My New Title: Master Filmmaker
When moving to something new, its best to have a clear and definite destination in mind. Otherwise, you won’t make it. In the past, I attempted to make filmmaking and storytelling my primary means of making a living. Unfortunately, my plan was not fully developed. I lacked something that pushed me to the finish line. I stalled out. I suffered from paralysis from analysis.
I did not fully understand my destination. I knew that a filmmaker must understand the nuances of storytelling, framing, blocking, lighting, set and sound designs. I also knew a filmmaker must be versed in the conventions of yesterday and today. Not just film, but in all of art, in general. Studied Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Monet, Sherman, Adams, Warhol, and Haring – check. Studied Hitchcock, Spielberg, Howard, Lee, Leone, Hurlbut, del Toro, Kubrick and Kurasawa – check. Studied Snyder, McKee, Field, Cron, Campbell and Edson – check. So what was missing? I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
I wasn’t getting any traction and the move to my new career stalled, right in the middle of the road. So, I started at the beginning to see where I went off course. Being a filmmaker is one thing. Being part of the filmmaking business is another. For something to be considered a career, you have to make a living at it and you must love it. I had all the love that’s required. But I completely and utterly ignored the financial aspect of becoming a filmmaker. I just forgot about the business in show business. I am sure that I am not the only who has done this.
What are the steps for making a good career as a painter, carpenter, welder or glass blower?
- Train with a master
- Practice in the public eye
- Do not work for free
- Believe and understand ownership
- Don’t be afraid to master something new
- Make money to make more art, music, dance, novels, plays, operas, etc.
- Never give up
Of the seven guidelines, I only did the first. That’s why my transition stalled.
To remind me that I need to work diligently on the other six, I gave myself a title: Master Filmmaker. Does this mean I am actually a filmmaker who has mastered his craft? No. The title is pretentious and unearned. However, to give the title significance, I must it earn it, every day, step by step. How? By following the guidelines.
My next step to becoming a Master Filmmaker is to practice in the public eye. This means, if I want to be discovered, I must be discoverable. In the information age, this means my audience has to be able to find my content: my blog, my social media pages and my projects. This blog is my first real step towards that. It also means I need to share my thoughts and idea with you, my audience. More importantly, I need to be ready to address any and all feedback – positive and negative. Which is probably the scariest part of this transition.
In closing, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Vincent Capers Jr. and I am a Master Filmmaker. Thank you for joining me on this adventure.