My biggest regret as a creator

[@earnieboy54]

I kinda got into being a lone wolf because I got tired of being there so much for others and not having people in my corner when I needed it. Case and point, from 2020 to 2022 I’ve helped so many friends with projects and providing gear or locations or my energy. Then this year when I stepped into writing more of the stories I wanted to tell and directing, the same people that said “if you need anything, I got you” were the first people to become unavailable. I got tired and just said “I gotta do this myself for now” but maybe it’s time to just find a new community and new friends.

[@RyanKao]

Dude, this resonates with me deeply. I was in that chapter for a couple years myself. It burnt me out really badly and forced some pretty difficult months in my career. Taking time to step back and asses relationships, to then find healthier ones changed my life.

[@earnieboy54]

@@RyanKao yeah. I’m just turning the pain into stories. It really hurts tho. I feel alone and as a creative there’s a lot to draw from but there’s also just a lot of hurt in this space right now too. Just trying to stay positive and remember that it’s temporary. Thanks for uploading this. Makes me feel a little closer to the goal and a little less lonely. Have a good day!

[@NathanVMountain]

Dude I am literally in this process right now! Thank god someone else is in the same boat, I''ve spent the last 5 years helping everyone else with their projects and even organising them because they were too lazy to do them themselves, and now no-one is willing to help me with my projects and I'm all alone again. Don't get me wrong, I don't help out people just so they help back, I do it because I want to and because it's fun for me. But at the same time, it's so unbelievably depressing that I would do so much for other people and almost no-one would return the favour.

[@antonstafeyev3606]

I went into a lone wolf mode just because people always let you down, no matter what you do for them, if they do not appreciate it they will never pay the favor back. So the lesson was learned, be prepared to do it your self, but delegate as much of the work to professionals.

[@YuvalAloni]

I've been thinking about this very same thing for a while now. Thanks for bringing it to light

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Been thinking about this a lot recently, it’s all so true. Well said sir!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks a ton Chris. Glad you're here

[@fantasticgleb]

Hello! I've been following you since the beginning of my "film career". I like what you do! About working alone or with a team. I came across this when I had to shoot a commercial project, and I knew that I could not do it alone. As a result, I worked with a team that I assembled in just a couple of days. It was great, everyone did their job, it was a great experience that taught me not to be afraid to work with a team and stop controlling everything. Sorry for my english.

[@RyanKao]

Proud of you!!! Thanks so much for all the support. Keep pushing

[@sjasproductions9440]

I needed this, I'm a Lonewolf content creator from South Africa and I'm suffering the same things as u mentioned, lack of equipment made the challenges must more harder, I relayed on enhancing my skills and doing the best work with the little that i had, I open myself to working with industry peers and discovered that sadly there r no friends in creative business just individuals who want to use and abuse, leaving me In a drained mood...i had to pick myself up start from zero and push forward. Being a Lonewolf has been my superpower, yes I do outsource work to other creatives too, just directing the outcome.

[@rmf1529]

Thank you for making this! Perfectly describes where I’m at in my creative journey. Lately, I’ve been feeling really lonely in the video production world l and have been wanting more friends/collaborators in the industry. This just made my day

[@JoshSchaidt]

At the 3 year mark and I am going through this transition right now. It's been easy to just go it alone but so tiring. I'm learning to invite others into the process. Breath of fresh air.

[@Dominic_]

i started becoming a lone wolf because i felt like i was depending on people too much and they always bailed on me or tried to take control of my projects. Looking back now, i wish i would've found other people that shared the same ideas as me and wanted to see my vision done. i'm currently in a bad place with no motivation or drive to pick up my camera again. maybe i'll try again soon.

[@M.A.D.C.J]

You always learn from your mistakes. I've done that a lot. Learning from the things that didn't go right. Especially as a creator we do these things where we feel like we didn't do enough, we truly probably did more than we should have. Being a content creator is an ongoing journey, sometimes I catch myself thinking " am I even good enough for this ". But I am, it isn't easy to do things on your own but I am, but I would love to create more with the time I have, with like minded people. Sometimes I think it just me not getting out of my comfort zone. Thanks for making these type of videos, it really does help us, creators like me striving to get to higher places. You are the best Ryan.

[@RyanKao]

Mikey, cant begin to tell you with the idea of feeling like you didn't do enough, but likely did more than you should have. It's such a battle as an independent worker. As always, I appreciate you bro. Let's chat more soon

[@M.A.D.C.J]

@@RyanKao Trust me, I totally understand, my line is always open, rooting for you always.

