I’m 40. If You’re a Filmmaker in Your 20’s, Watch This

[@zachschmo]

I’m 32, I’m gonna watch this anyway and you can’t stop me

[@kylemize7616]

Hey me too!

[@0009reserva]

Yeah! Me too

[@rickbiessman6084]

34 year old chiming in :D

[@MediaByRyu]

35 here lol

[@oliverbury8983]

Same!

[@inframe-brooklyn993]

Brother I turned 59 this year. Been making movies since 1997 and ten years as as theatrical LD before that - you know you're old when standing is a chore and you fall asleep everytime you sit down. Happy Birthday and congrats on 100K ! - Charlie

[@LucForsyth]

wait, so I'm not supposed to fall asleep on set??

[@inframe-brooklyn993]

@@LucForsyth as long as there is someone there to poke you when you start snoring - that part is useemly! ;-)

[@baruchratz512]

​@@LucForsythI once accidentally did that. Someone was NOT HAPPY with me (luckily he was just another cinematographer and not the DP or director or anything, I was fine) The DP actually saw me, but we were on a break, and worked all day, so he was ok with it. 2 years later and we still work together.

[@adnauseam4435]

@@baruchratz512 I'm 35 I don't consider myself young but not that old as well. I love the conversation above, this always gives me hope to just keep going.

[@_lecoupdepouce]

Dude you speak as if 60 is like 80 yo. Come on 🤣

[@ImJasonAnthony]

I’m 37 and quit my 9-5 back in 2017. It was the hardest thing to go freelance full time. Fast forward, co-own a production company with 10 employees shooting commercials for Xbox and Lamborghini. It’s those who stick with this that will have breakthroughs. Most quit right before an impactful moment.

[@alexlyublin5647]

Any chance you are in NYC and looking for an extra pair of hands? I go to a film school right now but im hoping to get more physical experience in production.

[@ImJasonAnthony]

@ I’m LA based unfortunately! Always bringing on mentees to get hands on on my sets tho. If you’re ever in SoCal please tap in!

[@alexlyublin5647]

@@ImJasonAnthony Ah Sweet! I just followed you on instagram. I’ll be in SoCal eventually and I’ll definitely reach out!

[@officialjohnanthonymbe]

Jason you are him! Always loved your videos and you did it the hard way. Always humble and respond to messages, not full time but getting a lot of work so not too far off ❤

[@ishansadwelkar]

Watching this at age 32 after working for 12 years as an AD, DA, Prod. Assistant, Docu DoP, Photographer and God knows what else, and honestly I feel like I haven't even started, with no clarity on my next project. I finally bought my own camera after all these years and trying to pitch my first feature. Thank you for your wonderful insights, Luc. You are inspiring.

[@LucForsyth]

wow, you're insanely experienced for being 32! You'll be just fine, I have no doubt.

[@MindfulGrinds]

Dude. 45 here and I am only 3 years into my film production journey. I got to the point of burnout in my tech career and listening to your journey helps me believe it is still possible. Not in my 20s but definitely more advanced than someone in their 20s. Call it being process driven and life experienced. Lol. Happy birthday Luc!

[@spruceguse]

Calm your ego.

[@MindfulGrinds]

@ I am not sure what you are referring to. Ego?

[@LxrdSwift]

@@MindfulGrindsnot sure what he means. Nothing wrong with being process driven and being proud of your progress.

[@MindfulGrinds]

@@LxrdSwift I was a little perplexed. Certainly not ego. Just like Luc seemed to be getting at is that over time you develop your focus better. I know for me, when I was in my 20s, my priorities were much different and my reason for pursuing things have changed which changed how I approach a project. I only wish I had started working on creative projects sooner would be my only regret. I almost would say it is the opposite of ego for me because there is always someone better, faster, or more creative. After over retiring from over 20 years in the military, one thing I feel confident about is the respect for the different qualities that a team can bring together. I certainly have gone through my lone wolf times in feeling I could do it better or faster while in my 20s, but better or faster did not equate to quality or emotional connection which is where different views and styles are so great. Being older has helped me look at the broader picture about how everything comes together and benefits everyone rather than just the bottom line or final result. A motto for a non-profit I worked with is "The path is the destination." The path and the process have become more enjoyable than a rush to the finish line if that makes sense. Thanks for your response.

