videos because I am about to relaunch my youtube. Started a short film concept, like there's so much we can do collectively outside of filmmaking. It might not always seem "sexy" but it's so needed. So I THANK YOU 🌻for sharing this man, well said!

[@BenPatrik]

I’m watching this on my way home from my day job in construction. It’s a timely reminder for me since I’m itching to fast forward to when I make films full time. Your combination of good sense, chill voice and atmospheric backtrack are helping me refocus on where I am, what I can be doing now, and how to position myself for where I’m going. Thanks Carlo.

[@adoshaw]

your thoughts and reflexions are all i needed this last year. Keep doing this!

[@robvision3888]

I fired my therapist. I watch Gian Carlo videos now for self healing.

[@joaquincarrizo502]

Right now, I have the feeling that I NEEDED to watch this video and listen carefully to your words. Honestly, thanks a lot.

[@GoldLynxMedia]

"Success is not linear" thats a jewel. Gotta remind myself of this often. Good stuff

[@dimaphotographer90]

Man, you seem so kind and understanding human being! As a Cinematographer and Photographer myself I often think about these slow times, I'm still learning to embrace these moments and try to improve myself even a little bit. Thank you for being nice, we need more people like you for a better world! :)

[@bakoenanakin9400]

This really hit me!! You literally said how I felt. I needed this shyt 💯🔥.

[@gastronomee_]

fellow young creator here - just started my channel about a month ago. for a long time it was really hard for me to juggle filming with recipe prep and also narrating - often felt like i was doing too much. it's competitive - but it's not always a bad thing. it's just hard to remember sometimes that so many factors - budget, gear, geography - affect your shots. loved this - keep it up!

[@tylerfranta]

Fantastic video with a ton of great advice in there that really hits home! Thanks for making it!

[@DavidsOldChannel]

Never saw your channel or any of your videos yet somehow, this was exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you for making this video!

[@direk-g]

"Luck is when Opportunity meets Preparation" daym🤧🤧

[@jbawproductions7601]

This was very touching, probably some of the best advice I have ever heard from someone in the industry. You touched on the logical and emotional side and that's one thing in the creative space that's neglected a lot. Mad respect for you !!

[@FightNightLegacy]

Bro!!!! I love that you said what needed to be told and said it well. This video is nothing but truth.

[@lovellcamel2053]

This video make a lot of sense, not only to filmmakers, but also to every single person!

[@TheTitanGen]

Thanks Carlo I needed to hear this today.

[@digitalartswe5208]

Thank you for this encuragement

[@FloNick]

Beautiful words man! I could very much relate to them. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts.

[@alessioferreri]

This is awesome Gian, really deep words. I want to add something more to this and you also talked in part about it. I think that creativity is a shared journey. We grow by ourselves but we grow better with other people around us, inspiring us, creating with us and playing with us. You don't always have to come up with new ideas, creative projects, short films etc... you can rely on other people around you, try to be a better person, listen and enjoy meeting new people and come up with side projects. Take your time to explore, connect and projects will arise!

[@TimMaddoux]

It’s been a struggle recently. Your timing with this is appreciated more than you know. ✌🏼🙏🏼

[@RankedMusic]

I was actually thinking (and worrying) about this earlier today - this has definitely come at the right time. Your skill set and passion will always crush ego's and competition

[@hsynsrky]

It's not being great at what you do, it is just not giving up until you are great. One of the things I like about being a young filmmaker is to see your work matures as you grow up. Hey also I just watched Eight Grade and seeng your video right after that film is a great coincidence as Kayla expresses her feelings about her life just like you do (at least she tries lol)

[@mayodesilva]

thank you so much, I needed this video from you as January is always very slow for me.thank you

[@carlostigs]

Glad it helped!

[@felipegonzalezcardenas6103]

This kind of videos are gold at the moment where you just can find cinema rigs or tech crappy stuff in KZbin. Thanks for doing this! Best wishes with the upcoming projects.

[@kiwihavoc]

Great topic Gian. I’m a DP based in New Zealand and I’ve been freelancing for 25 years. Plenty of ups and downs in that time. As you say it’s the valleys that really shape you and make you resilient going forward. It’s easy to have self doubts at those times but if you can prepare financially and mentally (I’ve learnt that the hard way) it can be a positive experience. I enjoy your channel. You’re a lot more “real” than a lot of KZbinrs. Thankyou

[@eliucornielle5290]

Great words of wisdom and experience Giancarlo. Proud of you brotha! I recently shared on IG (I believe it was in Spanish) about some of the same concepts. Lucky breaks don’t exist; the interception between opportunity and preparation are the key. Well said amigo!