[@JedDobre]

Bro! I was literally having a chat with a friend about this yesterday! When you do it alone you’ve gotta be the businessman, the web developer, the tax man, the producer, cam op, the drone pilot, bts shooter, editor, colourist, on top of side hustles like running a KZbin channel (people will never understand how much time that takes, it’s like a second full time job!) and then trying to stay on top of any social media requirements/schedules! And you’ve got to live life too! Finding people who’s skills complement your weaknesses & visa versa & work together to build the best version of the vision is a must! :) Love the video dude!

[@JasonMorrisphotocinema]

Oh love this. Hits home quite deep for me

[@RyanKao]

Thank you my man. So glad to have you here along the way

[@BABYXJAY]

Thank you. I really needed to hear this. Sometimes I feel nervous about reaching out to others to collaborate on a project but this video made me realize that collaboration is key! I can't be a lone wolf forever.

[@IvenChaqueco]

Thanks Ryan! ❤ I just started my freelance career this January and I definitely want to start meeting more creative people if even to just chat and swap stories. Great video, Dude!

[@RyanKao]

Iven, thank you so much for stopping by 🙏

[@topicruben]

This was beautiful, man. You are 100% right. There is not better feeling than when you share, work and meet other creators. It's the best way to grow up and mature as a filmmaker. Thanks for sharing this! Cheers from Italy

[@jordanadudek]

Love this Ryan! I’m starting my own KZbin journey now, and I have definitely been questioning how long I can continue making content by myself. However, it’s encouraging to know there are people like you on this platform that have been through the same thing, but also care and are wanting to help.

[@RyanKao]

Proud of you Jordan! The process truly becomes so much more amazing when you join up with other minds.

[@YlaneDuparc]

Definitely needed to hear that! Also having some peers and people supporting you helps when motivation is dipping down. It’s hard to be motivated consistently when you’re only relying on yourself to get things moving.

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so much Ylane!!

[@YlaneDuparc]

@@RyanKao thank you! Always enjoying your work!

[@Jason.rimando]

I know that exact feeling. I’ve treated majority of my career as a competition. But now I’m realizing how important it is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals not only as support but also personal growth. I too wish I didn’t treat the creative process as a competition earlier on.

[@Muwex]

Same here!

[@RyanKao]

Can't relate enough. So glad more people are beginning to realize this toxic mindset! Thanks for stopping by Jason!

[@fremworks]

i truly appreciate you being human and allowing us into your emotional self, its very encouraging most people go through this and they have no out let or even think they are the only ones going through these troubles it all makes sense every time you create some thing that gives you joy and worth sharing but at the end of the day perfect is still a place we keep looking for and feels like its a never ending journey

[@joshrathbun1]

This was fantastic advice! As a business owner now diving into the world of creation it’s great to see the concepts are the same across all forms of business… and that’s collaboration! I believe in always helping everyone around you as well as not being afraid to ask for help. Well said Ryan!

[@EasyTigerCreative]

I don’t take pride on being a lone wolf, but it’s been hard to find like minded creative friends near me 😢 but hoping to keep making more online friends to visit them more to create with!

[@RyanKao]

I feel the struggle man! Be patient and continue to do your thing, be a good person and have meaningful conversations. The rest will fall into place 🙏

[@EasyTigerCreative]

@@RyanKao definitely! I’m lucky that I have my wife to help me with my journey and helps me with videoing or modelling for my videos but I know eventually it’ll be great to find other Creators’ to work together with! Keep up the great work Ryan! Appreciate the videos.

[@ScottyCo]

I find this to be great advice! I started a similar way. Vlogged myself and worked on projects alone. Now venturing out to collaborate has been a huge benefit for me! I thought my ideas were bad and when someone hears it they would brush me off... but other creatives have been so open to me! I also think the number of followers, subs, views etc can scare someone in seeking help or advice on a project.You don't want to look like your asking for them to promote you... but you are looking for a great chance to see and work from a different perspective.

[@artroomx]

This video is exactly what I needed brother. I feel like I was sent here to your channel for a reason. Thank you. Will definitely be connecting soon

[@JKastle007]

Beautiful video. As a lone wolf, I needed to hear this. Thank you for sharing.

[@RyanKao]

🙏🙏

[@andrewjohnston9115]

Thats not just a lesson for a filmmaker, it's a good lesson for everyone who is self employed, you need support, both professionally and emotionally. Hard work and competance are prerequisites but they are really a given if you want to be in your chosen game, you need a network and it needs constant effort to maintain it, you need great professional advice and you need to be open to hearing it and acting on it. It can go south very quickly with changes in client management who have a different network and personal preferences, and suddenly you're on the outside, fashion also has an impact on social media, it might not (probably won't) last forever, so have a plan B just in case.

