Timeless Filmmaking Advice That Will Change Your Life

[@mfluder15]

If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not doing anything. Make mistakes and learn from them. And when you make them, own them.

[@ahmedaiham9614]

Absolutely! It’s going back to the screen and realizing every little thing you could have improved or done differently And I think that is a constant for every single professional also. Some of my most life changing advice was when I fixed for French photojournalist Mathias Depardon with Le Monde, and realizing that he was as human as I was. Not everyday you are in the zone or get things just right but it is systematically assessing your mistakes and not doing the same thing the next time - especially on an assignment context rather than random shooting Creativity is a non-linear journey, ain’t it hehe

[@theowlfromduolingo7982]

Yes, plus (if possible) make the mistakes as quickly as possible and maybe even in a private controlled situation where it doesn’t matter as much. It’s of course still annoying but you still learn from it and won’t f up in the future again when you are on a higher level.

[@johnnyc.5979]

I know people that when they make a mistake, they don't really own it, they just say, "Oops, my bad." What? Really.

[@LucForsyth]

this one resonates!

[@LucForsyth]

💯

[@garyanderson4653]

Thank you, Luc. The generosity of pros in the filmmaking world never ceases to amaze me, and I am grateful for all of it.

[@LucForsyth]

You're most welcome!

[@StephenParsey]

Love hearing the stories and appreciate the honesty about your stumbles on the journey. Keep “just getting better!”

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks a lot, really glad you like the content!

[@Fendeguard]

Love so much how you express your experience, man. It's so sincere and human and incredibly universal. Things we know, but really good reminders said in a new way.

[@LucForsyth]

Exactly...nothing new, but the classics don't go out of style. Thanks!

[@Joshrwms87]

Man you really can tell the real genuine filmmakers out there. Like the real ones that are out there actually doing it. I saved this video to watch again and again. Great advice good sir! Very motivating and sobering.

[@LucForsyth]

great to hear man, glad it helped!

[@BTMovieSecondChannel]

It's not always so clear but at least here, it's very obvious he knows what he does and says :)

[@Joshrwms87]

I've been doing video production for 10 years now. Always within the media department of whatever company I'm working for. Starting to get burnt out. I went to film school to learn to make films and instead I'm making content for other people that I don't particularly care about. I want to break the cycle. I feel like all I'm doing is treading water and getting nowhere in my "filmmaking" career.@@LucForsyth

[@brodie_hart_filmmaker]

Great advice here, Luc. Coming from a TV News background, I wrote hundreds of stories per year (and shot and edited plenty of 'em too). Simply getting day in and day out reps was the best teacher for storytelling. Studying those I admired and borrowing their techniques helped, but without the daily opportunities to implement these techniques, mess 'em up, and then try the next day, they would have just been theory.

[@LucForsyth]

Yes, this is the way!

[@TRwalks]

Nice to see the KZbin algorithm put a video in my feed that I want to watch and learn from. Thanks for the video. Much appreciated.

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome! Happy shooting.

[@romulo560]

Luc this is one of the best channels I have ever encountered! Thanks for all of this amazing advice!!

[@GeologyDude]

I appreciate you honesty in this dialog. Thx very much!

[@benjaminmaxant]

I think that the last advice you told us is one of the best advices that I’ve ever heard. Wise and short. 🙌

[@JAmediaUK]

Everywhere, particularly "here" is somewhere-else for someone. The grass is green everywhere.

[@LucForsyth]

100% true!

[@CDStudios]

I continue to be impressed by your consistency and quality of your posting schedule and your benignly mater of fact personality. Thanks for being cool! Downloaded the ebook, thank you for that!

[@LucForsyth]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@Brian-Hansen]

Thanks Luc! One piece of advice I got that was very inspiring happened about eight years ago. I was talking to an editor that worked in LA on big budget television, and when we were talking, we were sharing some war stories and such. Now this editor was someone I definitely looked up to and wanted to be like. I’ve always lived in the Midwest, and when we were sharing some details about projects we’ve worked on she pointed out how much she wished that she lived in the Midwest and did the edits that I did. She said it would be so nice to work on something with so many less stakeholders. She said “you must have such a good time editing for a small client with minor changes.” She said that her entire life was filled with endless revisions and political battles with producers. She advised me to stop trying to go after some LA editing job. She was telling me it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, and I completely agreed with her. It was shocking to hear her say how much she wanted to not do it anymore. It was so great to hear that I should just grow where I’m planted! The grass is always indeed greener on the other side. Make stories where you are. Stop wanting to be somewhere else.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks for sharing Brian!