[@Solvables]

I’m only 24 but my last 4 years haven’t been… great. I’m not where I’d hoped to be in life by now, and I can get hard on myself. So, thank you for the reminder that life experience counts, because it reminds me that the last 4yrs weren’t a waste - they were just a foundation for everything else to come. Happy birthday, Luc 🍻

[@skulduggerypleasant9008]

dude, 25 here and feel exactly the same about my last 5 years, so thank you for your comment. Let's not beat ourselves up and keep moving in the right direction😊

[@tamtam19454]

One thing that definitely changes after 40 is that you start holding the viewfinder further and further away so your eyes can focus property. Happy birthday Luc!

[@aladam9348]

Got into production when I was 21. Almost quit at 26 because all my peers in other industries were making way more money for way less hours/days. 28 now and I realized that I love the craft, and as Luc said - the process of making it - and I can't see myself doing anything else. He's right, it does get better.

[@auroratours6716]

What should be m entioned: This colourful way of life made you so "grounded / down to earth" that you became one of the VERY FEW content creators in this niche who doesn't need to overact artificially to compensate a lack of self confidence! A pleasure to listen, watch, and learn from you since you appear so natural-normal. Congrats, man 🤘

[@jamesbruce]

Just Turned 61, some things get easier, and some a more of a challenge, but the stories get better with age! Happy Birthday.

[@neptun3189]

I just turned 30 this year. And I spiritually still feel in my twenties (hard denial) So I will watch this

[@ConstantinosKashiouris]

I turned 27, and I got into filmmaking at 25. Travelled twice for work in Europe, and have another trip planned this month, also hired full time editors for our social media client retainers. I could never imagine how many things you can do in just 24 months, and this is just the beginning. Thank you for the inspiration brother 🙏🏻

[@darrenmain7711]

Also 27, congrats on the success man!! I just started officially producing content for clients a couple months back, but already quite busy! I'd love to know how you went about hiring for this role, how you knew it was time to do so and how you manage your employees? Up the 27 club!!

[@mastermilan14]

@@darrenmain7711 Hello man! Congratulations! Do you have any tips on how to go start out on this path? Thanks.

[@OneTimeAtJakes]

As someone just getting into filmmaking in their 40s (we're birthday twins actually) this is still incredibly helpful. You hit on this with the life experiences section but I think a lot of folks don't fully know what it is they want to say Spend time getting to know yourself and the question of what to say gets a lot easier

[@sambrandner]

32. Struggled through a rough patch in my mid twenties. Never quit because I just love doing this stuff. Finally in a spot that I like where I am skill wise, excited to keep working towards the next step in my career. I see so many young filmmakers in a hurry. Slow down! Keep creating at a sustainable pace and lastly, don’t forget to charge what you’re worth!

[@youtubemoneyhater643]

24 years old and 4 Years into my own company. I get lots of support by my Family and I‘m really grateful for that. Today im standing 90% on my own and in less than one year I probably will. Photography and Filmmaking is something I love and happy to make my living from, but it’s hard work!

[@checca]

1:06 "Live comfortably in the ways that are important to me" ❤

[@Andomidds]

Im only about 8 minutes in and as a 22 y/o about to graduate, this is already incredibly reassuring. Thank you.

[@pedropoubel]

Last week (21 OCT) I turned 25. Happy birthday Luc!

[@LucForsyth]

25 is a great age! Happy birthday!

[@narrativasavulsas]

Happy Birthday late. I Turned 34 (same day).

[@ElvisOwit]

Turned 25 on the 9 oct

[@principalsproductions3714]

Two retired high school PrinciPALs and we are 3 years into our filmmaking experience. Thank you for your invaluable advice

[@DustinHarrelson]

I’m 27 and a little under 3 years into being a “full time filmmaker”. This video is incredible and I’ll definitely be watching it again in the future. Thanks for sharing this!!

[@Brian-Hansen]

Luc, out here dropping the truth. Good stuff. This career path takes time and patience. Hang in there, and it will open up with time.

[@Kobrakameraid]

I just achieve 10 years of filmmaking. What you are saying are all relatable. One thing tho, if you move to new country, you kinda fall back 3-4 years since you need that connection to build.