[@ShanygneKing]

Thanks man, I’m in this position right now. Got let go from my full time videography position ( the job I left my corporate job for) now I’m trying freelance and it’s scary and lonely. I’m thinking that I’m too ambitious and should get my head straight and just get a job and stop chasing this

[@carlostigs]

Keep pushing

[@mradriiiian]

You're likely the most valuable KZbin channel for filmmaking. Thank you

[@carlostigs]

Wow, thank you!

[@p.m1777]

It’s been hard on me man everytime I open Instagram I see people with great camera gear on great sets and here I am with a old Nikon, I am grateful at the end of the day and I will get there.

[@carlostigs]

Each path is different. I started with a Nikon also

[@p.m1777]

@@carlostigs ❤️saving up for a good camera right now might take me a year but I’ll get there thanks for the great content!

[@charles.vernier]

Bro, These are the facts... So good to hear. I needed this reminder man. Keep it up.

[@yaphetsalgado]

Thank you for this, I just graduated college in December and since then I’ve been shooting my shot left and right have gotten nothing but this video helped my mind and helped me figure out what to do with this time in limbo.

[@carlostigs]

Keep it goingn

[@Jackson_Scott]

This Set is absolutely beautiful man!!

[@drew.schettler]

Great thoughts man, encouraging words! Love your podcast too.

[@MaximilianRosenbaum]

This hit me off guard. Spend years dreaming about filmmaking while pursuing a carrer that I didn't really want. Now I'm here and trying to get ready for everything that comes my way. ♥

[@DustinHarrelson]

This has been weighing on me a lot lately tbh. thank you for making this man!

[@carlostigs]

Happy to help!

[@sophie56789]

Needed this! Thank you

[@lesleyannculla]

Hey Gian Carlo, thank you for sharing this. This is very valuable!

[@carlostigs]

My pleasure!

[@thidm]

Amazing video Carlo. Super slow start in 2024 for me, and the mind and thoughts has been rough. Using time to be in studio, creating and improving my weaknesses, doing passion projects for portfolio and stuff. Freelance is a choice and we all should know its gonna get dark sometimes. Let's go

[@chroniclevisuals2717]

Such an important topic. Thanks for your insights. I’m just starting out going hard after freelance and the most challenging thing for me with not having work is not being able to afford my own place to live. Until your bare necessities are met it’s difficult to fully invest in your passions. Currently working and couple of part time jobs to maintain some flexibility while also saving money in the meantime.

[@mini-studio]

Woooo... he ain't never lie. Great job

[@carlostigs]

Thanks

[@WhySteve]

Man, I barely survive financially as a freelancer and often wish I could just let go of the stress and anxiety and do a generic 9-5 job. But then, I realize that I will be giving up my "freedom", and that's something that I can't let go of. And man, this really came at a good time because I literally have no bookings for the rest of... well, ever, so far lol. Thanks for motivating words! Peace out ;)

[@MaikHansen]

needed that a lot!! Thank you

[@omarodhiambo5059]

Keep up the good work Carlo👏

[@carlostigs]

Thanks, will do!

[@Josh_Johnston]

Really solid message here for all of us filmmakers - well done Gian - thank you for discussing topics like this

[@carlostigs]

Thank you!

[@digitalskyjourney]

Inspirational message! Also, thank you for not using the 1/4 mist filter 😉

[@timdanyo898]

Without a deep rooted mission, or having an end goal in mind (that we are working towards) we can fall into the comparison/competition trap. When our skills and work growth are tied to a bigger vision and focus then the distractions fade away.

[@carlostigs]

Thanks for sharing

[@huzaifahhaaris6166]

All facts

[@sithijatishan]

Such a valuable message brother! Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts with this community ❤️

[@carlostigs]

My pleasure!!