[@shanebensondrums]

This is such a great video. I can relate to a few of those mistakes 🤣 great way to learn because the fear of messing up makes you retain the information / forces you to change habits.

[@davidp158]

Pretty much ALL your videos have advice that is solid and applicable to my career path. I appreciate you’re willingness to share your experiences.

[@LucForsyth]

Of course, glad it helped!

[@YCTriesEverything]

I misjudged that this was going to be a "best camera gear" and "i have a course so you suddenly become a better videographer" kind of video. But this much more valuable advice. True, honest to god lessons that this career takes action and experience above all else. I've made my own share of mistakes starting out that has made me want to hide under a rock. It's refreshing to know that everyone messes up inevitably. Just a matter of not repeating those mistakes. Awesome video with the best advice for rookies, start RIGHT NOW, Wherever you are.

[@LucForsyth]

glad to have surprised you!

[@NaorFilms]

Great content!

[@WhySteve]

This makes me think of how some people say "you're so talented" and I get a little annoyed because it's not god given talent that came naturally and effortlessly. It's hours and hours of studying, practicing and hard work. Hold up, I NEED to hear the Zac Efron story haha!

[@LucForsyth]

yes! 💯

[@sayemad]

Thank you Luc! I’m a 35 yo DP coming from the commercial scene, I’ve been searching around documentary filmmaking as it’s been always where I thought I want to be. This video and the ebook that I also read came at the right time and were so helpful and highly recommended. Thank you for the effort you put in them, I can say I lived many details you went through while reading. Great watch great read.

[@maximilianogenes]

Hello! thanks for sharing. Action, becoming better, and accepting mistakes are great tips. I believe that everything in life takes time and effort. Your videos always inspire us to commit more to our work and career. I'm going to download and read the book! Thank you for taking the time to do it and put it in our hands! See you!

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome - hope you like it!

[@dianelansing9076]

What a gift finding these videos. I’m beginning my first documentary! You have helped so much.

[@zongmuas]

Luc just casually drops a 70-page book. 😂😂 Talk about taking ACTION! Love to see it!

[@LucForsyth]

hope you like it!

[@MikeDancy]

I used to live in Seoul. Right near Olympic Park. I wish I had a camera back in 2001. I was there when 9/11 happened and it was a wild ride for a few weeks. Watching the soldiers be rushed out of the Itewon bars and going back to base etc since it happened at night for us.

[@LucForsyth]

that must have been wild...I lived in Guro myself

[@firstsipstudios]

I always stop what I am doing when I see Luc posting a new video. Great advice!

[@LucForsyth]

Appreciate that my friend!

[@speliotis]

Thank you Luc, You make a perfect companion to the AOD Modules...

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome, great to hear!

[@boschulte]

Sharing a genuine learning experience is difficult because it takes humility… I’m starting with docs on my family.

[@LucForsyth]

that's the perfect plce to start.

[@How_Soon_Is_Never]

I stumbled across your channel quite by accident looking for content to become a better photographer and filmmaker. I didn't expect to find this. Thanks for writing down your reflections and sharing these life changing moments. It's fascinating what an impact some encounters sometimes can have on your perosnal live so nothing is the same afterwards. I feel this way now that I've read your ebook. Thanks again. P.S. You are a talented writer.

[@cameragod1]

One of the best bits of advice I had coming up was "anyone can shoot the spectacular stuff and make it look great, but if you can make the ordinary look interesting, that's really something."

[@LucForsyth]

love this!

[@nate_thenotso_great]

Thank you for your valuable time it took to make this video. Just dipping my toes into videography. Starting to write a small documentary in my local town…we’ll see!

[@JohanFitFoodie]

Great to hear you started out as an English teacher in Korea, a fantastic country and also got me started with photography and vlogs 🇰🇷🌆😊🍖

[@JakeSloan]

I completely agree that failure is the best teacher!

[@LucForsyth]

always.

[@Zacheldridge]

Thanks for sharing, great tips! "Start now, wherever you are" is going to stick with me.

[@LucForsyth]

It definitely stuck with me!