[@Mary_Golub]

I’m 22 now, and I’ve been making films since I was 12 years old. (Recently, one of my films was selected for the program of my first film festival, and I’m just hoping more people will get the chance to see it.) Two weeks ago, I left my family and home to live on my own for the first time-and in an entirely different country, 2,580 kilometers away from home. It’s been both an exciting and challenging experience. Right now, I’m working in a slightly different field (I’m still doing video, but this field is not as creative as I’d like), and I’m hoping to return to filmmaking as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’m writing the script for my next film. Your video is incredibly inspiring and has given me hope and a sense of relief-reminding me that I’m not falling behind and that I still have time and opportunities to move forward. Thank you!

[@yukairuretagoyena4307]

I just turned 20, looking around at the world of cinema since I was 15, thank you very much for sharing your experiences, now I feel calmer than 20 minutes ago, happy birthday!

[@denzelkhonje3327]

Turning 28 soon... Tasted a few different careers (A manual labourer, Data entry clerk, rebuilt engines, worked a lathe for a few days) and here I am trying to get into my passion full time, taking pictures with recently acquired a7ii and a7c ... Frankly, am loving the journey

[@Jordifonsek]

As my grandma used to say, "Viejos los cerros, yo solo tengo canas." Happy birthday Luc! I'm 27 and trying to break into it, your videos help me a lot to clarify and calm down my anxious self. Thanks man!

[@JKRJ14]

Great video, sir. I'm sorry to hear about your injury. I wish you a speedy recovery.

[@pavlicektom]

I cannot emphasize enough how relaxing vibes it gives me watching your videos during my usually boring days working in VFX industry... 👍😅

[@petermclennan6781]

I'm 78 and a retired IA DP. I worked and loved docs as a director/cameraman for three decades. I taught at a major well-known film school for a few years. I wish I'd had this video back then. Good advice, every single word.

[@bradschwartzrock]

Loved this. Turning 26 this month, and I’ve already had an exciting career that’s taken me all over the world. Truly blessed to have done so many different jobs so early on - but it takes getting out of your comfort zone. Still lots to learn but I’m enjoying it. Also in a transitional point at the moment trying to figure out what’s next after spending 2 years working in the WorldSbK racing world. I’m not scared though. Like you said, it’s the relationships that matter the most, and blessed to have made so many wonderful connections and friends on this journey.

[@pedrobrenes9907]

23 here, already did filmschool and currently doing a máster degree in Direction of photography. It's incredible to think I've only been doing this for about 3 years, and that already most of the People I went to school with, even People that helped me shoot stuff, are already out of their journey. I don't know how long it's going to take, but I know I am willing to go the distancie because this is the only job that makes me happy. To everyone out there, keep going, and we'll see each other at the finish line.

[@kola_mc]

I just turned 20 a few days ago and I've been slowly growing my filmmaking portfolio and this video came at the right time! Thank you so much for helping assuage some of my doubts and fears about pursuing this career path! It's been so fulfilling so far with the work I've done already but I can't wait for what's to come! Happy Birthday!

[@ArcticSkyWolf]

Happy 40th! I'm that filmmaker in my 20's! Those were some great points and I'm definitely going thru the "go travel and have life experiences" phase, while still continuously improving and trying new things! My previous office job was boring, so tried out making more videos again. I like to think I've gotten better at telling stories thru travel vlogs. While also building new relationships to cultivate a story to film in the first place. I do enjoy traveling, and can see myself working on projects that involve going to non-studio environments. Thanks for the videos!

[@myticslightning1638]

I'm 15 and still usefull for me, working for my 1st video on KZbin !! Happy birthday from France

[@MALIHRIDESH]

i am 20 year and been working from past 5 years and i completely believe with the term of experimenting

[@Umamicooks]

I just turned 30 and loving making youtube cooking videos. Finally got a FX30 camera and going to get better at lighting, composing, and scripting. Loving every piece of it. Great video. Happy Birthday.

[@TheYentevaneynde]

Hi Luc happy birthday! I’m an 29y old filmmaker from belgium. for the last 8 years I’ve been at work in the industry growing and getting unique opportunities but yes indeed it’s a competitive world and it can get overwhelming at times getting jobs or finding new opportunities. But keeping at it and. growing your skills in your craft and people around you is the most valuable in my experience. Thanks for making this video and sharing your experience ✌🏼🎥

[@Dubi00]

Happy Belated Birthday. I turn 35 on Nov. 7. Been doing this since High School. Still figuring it out.....lol

[@markbone]

just saw you snagged your 100K plaque! congrats!