[@RyanKao]

Couldn't have said it better... So glad this connected with you, Andrew. Thanks for the support 🙏

[@chris_sparrows]

Definitely resonate with this. Nearly all my filmmaking friends I've met online but I'm on the other side of the continent or globe from them, so our options are limited (for now). What's ironic is there have been creators locally that I didn't know, but I never tried to reach out to get to know them, even though I wanted to. Probably intimidated because they're further along in their journey than I am. And then they move to another town and it never happens. All that to say, if you're ever back in Portland, I'd be down to meet.

[@RyanKao]

It's always a tricky game of ego and intimidation. Once you're able to overcome those uncomfortable thoughts and find people that make you thrive, the work becomes a breath of fresh air! Take your time and keep being a good person!! Thanks Chris 🙏

[@KemoVision]

I love your work, I have been following you for a while. As creator, my biggest regret is not asking for help. I did at one point love the lone wolf title but i realize its just a title. Thank you for this video !

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for sharing man, I'm glad you resonated with the message here!!

[@alexdorisca]

This came at just the right time. Thanks for the wisdom brotha!

[@RyanKao]

Of course! Thanks Alex 🙏

[@MaineMountainMedia]

Awesome video and definitely advice that all artists and technicians in any field should take seriously. "It's not a competition" is something I still have a hard time internalizing on a day to day basis. Thank you for this reminder and keep it up!

[@YoungDecent1]

Really good! I realized a while ago that I’m at that point of needing a team and burn out is real because no one can do it alone. I just have been having a hard time finding a team. But they are coming!

[@itsalexoh]

Ryan, this is so relatable! Early in my career, I found myself doing everything from producing, shooting, and editing. It was a great way to learn, but I regret not looking for more opportunities to work in a team earlier in my career. I changed my mindset around this a couple years ago and now I’m really leaning into my strengths as a video editor, and I’m finding myself working with more people that I really look up to and contributing to better final videos. Always inspired by your journey and I hope you’re doing well in LA!

[@emiled_denmark]

Omg you speak straight out my thoughts where I am right now in my career.. sometimes it's nice to see what many people think from another person. thanks and keep up the good work

[@RyanKao]

So glad this resonated with you Emil 🙏

[@AfricanFilmmaker]

working a lone can kill your back and spirit, but at the some time you need to start some where even if it means starting alone, waiting for people or any kind of help sometimes not a good idea you will waste time I have been there.I finished a feature film this year and I'm very proud. I talked about that in my latest video on my channel from script to festivals, I'm glad I made it without waiting for people.But on the other hand If you can get help or corroboration its more better, but if you can do it alone do it it will help you to know what are your strength and weaknesses.Thanks for the video its beautiful and truly shine some light.

[@bseng]

Great advice Ryan! I can’t agree more about surrounding yourself with like minded people and collaborating with them on projects. Working with others who specialise in their field on set allows you to focus all your attention on the areas that you’re really passionate about. Not to say that being able to do all the roles is necessarily a bad thing, but it can start to stretch you thin especially when your productions start to get larger.

[@RyanKao]

Preach! Thanks for watching Ben 🙏

[@brucegarrod]

Amen. Will probably need to re-watch this so that it burns in

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for stopping by Bruce!!

[@brucegarrod]

@@RyanKao Thanks - usually do, just don't comment. But this one hit a vibe internally. Great work as always.

[@Animayta]

The ugly side of getting the masterpiece across the finish line is very true

[@RyanKao]

Seriously... 🙏

[@Shebshady763]

Man look how the universe direct people into your life for a reason. I'm not going to lie im one of those people when you said you will quit and burn out. I was actually thinking about stopping myself. after seeing this video im feeling inspired to keep going.

[@foodstrongfamily]

Yup! The best advice to give right now. A sense of community is what we all need to solve our mental problems and to push the limits of our creative selves! Thank you for sharing this!!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for watching my man 🙏🙏

[@BenjiSelby]

I just ran into this same point recently. Got asked to shoot a wedding and I’m like I can do it, but probably should get help for that being a special moment for someone’s life. Putting that pride aside is a big growing point for sure!

[@MarcoHerbstVisuals]

True words, I also always thought that I can pack everything as a one-man army and have neglected the fun you have on the set with people who burn for the same as you. Unfortunately, far too few people in my city and the surrounding area understand this.

[@RyanKao]

It's a tough situation sometimes! But it's important enough to just recognize the mindset and begin to work toward it!