[@JakubChlouba]

Very valuable advice man! I was just thinking recently how because of social media a lot of the work we do as filmmakers/photographers has turned from shooting (getting better) to editing (to pump out content) and it just doesn't feel right. Also funny you mentioned don't wait to get a ticket to Nepal or Argentina - my latest doc film was from Buenos Aires as I was living there for 3 months and in April I'm heading to Nepal for this year's personal project so it kind of resonated, in a good way :)

[@LucForsyth]

haha, funny coincidence! But sounds like you're doing it the right way...

[@chrisromeromusic]

Love this channel Luc! Keep up the awesome work! Through your experiences I’m able to continue learning on this filmmaking journey. 🙏🏽

[@gastronomee_]

new creator here - just started a month ago - and still trying to find my film style. this helped a lot! fyi - to anyone reading this - i'm in my 20s and i document recipes and reflections i've learned over the years. would love to see you around.

[@jeffelstone]

Really solid video and sage advice, Luc. Funny how the mind always seems to want to gravitate towards the next shiny object when the answers are literally right under our noses. Looking forward to checking out the book and really appreciate all of your content! I need to check out your work one of these days 😉

[@zacbuttivant_]

Agreed Jeff 🫡

[@alloriginaltone]

This was really good. Doing is always better than overthinking it or delaying your journey because you don't know something. At some point every successful person wasn't qualified to do something they DID. But here's an additional tip:. Hold onto feedback loosely. Feedback is immensely useful - no doubt about it. But it can also confuse you and drag you away from your purpose. Specifically, understand how to digest feedback or comments on your film. If 5 people say 5 different things...feel free to ignore all of it. The signal to noise ratio isn't great. If, on the other hand, 3 of those 5 people say similar things, I would definitely pay attention to it.

[@LucForsyth]

Great addition...thanks for sharing!

[@LucForsyth]

What advice has made the biggest impact on your career? Let me know! And if you want to grab a copy of the book, it's free! tinyurl.com/ax9c3kkf

[@cp_light_and_shadow8063]

You need really want to be there, where you are now. Without that will to get to somewhere (what ever you want to get) you will not get there. If you have that will to go for it, than you automatically try to get better and better every time to reach your target. And during that journey to get better and better you meet some people that will recognice you. That is the magic of sucess. To have the passion to go for it. @LucForsyth you wanted to go for it to become documentary filmer and photographer and you needed to go for your journy as long at it take it now and you have gone so far.

[@danielcharlesfilms2897]

I really appreciate your effort and help Luc. I'll be downloading your links in the morning. Thank you.

[@LucForsyth]

hope you like it!

[@africanwildlifeonline]

Thanks so much, Luc, I really appreciate the time you put into "giving back"🙏

[@LucForsyth]

Happy to help!

[@djangokroon6108]

Really stoked to read this! Thanks so much!

[@PaPiMediaMNL]

Awesome stuff! Can’t wait to start on you book! Cheers!

[@mothercityfilm]

tysm! super helpful. cant' wait to dig into the ebook

[@sigridlee3743]

I appreciated your humility so much! I definitely want to read the book.

[@LucForsyth]

Hope you like it!

[@johnclay7644]

informative video, useful ebook Thanks Luc.

[@LucForsyth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheFilmmakersWorkshop]

Great vid Luc. I wasn’t sure whether to post my video on how I messed up on a feature BTS photography (Chicken Run), but I did cos, like you said, it’s inevitable to fail sometimes and these kicks make you sure up your skills.

[@The1realbro]

Speaking from the heart 🙏🏿you didn't ask to subscribe, like or comment which is the least I can do.

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻

[@heykevwhatyouup2]

I think this is why a lot of people are getting out of you tube in a world of instant fame and gratification people are not putting in the effort and getting better the people who did thought that more was more and got burnt out just make simple entertaining content and be consistent

[@LucForsyth]

I think that's true in a lot of things these days...

[@milanstojic3304]

These advices has nothing to do with shooting and you can apply to many career paths. Thank you for sharing.

[@svecphoto_com]

A7r2 is what i still use. Had more expensive cameras. Truth well told.

[@Bo_Hazem]

Like always, golden advises. Starting at home region myself and grinding for bigger things in the future.

[@LucForsyth]

yes! this is the way.

[@benjaminhughes2867]

This is incredibly encouraging. Thank you

[@drake8915]

LUC THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EXISTING!

[@LucForsyth]

no, thank YOU!

