This is Why 90% of Filmmakers Don’t Succeed
How can filmmakers succeed in a highly competitive industry? There are plenty of factors that determine success in this business, but 90% of filmmakers out there are ignoring the basics - and it’s holding them back. In this video we’ll dive into dead 2 simple steps that will put you ahead of the pack.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - The story of two filmmakers
2:50 - Why taking action is the only thing that matters
4:12 - Prove your interest by consistently doing projects
5:25 - Real world example
7:13 - My personal experience
8:16 - A word from out sponsor
9:26 - It’s not what you know, it’s who you know
11:31 - An example of my latest networking email
13:54 - Final thoughts
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Email: luc@lucforsyth.com
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It was an honour to learn from Luc during our mentorship and his KZhead videos are full of gold nuggets... 1. Make work (good or bad, there are lessons in both) 2. Meet people/network 3. Emails, internal psychological battles and never giving up No secret formula, just consistency and creative growth on a weekly basis! - DUY LE
When it comes to working in the film industry, I turn to my man Rocky for the most poignant quote out there: "The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward."
Thanks for the video. It took me 4 years of extensive freelance work, 100+ emails, 100+ rejections before I actually got my first solid job offer.
This is basicaly what I'm doing wrong and know I need to fix. I used to take little to no action, but thanks to some therapy and fear of the future I started taking more action and now I hava a couple of jobs under my belt and a short film. I needed this reminder, thank you.
With you on this one, imposter syndrome, fear of failure and lack of self belief is a big problem and therapy to help with these obstacles really has helped me too. Good luck in your journey
There's also the fluctuating curve for artists/filmmakers. I have done great stuff in the past, worked at a company as the in-house videoguy, making international flights to shoot for big companies. And then covid happened. Had to work from scratch again, and despite my resume, I have to prove myself all over again. So did years of daytime jobs again, just to survive. But they were time-consuming. I'm taking action now, but it's all still going very slowly (but steady). This video was a great call to stand up today, neverthless!
I feel you bro, in the same boat as you. Covid really shat all over my career but we will get there💪
Your demonstration of networking correspondence is an absolute eye-opener. I'd probably have interpreted numerous months of silence to be a 'No' and wouldn't have wanted to pester them. Thanks for sharing such a personal/intimate aspect of your business.
The desire not to feel like a nuisance is much more powerful to me than the one to win the work. It's so good to be reminded that checking in doesn't have to be negative.
Really glad it helped!
It's smart to continually message them. Keeps you fresh in their mind when you're persistent. Same as interacting regularly on your socials with these people. Keeps you in people's minds. Great advice.
I’m the second filmmaker. In college, I quit the film club - because they weren’t taking it seriously enough. Before I could afford a tripod, I won multiple filmmaking awards across the globe. Within three years from picking up a camera, I became a writer for PBS Kids, becoming a Producer for NatGeo, I am a professor at a university for Editing within Pr, and I now own my own filmmaking business. I am continuously busy. Probably too busy. I now live a comfortable life with a wonderful family.
Congratulations! Inspiring!
Damn man that email chain was a huge eye opener. I don't like to feel like I'm bothering people but I guess I should try a little harder in that sense. Thanks for sharing.
Probably one of your most important videos to date. Great content. I've been telling people this for a while, only thing you can do is take action, and that will put you SO far ahead of everyone else. That's the difference between Good and Great.
Thanks for the great advice, as always. Keep it up!
Show don't tell is what got me ahead.. I would ask for tips and some folks replied many didn't and I just continued to work and put out projects. Won some fest here and there and some of those ppl who didn't respond started reaching out to me... And today I have a Emmy Award for my work and other cool trophies... And in development for Netflix doc... It is work. It is hard... And sometimes you are o ur way to giving up and the best calls in life will happen and sometimes the call never happens
This is one of the most honest filmmaker advice I have come across on YT, it is usually a tough pill to swallow but yeah even if you gat it already, you still have to establish networks and working relationships. It is so good that you have shared yourself as the best example, very inspirational and I can relate 100%. Thank you.