[@musicronicas]

Is the first advice about this theme that I read on youtube comments ever, Thanks Ryan keep the good work :)

[@RyanKao]

Glad I could help! Appreciate it!!

[@DontaeCatlett]

Great video Ryan! You can’t move forward if you’re constantly working with your head down.

[@carlosaquilayan945]

Ryan, this is incredibly inspiring. Spot on!!

[@RyanKao]

Carlo! Thanks so much 🙏

[@hamoudcine3877]

Resonates a lot, wish I did that sooner too. It opens a lot of doors for sure!

[@mondobytes]

Facts! Keep crushing it my dude 👊🏽

[@gallegoau]

I can relate completely and and still feel in this route without knowing how I get out of here

[@Phoebetheboss]

I feel like I've always wanted community and delayed becoming a creator because I was waiting for my tribe my whole life. This video makes me a little sad knowing that it would be so much easier to have that support. I have no choice but to press on as a lone wolf. Not by choice but by necessity. It's been the most difficult thing I've struggled with my whole life. Some days I wish I had better luck coming into contact with people who were creative, but at the end of the day God knows what's best for me, so I just have to take it one day at a time and keep hoping that better days are ahead of me.

[@LarimoreStudios]

Great video and perspective. It is easy to be afraid of "competition" but there is definitely beauty in collaboration that often leads to more opportunities!

[@danieltang2488]

Appreciate for sharing. Just what I need for current stage.

[@italianbull]

This is one of the greatest videos on KZbin.

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so much 🙏🙏🙏

[@threethroneproductions5498]

For years now I have been caring the burden of a need to build a team. I am kind of stuck at this moment. I know where I want to get to in my filming career I can’t do it alone. Still searching

[@RyanKao]

Be patient, and don't stress on finding the perfect team NOW. Take time to step back and asses your relationships and slowly find the people that make your thrive!

[@threethroneproductions5498]

@@RyanKao Thank you Ryan that sound like a plan.

[@KofiYeboah]

I feel like im the opposite, like ive been struggling to find people to have the same level of intention in the role I take on vs the role they do theirs. sometimes it feels like a relationship where I'm the one planning the dates, and the other person just kinda shows up, and it feels kinda isolating..

[@MinhTravel96]

Love this video, i'm in the same spot as you do. Fastest way to burning out

[@wearetrackclub]

Really solid advice, thank you for your inspiring advice! ❤

[@justinking6284]

I really needed to hear and see this, thanks man!

[@timdanyo898]

I'm a hybrid lone wolf/bigger project collaborator. In a small city where I live, I can not justify super niching to a single aspect of the process- although I gravitate towards DP and if I were to show up as a specialized only person it would be DP. I do some things solo and others I bring in others.

[@JHawk]

The goat! Great video bro

[@247.mp4]

Unfortunately i feel u... I'm a lonely wolf too, but tried to change. I got the feeling that everyone is egocentric and dont want others to succeed, specially in my country here. More likeminded critics that want you to fail than people that try to reach bigger goals working together, sadly.

[@KshitizSinhaPhoto]

needed this video Ryan, thank you❤️

[@ed_medina]

Thank you for this video. I really needed to hear this. It has hit home big time. I am currently in that rut. I have started and stopped making videos several times. I actually feel kind of paralyzed and I know that I need to overcome it. At times I feel like.. Where do I start again? In those moments I wish I knew someone near me that has the same interest and that I can collaborate with. Unfortunately I don't but I have to jump start again no matter what because I feel guilty not doing it. Thanks again Ryan.

[@fremekwame]

Word ❤

[@BarefootMediaTV]

I made this same mistake. and now its hard to get a job on a real set because "i can do it all"... but dont really know how to be a 1st assistant, or set up high end gaff/PA gear, or even the terminology they use on bigger sets. So with 15 years of experience i dont know how to work with a crew.

[@ejazmehedi]

Thank you for this, friend.

[@TuckerPearce]

Really cool video Ryan, helpful to so many here! Just out of curiosity when working with many of your “Dream Brands” as I think you called them, is it generally 1:1 or through agencies?

[@RyanKao]

Thanks Tucker. Hope you're well. It's maybe 50/50 to be honest! Depends on the scale of work

[@TuckerPearce]

@@RyanKao doing ok, thanks man. Appreciate the response. In line with what I would have thought.

[@asseenbymike]

THANK YOU! I needed to hear this.

[@AnthonyHadleyJr]

I needed to hear this. Now more than ever.

[@BurnArt]

Not gonna lie, every time I watch Ryan Kao, I feel like I'm watching Luke from Modern Family if he became a KZbin. You look so much like Nolan Gould xD Love the content man! I've also been a lone wolf for a while and opening up at the moment, it's great!