[@richarddzisiewski7197]

I’ve just turned 60 and what I’ve learnt over 30 plus years as a cameraman is our industry is never a straight line. You have to adapt to new kit, new styles of filming, new trends etc, and I’ve tried to work to the motto of “every days a day at school”. Every job and every operator I’ve worked with will have something that you can take away from and learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if something catches your eye!!

[@nayfy]

Congratulations Luc, I really enjoyed watching that, You come across confident, grounded, knowledgeable and know how to tell it. Many relatable life topics - Me: 46 yrs old, I've only just gone full-time working in the field that has always been a side-line/weekend job. All profits, in honesty were spent on equipment upgrades. Each job has usually given me the excuse to buy the next thing I 100% need to succeed. My latest upgrade is a Canon R5 markii. Most memorable upgrade was glass: Canon's 50mm F1.2 back in 2016. Thanks again, great watching!

[@xory44]

Happy Birthday! Started a new creative path this year, finally posting animations made during the pandemic😅. Written some shorts I plan to make next.

[@connorcmedia]

Going to go pursue being an aircraft mechanic. 10 years is a long time. But it’s ok. I’m fine with playing the long game. I know that when I’m 30, I will be so much better off. Thank you for the overall message of this video.

[@MarioCastillion]

Heeey, congratulations on your 40th from a huge fan from Suriname. I hope to ever meet you in real life :)

[@jeremiahrarichards]

You're the only person I've ever heard say they've been to Mount Bosavi. Shot a doc living with a tribe in Bona Village. Our "house" had spectacular views of Mount Bosavi. Love your channel.

[@TheQuasarman]

Congats on your 40th! I'm 63 and really enjoy all of your videos!

[@AlexBjorstorp]

You’re a huge inspiration Luc! I can relate to everything you’ve said in this video, 2-3 years in but having combined that with fumbling around the world at the same time I’m finally coming to a clearer path with my filmmaking just as I turn 30 in a couple of months. Thanks for your great videos!

[@nataliefrohmann5715]

Read the newsletter today and I'm keeping it as a PDF to look at every now and then again. Such amazing advice! Thanks Luc

[@HasanAmin]

Luc, a piece of advice or criticism from a fan, enough with the B-Roll of yourself, we’ve had it.

[@saidamirmukhitdinov]

As a 27 year old, trying to be a DP. This was a great video and talk about timing. 🙏 thank you, really helped to hear some of these!

[@chipcurry]

I'm 78 and still making great films on all levels. If there's one thing I could do over, I would go back and do every job that I was ever asked to do. Too many times someone had no money or very little money and I saw all these professionals getting thousands of dollars to do videos and my bids were too high. If you've got the time, do all gigs, the budgets will come up naturally.

[@alexcortez8909]

"Just stick around". A very simple advice but one that I've heard from every successful filmmaker and photographer.

[@ManuelGussmann]

Roughly 5 years in, this pretty much mirrors my experience so far and makes hope to keep going and pushing now that things start really working out. Especially letting go of the “final destination” thinking was a key step this past year.

[@johanneshauswirth5651]

this is very true, and a lot of wisdom condensed. Im doing what im doing for 8 Years now and you hit the nail on the head with your insights. thanks for sharing, hope you had a great bday. on to the next decade

[@FilmshooterOH]

Happy Birthday!!! At 63, I can only wish to feel like 40. You're a you pup (at least for another decade or so.) I split my time between teaching filmmaking as my foundation and make grant funded docs on the side and I stillo love. I hope you do too in another 20 years. I told my students, jokingly, I make films because I have no other marketable skills. Thanks for all your videos. I share some in my classes so you are shaping young filmmakers in Ohio!

[@atomicbotprod5501]

I’m a filmmaker, 20 going on 21 in December and that a7 to thinking about buying a fx3 hit close to home. Very helpful and made me feel better thank you.

[@kushaalprasad2178]

Happy belated birthday, turning 26 on the 31st and definitely needed this,thank you.