Luc dropping some serious knowledge. Met you during a pickup shoot in NY and have been following you since. Keep it up!
This is great. For every gear video I watch, I gotta balance with this reminder that it’s all about these principals of action. Also, your videos are getting better, too - always we’re so helpful, but the more personality the better it all works. Two cents ya didn’t ask for/can disregard.
Couple years ago, I was supposed to help some students out Cannes shooting something. So I packed up my gear and they canceled a week before we took off . Long story short I went ahead and kept my gear packed and shot a feature documentary on Cannes while I was over there. Like you said, the main thing is to do it and then do it again and do it again and do it again. Nice video
Great stories Luc. And great advice. Thanks 🙏🏽
You make valid points. Everyone can buy a new camera, but few can produce content that speaks for itself, positively. It is hard work to produce quality content as it requires planning, initiative, money and time.
Good stuff, Luc. Thanks for saying the things that need to be said. I completely agree, the number one thing stopping people is thinking that they need to wait to create stuff. Just do it. You learn by doing. Everyone has someone or something they can produce a story about.
Thanks for yet another great video 🙏🏽
Thanks Luc, great video!
Hey Luc.....Well said! It is a tough world out there. We're making our first full feature doc in Africa about the conflicts between communities and wildlife. We're constantly reaching out through a Woodpecker campaign looking for partners and sponsors. It's working but slowly. However, we are building a network of relationships in the wildlife conservation world as well as the business world, and every couple of hundred emails we find someone thats interested in a zoom call to find out more. So yep, building relationships, being consistent and the old "never give up" is what it takes!
The essence of charisma is genuiness. Remember slick willie’s “I feel your pain”? Great advice in the video. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing 👍🏾
Solid advises as always! So far done 3 documentaries, zero money back but happy so far and learning. Action is key, but preparation is also crucial as some subjects can be burnt out and it's kinda not as appealing to revisit them back with better plans. Even if I don't get successful from a financial point, I wanna feel proud to have left good knowledge to be learned or some good entertainment.
That Pablo interview helped a lot. Also he reminds me of one of my gym coaches. Your plug was clean. I also just filmed a class on my own, it's probably going to be pretty lame and I probably didn't do it right. I think that's how I learn though. Thank you for doing what you do.
Appreciate your transparent wisdom Luc! So good!
My pleasure!
Inspiring stuff Luc! It’s interesting how many of your tips and videos apply to me as a wedding filmmaker as well. Keep it up!
Thanks! Will do!
Appreciate your insight Luc! I needed a shot of "keep creating it!" Got another Short Film in progress now...
Thank you for this video, Luc. Your advice is so on point and just what I needed to hear. Thank you for all you do!
Happy to help!
Inspiring, thanks! I feel pumped. Completely broke, but in the highest possible spirit. I'm on it! :)
I am a photographer but found this video one of the best and most eye opening. Thanks Luc! I shoot all the time and do outreach about once a month but give up after two brush offs. I will definitely keep emailing.
I agree. Great video.
Super useful advice. Thanks Luc. My sights are zeroed in again!
I wish mentorships and internships were actually beneficial. I've had 2 so far, one was live sports, and the other was abusive. My first week on the second one I was taken to Chicago and stayed awake for 36 hours driving 6-8 hours at a time after a day of hauling literal tons of equipment with my bare hands up 7 flights of stairs. Never got paid for my 8 months working with him, never got the projects I worked on with him sent to me, never listened to advice I'd give, nothing. I just wish internships were actually professional and used to boost people up, not keep them as your full time unpaid Grip and hauler
I've been following your channel for quite sometime. Awesome content. May I ask what transmitter that is on your camera? Thanks
Your videos are something else. I love your way of sharing the truth. You have to be open-minded to find ways of connecting with colleagues and clients. It can be frustrating, but extremely rewarding as well
I appreciate that
This is such great advice for any business, not just filmmaking.
great content Luc!