[@Jkforrealz]

Thank you for this.

[@RyanKao]

Thanks Jonathan 🙏

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Hindsight is 20/20.

[@rahulrajeev3731]

Great video! Thanks for this

[@ahmadtawabhashmat8644]

thanks for your videos, they are very inspiring... at least for me! keep up the great work

[@saviourudo1062]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@_raw_media_]

I don’t have the problem of finding people to help I have the problem of them never hitting me up for help I spent all of COVID focusing on school and here I am almost 2 years after graduating and I have nothing to show for it but a diploma and a camera that is sitting in my bag i went to school for cinema cinematography. I use my canon r6 for all of my personal project( kids sport highlights)

[@IndyVisuals]

I just want to say thank you 🙏🏼

[@jeffreylevans]

I have sooo many ideas and sooo many clips, I’ll need lifetimes to publish it.

[@RyanKao]

Never too late to get going! Thanks for watching Jeffrey!

[@BartvanderHorst]

I don't understand, why you don't see it as a learning journey.... because you did everytying yourself you know when you have a team what they are all doing... you are so much more aware of what is going on and what has to be done. And being a lone wolf for some time enables you to identify much better the people you finally need to collaborate with... So, it is not a mistake, it can't be a mistake. It just realizing that when you reach you top, as a lone wolf and when you want to go further, the only way is team up. In other words you probably would not be were you are now without the experience you call a mistake...

[@user-nu8bf3bf9m]

Where can I see the ad or bts of the visuals at 3:46 ? That was amazing...

[@kdubadman]

I've been solo for years and have tried several times to dive into collaborating but have failed miserably. Seems like most people are looking to collaborate so they don't have to work as hard. Then I ultimately end up picking up the slack and actually work harder. I've exhausted my network. Maybe it's me?

[@Jdsvisuals]

I needed to be called out like this so thank you lol

[@ZachSaintWard]

This video resonates so incredibly much dude. Where can I drop you a line? I’d love to ask a couple questions if you’ve got some time available

[@Muwex]

You do great work man! Keep it up! Thanks for this video! Have a nice day

[@RyanKao]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@bishalnakarmi-707]

Love from nepal 🇳🇵🇳🇵

[@RyanKao]

Much love!

[@WhySteve]

"all aspects of content creation" but did you write and record your own music and sound design too?? Tsk tsk tsk. Haha I'm kidding but I brought that up because I'm going through this. I can't be proud of a project if I didn't do EVERYTHING. Like everything... If I write, shoot, edit, create my own graphic, build vfx and record music but run out of time and use freesound for some sfx, then I feel like I cheated. It took me a very long time to start feeling okay with using artlist to help with sound design and music on the go but I still have that "gotta do it all myself" vibe otherwise it is no longer "MY" project. I also get stuck collaborating because when I finally feel like I want to approach somebody, I realize that I can't afford to support myself, nevermind paying somebody else. And I will NEVER ask anybody to work for free (because I know what that feels like).

[@_samsafi]

Any advice for someone just staring out on their career as a DOP?

[@mamiksantra2430]

I am an aspiring Cinematographer, From Mumbai (India). I always want to build a team, collaborate and work on some projects, Not necessarily a client's project maybe a personal project. But sometime it's hard to find someone for collaboration, And the reason i'm posting this here is in a hope that if someone is looking for a cinematographer to collaborate with do ping me. And really thank you for this video, it is an important thing to work on.

[@cineoitoum]

I am a lone wolf too and I am a bit tired

[@MrSamwars123]

71% eh?

[@cldwight1231]

'Promo sm' 😊

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

What a great message! 🤌✨

[@RyanKao]

Thanks a ton :)

[@adewoleajayi9917]

Tbh, I love Ryan but the last part of reaching out to people is definitely not like that. I have dmed on Instagram so many creators who inspire me to create and have never gotten a response. I love these guys dearly, Ryan, Danny Gevirtz, and a couple others but it's hard to get to anyone when you're just starting out as a no one

[@NickCapers-cy8cr]

love this. ever think about starting a discord server? could be a nice way to help eachother out with problems, ideas, projects etc

[@kazlepek6552]

Great pep talk Ryan 🤜🤛 Any creators in the south / central Florida area hmu, reach out, holler @me After attempting to start filming full time a little under 2 years ago I’ve made all of these filmmaker friend’s online but I’ve never come across even one in my city / the area that I live. I’d love to collaborate or work with others some day

[@Icookeverthing]

first