[@kultyurgeym]

I love the context and I wouldn't agree more. Everything hits the spot. Thank you so much. I just downloaded your book and will read it.

[@LucForsyth]

I hope you like it!

[@curiouslizard]

Really great advice, thank you!

[@narrativasavulsas]

Hi, Luc. Thanks for all.

[@JeremyBotz]

Got my copy. Thanks Luc.

[@BehindTheNeedle]

Really enjoyed this video! Nothing like interesting storytelling with valuable insights! Thank you Luc!

[@LucForsyth]

awesome! glad you liked it!

[@thyerriwolf]

Thanks Luc, your videos are priceless...🤝🏻

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks man, happy to help!

[@aalooprod]

Thank you for giving it out for free. Love you🙏

[@LucForsyth]

Happy to my friend!

[@SiddharthaJoshiFilms]

Such good and genuine advice Luc! Thank you!

[@LucForsyth]

happy to help!

[@LaimonasRimkus]

Thanks, your channel is gold. Your experience is very valuable.

[@LucForsyth]

thank you!

[@theowlfromduolingo7982]

4:56 and given the hype around Korea in recent years and the fact that Korean culture is so unique and different to the one in the US and Europe, Korea is actually a great place for photo journalism. Many people would be happy if they had the chance to spend time in Korea

[@LucForsyth]

I loved Korea...it's a great place and the food is insane! So many stories to tell also!

[@LuisGonzalez-qe5gl]

Thank you for writing the e-book!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks for reading it!

[@snakhai88]

you forgot hello kitty masks and nail stickers

[@kenya-jade]

milk the shed

[@sembalo1776]

your giving this book for free? thats so awesome!

[@anthonystovold6303]

Sometimes what you need to hear is not what you want to hear. Thank you for saying the things that are sometimes tough to hear. That can make a difference in your life if you not only listen but actually hear it. 🇨🇦🦍👍

[@LucForsyth]

agree 💯

[@Cartercaramel]

Luc, I'd love to hear your thoughts on reels. What should and shouldn't be included, are they worth the stress, and if so, how do we get them out there?

[@LucForsyth]

I think reels are great early on, but get less and less useful the deeper your CV gets to the point where eventually people don't really ask for them. But in the beginning I think they're a good idea. My take is that you should only use the very best stuff and cut it shorter rather than try to show more skills (i.e. don't dilute them). I see reels not as something to get out into the world, but to use like a business card when you're networking with someone...when you email a new person or client, show them the reel, but it's rare that people will discover your reel and then offer you a job. Short films or finished projects are much better for discovery. Hope that helps a bit!

[@mattjifilms]

thanks for sharing your experience with us

[@DroseMr]

Thanks John and Pablo for Luc.Thank You

[@LucForsyth]

Thank YOU!

[@creativejargons]

I kinda want to hear that Zac Efron story 😅 Very insightful! As always!

[@cinematiceditor-Videography]

Thank you ,,, we are listening!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks!

[@WritewheelUK]

I'm like most amateur videographers; I have a large box where I keep equipment I bought and have hardly ever used. I keep them because you never know, although, of course, if challenged, I'd admit to knowing they will never be used. I look after my equipment - a 20+ years old tripod is still used in my little studio. I bought a s/h tripod for £11 some time ago. The only thing I tend to buy new is camera and lens. And a Weebill gimbal. I'm called tight with my wallet, but that's not an insult. I'm just like every pro videographer I've talked with. If I want to buy some piece of equipment, I wait for a couple of months. Mostly, I realise I don't really need it. At a camera club some years ago, the images that impressed came via a simple rangefinder-type of camera, wielded by a bloke who worked at his craft. Thanks for the video.

[@JDAZ]

enjoyed the video. i’m getting back into practice of filming so it was helpful. i did notice that you are using some lofi rnb and hip hop vibes i have some available on my channel with the creative commons tag. the album is fried udon vol 1. maybe it can help in some of your future productions

[@diaryofacameraman]

Thanks so much sir for this piece

[@kojbfilms]

Thanks Luc. Enjoyed the vid! 🎬🎥😎

[@LucForsyth]

Love to hear it!