90% in a three act tragedy: Act 1: Film maker says "I'll do whatever it takes" Act 2: Film maker meets prospect. Prospect concludes: "But you haven't" Act 3 - Both smile at each other.
Effort and persistent. Hands on! Great Video!
Thanks!
this is GREAT ADVICE THANK U
Wow. Extremely encouraging and helpful. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Love your raw honesty and helpfulness. If I ever decide to do doc work, you're def who I'm buying the course from 💯
Thank you Charles!
You’re absolutely right… and I hate it. I want to do film full time with every fiber of my being, but I just don’t have enough content of a high enough quality to get the paid gigs I need. I know they say I should “say yes” as often as I can, but I would hate it for both myself and the client if I ended up working on a project I hate. Should I bury my feelings and bite the bullet to get paid work? Or stick to my principles of only working on projects that I’m passionate about?
Great video, Luc. Well done. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Solid!
informative content
Great reality check ! thanks mate
Glad you liked it!
Luc, was that wilderness (wildfire I think) footage in Alaska?
thanks
I agree Follow Up is the Most Important Thing. I did Commercial Photography for 30 years. It’s Not the First Contact it’s the Ninth, the Twelfth. Always Follow Up that’s Where the Money’s At. Dave
Hey Luc, this question might merit a longer answer but: was there a reason for moving from Vancouver to Toronto? More accessible connections and pitch possibilities for unscripted work? Just curious!
5 Steps of the creative process: 1. Get an idea. 2. Find out what you need to implement it. 3. Get what you need. 4. Do it. 5. Put it in the world, let go so you can start again from 1 and make it better this time. You can get stuck at each of these points. Everyone knows people who have lots of ideas but never even think about doing something with it. Or those gear collectors that never do anything or that perfectionist that never release anything because he never can let go. Don´t be like them.
Thanks man this was the final kick in my ass to start doing it!
Glad you liked it!
How much for a consultation call? Out of curiosity and where would we sign up
Anxiety and risk avoidance. Yep, checks out. :P And related, I'm not sure if it's a recent thing due to the explosion in tutorials for absolutely everything these days or the desire for hyperoptimization across all facets of life, but there are an incredible number of people who expect other people to be able to tell them what to do for EVERYTHING in their life. I see posts like the email at 4:30 on reddit all the time, across all my subs. "Should I go to college for X degree?" "Is it worth it to do X as a career" "Recommend me a X" "Should I quit my job?" "Should I apply to this job?" "How do I do X?" "Should I buy an X" and on and on and on and on It's like people are so afraid of ever making a wrong decision that they stop making any at all, with the added benefit that if things go south, they can blame it on "I got bad advice, it's not my fault."
Damn, the hard truth that we're not always trying hard enough. Honestly, after the first brushoff, I drop off the grid, feel sorry for myself and make a youtube video 😅
Commenting for the algorithm. This video made me feel like a deer in the headlights, but in a good way. I guess. Thanks Luc!
Thank you for the downloads.
Hey...... I just saw your vedios.... Its all really awesome... With proffesional way of conveying. . Im a degree student from india . And Im really obsessed with nature and it complexions and the horrible impact it face.... I really wanna work with you actually😅Im a BSC. Botany modell 2 Voc. Plant biotechnology. Is there any chance of a miracle I asked for?
I needed to hear this! Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Action. Yes. You have to take your camera THERE. You have to tell a story, and you have to GO and tell the story. You will be uncomfortable, you will have to stay focused, you will have to deliver. Making things requires DOING. Take your gear and GO. When the action is done, then you get to sit and edit and do the safe/relaxing things.
Thank u so much man, your content is a true blessing, thanks and i hope to get to work with you one day!
