Things I’ve Learned as a Moviemaker

by Jeremy Brock | Published February 3, 2007

Julie Walters and Rupert Grint in Jeremy Brock’s Driving Lessons. Photo: Sony Pictures Classics

1. Be yourself. If you come as somebody else, one day you’ll forget who that is, and you’ll look a fool.

2. If you want to be an auteur, don’t make movies. There’s no such thing; only in theory classes. Even the very best collaborate.

3. When you’re developing a script, remember, however bad someone’s “note,” they’re still trying to make your film better. If their idea for fixing it is bad, ignore the idea but remember the reason they gave it.

4. There’s often a consensus on what’s not working. Finding the solution is what causes the fights. Keep your powder dry.

5. Be wary of people who hug you when you first meet.

6. I’m English. If you’re English in America, don’t overdo the accent thing. People may sometimes persuade you that you sound cultivated. Really, they’re thinking “smartarse.”

7. Reviews, good or bad, should not be read by filmmakers. If you believe the good, then you must believe the bad. It could do your head in.

8. Some people will never wish you well. Don’t chase them.

9. If there’s a problem with your script, fix it. It will always come back to haunt you in post-production.

10. Don’t try to second-guess people’s opinion. It’s not up to you what people think of you. Do the work.

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