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How to Produce Movies for Television
"Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination."
-- Roy M. Goodman, U.S. Senator, New York
The Journey for Independent Filmmaking
Most young filmmakers are looking to establish their own identity. In that effort, they often gravitate toward writing, producing and directing films that are downbeat, disquieting, and distraught.
Is this a reflection on how they view life; society in general; or the state of the world?
What attracts and motivates new filmmakers to seek out disparaging themes?
Why is it that uplifting, inspirational films seem to hold little or no appeal to most young filmmakers?
Is it because as artists they hold to a more pessimistic view of the future?
Or, do they think that presenting provocative, disturbing themes is a more effective way to reach and entertain an audience?
Are we old fashioned in stating that "Billy Elliot" was one of the best films we've seen in a long time? Why aren't the young filmmakers making more inspirational films like "Billy Elliot?" Films that can touch audiences and make people leave the theater feeling good about themselves.
What's so wrong about feeling good?
And what's so right about feeling depressed, lost, and hopeless?
We'd like to offer a challenge to those of you who aspire to be the next generation of filmmakers. Please do consider striving for excellence. Let that be your benchmark for success.
Go the extra mile. Make a difference. Reach deep inside and give it everything you've got. Make every moment of your professional life shine with dignity and grace.
The pursuit of excellence is not a cause. It is a noble act of courage in a world where mediocrity reigns.
The Journey for Independent Filmmaking (cont'd.)
Content counts. The themes that you choose identify who you really are. In the end, it's all that you really have.
"You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know.
-- Rene Dumal
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