[@richmediafilms]

This video is deep. Thanks for the message

[@amineboudoukha9975]

This video was so helpful, thanks man ❤️

[@nourisardardp]

Great reflection. I really think there’s enough work to go around for everyone, and we’re all just working on the projects that are right for us. The only golden pot is front if us, and not at the end of a rainbow. Working hard to hone our craft while also writing down where we want to be in 5, 10, 15 years professionally, and slowly working toward it, is an incredible way to achieve what we want.

[@carlostigs]

Thank you

[@hungegrufilm1569]

Thank you Gian Carlo Stigliano for what you shared. It is like a source of motivation that motivates me to love my filmmaking job more, even though I only do wedding and event service jobs. And recently I bought Ursa mini pro G2 4k6, because of your inspiration. Thank you and peace

[@carlostigs]

Glad it helps

[@Mithilesh44]

Good day Carlo! Thanks for this heartful convo. I thought it would be interesting if you’d cut to B cam only when your looking away from A cam. ☮️

[@marcusgoins3598]

Thank you bro

[@kakaproduction4156]

Thank for this bro

[@diaryofacameraman]

Thanks so much boss for this encouragement,I promise to prepare myself and become better to prepare for opportunity and become better in my cinematography and Photography God bless you sir Love you sir

[@FlipFlopPhilippe]

Thanks I needed this!

[@Flo-Perso]

That was very inspiring, thx

[@emiljaarr]

Thank you, man, I recently made a big decision and moved to another country where i don;t know anyone and i am no-one. I was thinking the same way but this video made it much more clear for me. Thanks a lot!

[@carlostigs]

Thanks for sharing

[@sam_tropez]

thx for the video. keep going mister stigliano!!!

[@carlostigs]

Thanks, will do!

[@richmediafilms]

Wow had to drop a 2nd comment. "Luck is when opportunity meets preparation and you're able to capitalize" that for sure is going on my computers home screen

[@carlostigs]

Thanks!

[@Smamaj]

i was sure i was alone in this feeling i suck etc but it seem everyone has it but not many people talk about it.

[@bboyakwel]

Thanks for your honesty 100% true very interesting topic 👌🏻👌🏻

[@carlostigs]

So nice of you

[@HromekLukas]

Thank you for this, better than a therapy :)

[@carlostigs]

Haha maybe

[@dunke10]

I understand what you meant, but I think that each context is different. The job market is very unfair to some people, especially in places where there is not much incentive for audiovisual production like where I live, and just being good at work is not always enough. In my personal experience, the people who got the most work were those who had the most contacts and were more communicative (not counting nepotism) than those who actually understood the craft better, and often this relationship has certain biases that can be exclusionary for some people. I know that this kind of thing is unfortunately practically institutionalized, but I think there needs to be space for this criticism in this business

[@carlostigs]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@Francisxuyota]

Thank you

[@carlostigs]

You're welcome

[@PavelGreenkevich]

Great Expirence, motivation, thanks for the video)

[@LoyalPizza]

Hope you’re doing better with your injury! Out of curiosity I watched your Sony Venice video and it made me think. I have a little bit of an inventory of some camera gear, nothing compared to you. How do I go about letting people rent out my gear I have 3 Zeiss compact lens 5 rikinon lens 3 24-70mm 70-200 mm 100-400mm cartoni tripod and 2 bmpcc 6k. Also I live in an hour from Austin. Which is only the real film central area near by. Thanks for in advance

[@BATTLEHAWKMEDIA]

Beautiful ❤️

[@carlostigs]

Thank you! 😊

[@TheDanielMSilva]

My non-competitive suggestion: "Mon oncle d'Amerique" (1980, Alain Resnais). ❤

[@nshaps]

So well said

[@omarelsayed989]

Thanks you..

[@mattsekowski]

Thanks for sharing! One question - Why is your second angle so far left? Usually most ppl try to leave room in front of a speaking person not behind. Just curious if I miss something in case it’s intentional.

[@benediktmeyer]

great video!

[@TheNetAlex]

Bro your biceps are huuuge

[@24corp.cinema]

Hi ! I love your videos, being French, would you be able to translate your videos into French? just with subtitles of course!