Let’s be honest with ourselves! If you're lucky enough to be part of any big-screen production, it's because you know someone who knew someone or someone recommended you. It doesn’t even matter what camera you own or your knowledge; one day your buddy will ask you to be his first AC or even B cam, and voila, you're a cinematographer working for Netflix and TV channels like NBC, Disney plus, etc. Nat Geo? Yeah, that’s cool, but how much money do you make out of it? Not saying this is the case 100% of the time but I’ve been in this industry for too long now to see it that way
Those advises apply not only to filmmaking but to other jobs as well.
Where can we watch Duy's Vietnam film?
Here: kzhead.info/sun/osdrodh8n3x6mpE/bejne.html
Dude you're videos and perspective are so valuable to me in my filmmaking career, thank you so much for putting in the work to give your insight to people like me who at the beginning of their career! 🤘
Appreciate it, thanks!
Damn bro. Where you talking about me with that commerical fisherman line 😂😂
100% of my income comes from filmmaking, mostly low level branded content but some doc stuff. I have to be thankful for the career I've somehow stumbled upon, but still...I need to hear things like this video. I want to do more, and I want to try harder, and even now it is so easy to do that preparation end of things and always wait for the right moment. Interestingly, I am most happy and fulfilled when I am taking some kind of creative action, even if it is unfunded and could amount to nothing. Life feels rich when I'm doing that, and poor when I'm sitting around looking at gear or wondering why some other filmmaker is doing 'better than me'.
That’s amazing Martin, keep it up brother🙏🏽
Did you film in La Jolla shores haha I recognized the beach 👍
We did!
when I started it took me a WEEK to find 4 hours of work in LA, Been running my business for 3 years now to learn from it, through hard networking and countless hours in reference groups and shooting small gigs constantly I crave for more. I still don't know my company's niche or identity and its hard to build one when you can't afford to pick and choose your jobs. That's why I been spending extra hours trying to find business owners and realtors who will let me shoot some example work for them, I hope it works out. I do feel like I'm stuck at the bottom of that ramp for 3 years now, but I defiantly won't stop. Struggling working 2 jobs (including this) and raising my family I just know one thing, my craft is getting better, this is what I love to do, and I wont stop. I have a lot to learn still. Thanks Luc
I just changed from Epidemicsound to Audiio, you sir saved me 50EUR. If that's not good enough to like this video/channel, I don't know what is!
You just confirmed what I was thinking about myself. Thanks man
Step One: follow Nike's advice and "Just Do It". Step Two: do quality work and let them see it. Most likely, they will want you before you want them. Thanks, Luc, tell it how it is.
You where not be brushed of they just didn't need you at that time. By being polite fully persistent you caught them at the right time. I had a client that had I not caught them a just the right time I would have missed out on hundreds of thousands of dollars of business over 20 years. Just don't stop circling.
Hey Luc, thanks for the insides, tips and motivation! I find your videos super interesting but for me they are exhausting to watch because you talk non stop. Just take a breath, this would make your videos even better in my opinion :)
Eastern Europe? If you happen to come to Hungary, shoot me a message and let's get a coffee!
And what about the other 10% ? What is their reason for not succeeding ?
When you dont need to write anything and just shoot stuff, its not hard.
Ok I do go out I do take lots of pics And make videos I have over 1000 videos or "shorts" Tell me Be honest Do I suck Should I quit? Do people see me??? #themadcameraguy Let's go find the new Wolf Pack
I blame the government. Well that’s because I work for the government and it’s my career. lol I just love making films.
A lot of bitter, yet essential medicine in this jagged pill! Now stop bothering me-- I have work to do!
You can’t compare a filmmakers “success” by an example that doesn’t reference the obvious disparities of the economies of Vietnam and say a filmmaker in the USA..that’s disingenuous and misleading…
What networking? A sound guy? You dont need actors, dont need editor.
Let me get in that 10%