My friend, the famed horror novelist (and screenwriter) Craig Spector once shared some advice with me that I have been rolling around in my head ever since. I had just moved to New York City and I was sleeping on my aunt’s sofa. I had no idea what I was doing…
At the time, Craig was one of the few people I knew who was actually making a living with his creative work. And one day I asked him what I needed to do in order to become successful. Never one to sugarcoat advice, he simply said:
“Work more. Do more. The work is reality. Nothing trumps reality.”
Speaking from my experience in Los Angeles, I have met countless people who have a gazillion great movie ideas. But they are searching for someone else to do the work. And the paradox is this – people won’t help you unless you do the work. Why? Because when it comes down to it, very few people are actually willing to put in the necessary sweat equity into actually finishing a project.
Next thing you know, another decade passes and you wake up realizing you haven’t done any movie work. You have nothing but talk. Talk. Talk.
Big deal.
I know you work a day job that sucks. And I know how tired you are when you get home from work. But if you don’t finish your screenplay, make your short, or plan your feature this year – you might just end up making the same excuses for another decade…
Get off your ass.
Make something. Even if it sucks. It’s better than nothing.
About Jason Brubaker
Jason Brubaker is a Hollywood based Independent Motion Picture Producer and an expert in Video On Demand distribution. He is focused on helping YOU make, market and sell movies more easily by growing your fan base, building buzz and creating community around your title. He is also available for speaking engagements.
Thank you, I needed to read that…
Thanks for the comment and the thoughtful response. Happy you were able to get those folks at distribber to help you too!
Woohoo!
This is what I call the secret of filmmaking! Nicely said.
I came to this opinion years ago when I formulated my “elephant graveyard” theory. Simply put, it is that I have met and worked with a LOT of people in this business, plenty who were more talented than me, and even more who weren’t – but at the end o the day, I have found that 1/50 people I talk to will follow through on anything.
“I have this great idea for a short, can you help”
“Yes! I have the cameras, sound gear, lights and experience. Just send me your treatment and I will help you out for free!”
“……”
That is so many conversations.
And thanks for your article on iTunes / Distribber. It’s how I found you.
Jeff
“It’s showbiz, not showfriends” – Henry Rollins