[@BillStreeter]

The first one is so important. There are literally stories EVERYWHERE. Why not start where you live? I produced my first documentary about a topic that interested me in the town where I lived. The fact that I could drive 5 or 10 minutes to get an interview or b-roll made it so much cheaper and easier to make. People always seem to discount the places they are familiar with, but those are the stories that you are best qualified to tell because you are familiar with them. And seriously, there are interesting stories EVERYWHERE. Everyplace has a story or history that if you find interesting, others are almost certainly going to find it interesting too.

[@LucForsyth]

totally agree..thanks for sharing!

[@luissoto9828]

Gracias, Luc! Saludos.

[@LucForsyth]

de nada Luis, un abrazo!

[@mellowmel2012]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I can’t seem to find the link to your book?

[@alanforde744]

Many Thanks Luc.

[@LucForsyth]

Very welcome!

[@Pachiscruz2]

I appreciate your content so much! But not only this, but your emails as well, and I write this if someone doesn’t know they can subscribe to those also 😊

[@LucForsyth]

thank you, it's much appreciated!

[@RemlichtFilm]

Great advise, thanks for you great content

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome!

[@sbasty2321]

Great video.

[@Illuminated-Pictures]

Thank you very much for sharing your journey. Much apreciated I would love to read your e-Book to dive deeper, but I get an broken tiny link error no matter where I try to open it. Do you have a different link to download it?

[@justoneperson]

Holy Dina! I’m going to download the book in heart beat. Thank you so much. 🙋‍♂️ to be a proper documentary filmmaker do I need a beard? My job doesn’t allow it. lol. Just messing you, all the pros seem to be rocking them. Oh well.

[@LucForsyth]

I'm sorry to break the bad news, but yes a beard is required.

[@자연마술승마학교]

한국에 계셨다니 정말 놀랍군요~ 저는 한국인 영상감독입니다. ^^ 늘 영상 잘 보고 있답니다. It's amazing to be in Korea ~ I'm a Korean video director. ^^ I'm always watching your video.

[@LucForsyth]

파이팅! 🇰🇷

[@FrameCrafts]

Wow.... Quite motivational. Thank you

[@LucForsyth]

Most welcome 😊

[@tomguder]

Danke!

[@rockincarbonara]

i absolutely agree. This philosophy actually takes place in all areas were electronical gadges are made. Especially on the computermarket (Apple Products). The big Problem is, that many manufactures launches software updates at ever shorter intervalls, who won´t support older gear anymore. So the customer is forced to buy new products, although his gear would last vor many years left. It´s all about money and i can´t stand it. does this system ever get back to the good old days gain? May there should raise a new company who takes care about longer lasting products....

[@paulgero]

great video Luc....very true ...

[@LucForsyth]

Glad you think so!

[@RavinderSingh-ft5dw]

Superb work dear

[@LucForsyth]

thanks!

[@sayemad]

Thanks!

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome, sorry I missed this!

[@joshuakrohn5618]

I’m getting started in documentary filmmaking and coincidentally am going to Phnom Penh in March to document some efforts to rescue children from the sex trades. I’d love to get any specific advice you may have for that region and/or subject.

[@MrTroyboy76]

@LucForsyth i just downloaded the free ebook. I've been watching and getting inspiration from your videos for a few years now. Quick question (or if anyone else happens to know): Which program allows you to animate the overlaid text and line motion between text objects like in 0:10-0:15? Did you do this in after effects? Or is there another program that does the same but maybe is easier to use?

[@santiagoroman]

Hi! I'm Santi, Luc's video editor. I do all the graphics and animations you see in the videos in After Effects, mainly because the integration is easier with Premiere. I haven't really used any other program to make graphics or animations all though nowadays any editing software has built in tools to build them. Another option is using templates from places like Motionarray or Envato to make them, but you normally have to customize them. Hope that was helpful!

[@Stick2208]

This reminds me so much of Joel Turner and his teachings at ShotIQ, though, this has little to do with Archery 😅

[@LucForsyth]

Don't know him, but I'll check it out. Thanks!

[@atlstudios]

Dang Luc, Thanks!!!!

[@LucForsyth]

enjoy!

[@chumcool]

Took too long to get to the point, but thank you...

[@hbmorris5558]

Hey Luc. Love the post, as usual. Have you actually printed this book. If so, I want to buy one and have you sign/inscribe it! Let me know if and how this is possible.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! I haven't thought about a printed book, but I did write a full length book during covid that I might try to pitch to editors...I'll let you know!

[@mhonchingtv]

thanks man

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome!

[@frannmira]

U are the best

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