[@CreativeGapPodcast]

Great video

[@_burd]

Ironically, I don't believe consuming mass amounts of content/knowledge/equipment around film making necessarily makes you a more interesting/creative film maker. Technical proficiency, sure, but those things are a given in time when it comes to projects, either from developing experience or from collaboration with others' strengths. It's the study/curiosity in everything else out there that makes you come up with more interesting creative decisions, regardless of wether those 'decisions' are in the pitch, the script, on the set or in post. In general, understanding how the kind of subject matter you want to make something around actually works, what those characters there are like, matters in that world- that stuff will make you uniquely valuable. You might find yourself studying romantic period painting techniques not for brush skills but for understanding concepts like colour values and the decisions required to balance a painting well to help you understand why lighting ratios and understanding (the entire job of the colourist) the details of colour theory is really important. There's something about getting to the core of the knowledge behind the things you're trying to master that makes you have more control when being creative. As apposed to gathering lots of 'tips' that are super top-level and without much understanding or nuance about underlying process so you can make your own decisions with. That just ends up with you have little other options other than to just copy. Which ends up with everyone looking the same. Real emergent creativity is being able to take disparate concepts and subjects from sometimes wildly unrelated fields and combining them to create something valuable. But to do that, you personally need to 'travel' around a bit visually/audially/intellectually and nurture a real curiosity towards the world itself, outside of just the art of putting moving rectangles around it ;)

[@peckerdecker]

Technology has made movie making and storytelling accessible to the *average person* . *Creativity* always beats a technical marmazette. Look at the millions of videos And movies shared every day all made Using *Just a smartphone* . Even A strong decent story made on a Nokia phone Will always be victorious over a film made with tons of equipment. So- *Just Have fun* . HAPPY New year/ 2024 everyone

[@prottentogo]

any advice for anxiety filled photographers who do surprisingly well when on jobs but fail to produce any content outside of that say with a amateur model (or even friend)?

[@carlostigs]

Try not to be too serious have fun

[@charming_and_granite]

mmm. yes, blinders. that's exactly what they are. great video.

[@Owlbot]

I had a really great conversation with Hoyte on my podcast recently if you're interested! It's here on my channel or any Podcast platform; 'scalled Frame & Reference.

[@randallburgess6393]

Ya its a tough road to be an artist. Always has been

[@carlostigs]

Indeed

[@tonysluna]

Very Strange... I "Subscribe" long long ago.. but now i just saw that it was taken away...?

[@RasheedJones]

Technically is moving too fast now. In about 4 years every will basically have a cinema camera in their pockets. Living in a small city where everyone is trying to do the same thing now. Especially with AI taking control of everything it’s really hard now. It’s turning back into a nice hobby again.

[@carlostigs]

Thanks for sharing

[@ARThompsn]

❤

[@carlostigs]

:)

[@jerry4706]

yes. any joe blow with 2 grand can buy a "cinema camera". this abundance of content competes for a limited amount of eyes.

[@xxphactor]

I call this the Facebook Dilemma., where people think people on Facebook are living the best life and yours sucks. You are living in an era where gear is so accessible to everyone now. Now EVERYONE is a "filmmaker", which means that you have a shit load of freelancers trying to make it and be seen, thus, competition. Everyone wants to be the Chief and not willing to be the Indian (no offense hopefully..:o)). So you see, it's a mixed situation. And when you a freelancer, politics comes to play. Not being called comes into play. Protecting your turf and the goodwill that you built for yourself from 10 other freelancers that want what you have. Lastly, as freelancer, you don't eat if you don't hunt. So say you want to work in corporate? It's tough when the video is shot by the marketing dept with an iPhone, and the big money spots goes to those out of town. Damm man you hit a nerve!...LOL

[@festivisionstudios8789]

Its definitely slim Pickens out here😂

[@zongmuas]

I had a friend tell me, "You can wait for life to happen to you or you can go do something in life". And it's something I really resonate with. It's easy to sit and wait for that amazing opportunity to drop in your lap but the chances of that happening is slim to none. Some times, you have to create those opportunities for yourself.

[@carlostigs]

Well said!

no, its to expensive

[@lbrtvlldr]

5:00 Why are you composing this shot this way? Isn't it creating tension? That doesn't support your motivational message, does it? Maybe I'm missing something.

[@TehMr]

Think of the negative space as his thought bubble for his inner thoughts

[@rtucci3643]

you look lit, put a practical next to a table or something to justify that light source

[@huzaifahhaaris6166]

If you ever want to stay busy you’re always welcome to join us. We’re in NJ & NY. @shineforlife_ we own Alexa Mini LF & 35. N is all about community. So we welcome whoever.