Things I’ve Learned as a Moviemaker

Work Ethics

It takes a lot of devotion and love to make a film,
and it is hard work. It just becomes more fun if you love what you’re
working on and you enjoy the people you’re spending those long hours
with.

Leave Your Ego at the Door

It is my job to have ideas, but I can’t afford to
get attached to them. If I get upset because one of my ideas isn’t
being used, it may curb the flow of new ideas. Ultimately, I am
a collaborator who is meant to be manifesting the vision of the
director, so respecting that person’s vision over mine is essential.

Figure Out What You Want to Do and Do It

The most frustrating thing is to want to do something
and not to be able to do it. With technology being what it is today,
it is possible to write, direct, act, edit–basically make movies
for very little money. If that is what you want to do, it is best
to do it instead of waiting for other people to give you permission
to do it.

Expect and Be Ready for Happy Accidents

I am continuously thrilled, surprised and excited
about the miracle and the power of juxtaposed images. I call it
editorial glee. Sometimes things just happen, not because you conceived
them, invented them or thought about them in advance. Sometimes
they are mistakes and sometimes they are great. Be open to them
and use them if they work.

Embrace the Process

When I feel best in my work is when I am totally immersed
and the making of the film becomes my life. It is an emotional way
to work, but it yields fabulous results.