[@theowlfromduolingo7982]

Congratulations for both hitting 100k and turning 40 🎉

[@arielespiro]

True inspiration to all of us filmmakers

[@theotherHOLLYWOOD]

Hey Luc. Enjoyed this video and I agree, it's all about relationships. And life experiences? I've got plenty! But I viewed your video from, perhaps, a very different perspective. I specialize in travel, with 93 countries under my belt, most of them multiple times. I freelanced for the New York Times Travel section for about 15 years, back when they had a budget, and also for many national magazines and newspapers. I started out in still photography, and about 11 years ago, added video to the mix. You talk about how, in some ways, the competition drops out, the longer you're in "the game." My issue is quite the opposite. It's my clients who are "dropping out" (retiring) and in some cases, dropping dead. Literally! So now, I'm confronting an entirely new gang of potential clients: a bunch of 20 and 30-somethings who are filling the rolls of PR people, art directors, ad agency people, etc...my typical clients, who I feel are reluctant to hire someone with vastly more experience than they, either because they feel, perhaps intimidated that I might know more than they, or perhaps feel I'm not up to the job, or they'd rather "hang" with someone their own age. I should add here, that I'm 80 (really!), and still actively working, and keeping up with the technology, and trends, and hardware. Well, most of it; I still can't bring myself to love vertical video. I don't really "have" to keep working, but I love what I do. Just not getting to do it as much as I would like. I shot a cruise ship in NY Harbor 2 weeks ago (I live in Florida), and shooting aerial video here (helicopter, not drone) next week. And I have to keep scratching the travel "itch." The past 18 months, I've been to India, Japan, and Kazakhstan. At least KZbin gives me an outlet (not monetized), and I can "hire" myself. But I've always enjoyed doing it for "real jobs." Enough ranting. Thanks for listening.

[@fpssebastian]

Happy 40!, turned 22 a couple of weeks ago and this gives me more hope. Although things have been looking good for me working camera dept. in NYC there’s the usual doubts but you reminded me that the years build momentum

[@davidkrobar]

Thanks for this Luc! As a expedition filmmaker in my mid twenties, listening to your advice has been great for keeping me sane, in all ups and downs of this business :))

[@klaus.tugade]

This video couldn’t have came out at a better time! The media company I work said they were closing their doors and now I’m taking the dive into free lancing and felt very overwhelmed! Cheers to your birthday! 🎉

[@leowillgo]

“The process is the point, and for me that’s just fine”… love that man. Happy birthday.

[@jacobzatorsky]

This is primarily why I started filmmaking! To learn about the world

[@W4N9PRODUCTIONS]

I’m 17 but I’m almost there. Close enough! I’ve been watching your channel for a while now and I have learned lots from it. Thank you! And congrats on 100k 🎉🎉😊

[@rickbiessman6084]

Happy belated birthday! Here’s to a couple more decades of telling inspiring stories! =)

[@Framesbyfrisby]

So much wisdom! This is a golden video! I’m 8 years in and I needed this!

[@BScottAndersen]

Your calm, thoughtful, and expert advice keeps me coming back to your channel. The wisdom you gave about not "winning" anything is spot on. I was a software engineer for forty years and we used to say, "Programming is like pinball. The reward for doing it well is to be able to do it again." Happy Birthday and keep bringing us great content.

[@Cinegavo]

am 23, and have started making money in film the past two years... but have been doing it forever and have just started to turn a dime. thanks

[@JEMFilms.]

A bit late, but Happy Birthday! I hope it was amazing!

[@EuRafaelBuarque]

First of all, congratulations, Luc! For your birthday and for 100k subscribers. I wish you all the best on your journey! I'm 33 years old and a filmmaker from Brazil, and your videos have helped me a lot to start my career as a documentary filmmaker. I currently work in advertising and as a freelance filmmaker, but I'm slowly improving my skills and starting to produce my own short films. Thank you and a big hug!

[@serranokeys]

That last piece of advice is really solid and encouraging, thanks for that!

[@robinbaldrian3352]

Your channel is pure YT-Gold, I am so happy this exists. I hear you and I am one of those dudes in his late 20ies who wants to make a living doing exactly what you do because I love it. I take this video and your newsletter as points of reference for me. Thank you so much for putting in the work and sharing this, for me personally, this is tremendously valuable.

[@shueibdahir]

Dude, the last point hit the nail on the head for me! I've been doing this for almost 10 years with almost nothing to show for it except the capability to make pretty images and screenwrite due to the fact that I've suffered from insane level of imposter syndrome and perfectionism

[@AMARBOYHEL]

Man! I love how your youtube channel is for photographers and filmmakers! I just graduated from a photo program and i’m excited to give freelancing a shot! Legit full time!

[@PatricPersson]

You’re so enjoyable to listen to 🙏🏽

[@felipecordero3]

Happy birthday Mr. Luc. Your positive attitude, honest remarks and clear advice are much needed in today's filmmaking world. Keep it up buddy! May all your wishes come true! Wish you the best all the way from Ecuador.

[@CadenButera]

Love everything about this, you just earned yourself a subscriber

[@lanreOmotosho]

CONGRATULATIONS

[@Martinabis]

Happy 40 with 100k subs Luc!!! Even these milestones will seem insignificant in a few years 😉

[@AlbertoCadeddu]

Thank you, man. Your video and channel are incredibly valuable. I started from zero at 30, but I’m keeping at it, learning and practicing quietly. Who knows-maybe one day I’ll be like you, turning my dream into my living.

[@itskenknight]

Congrats on 100k man! Your videos make a difference in people’s lives and they helped motivate me to pursue a career in film. I’m now a full time video editor and am super happy. Your videos inspire and I appreciate what you’re doing.

[@dukecha]

You nailed it! Making life experiences is so much more valuable than binging KZbin videos and collecting gear.

[@chosenideahandle]

40! Holy smokes man, I'm in my 50's (no surgeries here yet!) and still feel like I'm struggling to get off the ground lol. I keep hoping to run into you in person, so I can tell you how much I like these videos in the flesh. I may have told my 20 year old self to perhaps go deeper into film/video production straight away, but my heart pushed me toward other creative avenues at the time.

[@IMDABROWN]

From another 50 year old… stop trying to be the teachers pet. 😂. Just kidding

[@CurrenSheldon]

And congrats on hitting 100k subscribers! Milestones galore.

[@jermainechambers6977]

Congratulations on 100k subscribers and happy belated birthday man! You’re my favorite filmmaker content creator, and you have no idea how much you’ve inspired us! Thank you for everything you do for the community. 🎉

[@anthony.sobrightie]

I turn 39 next week. Been doing this for almost 15 years. On some level, I know I just need to hang in there and weather the storms and it'll be ok in the end.....but I forget easily. This video really made it clear to me. The longer you survive, the lower the competition.

[@yanikkendler]

thats such a great fresh mindset.. im so gonna steal that

[@antongabrielcinema]

Happy 40 lad! You're on the right way!

[@DirectedXDW]

I’ll be 27 next month, been doing photography video this since I was 18-19 I always tell my young homies just enjoy the journey have fun

[@mjgfromDDD]

In todays world, instant gratification has made people think about quick gain, quick success. In art, that mindset will never last so knowing success and opportunities will come with only long term work, consistent work, the suffering of it all. This is great advice!

[@ToldbyNick]

Happy Birthday, Luc. Congrats on 100k and thanks for making videos like this. I needed to be reminded of a lot of it.

[@Shot.ByChris]

Yup! Needed this today!

[@Cartercaramel]

Congratulations on the 100k! And, more importantly, happy birthday. I feel like I've learned more from your channel than any other, especially in this first year of being in business on my own. Thanks for everything you do!

[@beltenebrosgr1904]

Happy Birthday Luc and thank you so much for being so open and sharing...You have been more helpful and inspiring than you can imagine. Congrats on the 100K subs...All the best and keep going strong... Greetings from beautiful Greece!

[@ninoydayritvideoworks]

So many gems but my favorite on the list at the email is number 18. Study art.

[@zanderwilll]

going into my third year, and the competition point you made is very true

[@robinreso6240]

Dude I feel like kissing you now😂😂😂48 years living as a bartender 2 kids and a lovely wife.You just spoke to the heart. I love these 'life lessons" stories. Happy birthday🎉🎉🎉

[@MichaelDougherty]

Happy belated birthday.