Uncovering the mystery of fulfillment (This changes everything) - Stanton Giles
Nov 17, 2023
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Explore the importance of fulfillment in filmmaking, balancing personal life moments, and starting a business from scratch. Reflect on the journey of becoming wedding filmmakers, finding fulfillment in their profession. Discuss the value of living in the present and treasuring memories. Debate capturing moments through photography versus experiencing them. Reflect on the concept of idolizing nostalgia and serving others. Embrace failure, take risks, and grow. Emphasize the importance of connecting and putting in extra effort in filmmaking. Highlight the significance of starting over in the wedding industry, being authentic, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. Mention a Black Friday sale on a filmmaking course and native presets.
Prioritizing personal life moments over wedding footage quality leads to more meaningful storytelling.
Capturing memories, regardless of the quality or format, holds future impact and significance.
Recognizing the limitations of wedding films encourages seeking alternative avenues for storytelling.
Finding a balance between capturing and experiencing life's moments is essential for filmmakers.
Going above and beyond in wedding films by adding that extra 10% effort can elevate the quality and impact.
Deep dives
Balancing Wedding Films and Non-Wedding Story Content
Stanton reflects on his journey as a wedding filmmaker and his desire to tell more purposeful stories beyond weddings. He shares his experience of feeling limited in storytelling on wedding days and the importance of capturing personal life moments. Stanton emphasizes the need to value the story over the quality of footage and to capture and cherish present moments. He expresses his excitement for exploring new storytelling opportunities and explains how his own proposal film inspired him to pursue more non-wedding story content.
The Power of Capturing Personal Life Moments
Stanton discusses the significance of capturing personal life moments and the tendency for filmmakers to prioritize capturing other people's stories over their own. He reflects on the importance of preserving memories and shares his own struggle with balancing being present in the moment while also capturing it. Stanton emphasizes the value of capturing these memories, regardless of the quality or orientation of the footage, and the future impact they can have.
The Realization that Wedding Films Have Limitations
Stanton acknowledges the limitations of wedding films in terms of storytelling and the challenge of conveying a couple's unique story in a limited time frame. He highlights how the format of wedding days can restrict storytelling opportunities and limit the ability to fully capture the couple's history and depth. Stanton encourages wedding videographers to recognize these limitations and seek alternative avenues for storytelling.
Reflecting on the Present and the Desire to Tell Meaningful Stories
Stanton shares his personal struggle with appreciating the present moment while also desiring to tell deeper and more meaningful stories. He discusses the tension between being fully present in the now and the longing to capture memories for the future. Stanton emphasizes the importance of cherishing every moment and embracing the present nostalgia, while recognizing the role that smartphones and cameras can play in preserving these memories. He encourages filmmakers to find a balance between capturing and experiencing life's moments.
Importance of Going Above and Beyond in Wedding Films
One of the main insights from the podcast episode is the importance of going above and beyond in wedding films. The host emphasizes that giving that extra 10% effort at the end of a film can elevate it from good to great. By taking the time to stabilize shots perfectly, make cuts on the beat, and tweak colors and highlights, filmmakers can enhance the overall quality of their films. The episode also highlights the significance of being intentional during the editing process. Filmmakers are encouraged to remember that they have full control over their footage and can make creative choices to improve their films. This includes being willing to change the selected songs and continually striving for excellence by adding that extra 10% effort.
Taking Creative Risks and Breaking the Mold
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the importance of taking creative risks and not being bound by conventions. The host shares personal experiences of breaking away from traditional wedding filmmaking norms and pursuing innovative approaches. It is suggested that by breaking the mold and trying new things, filmmakers can achieve greater growth and create more impactful and memorable films. Taking risks, such as experimenting with different shooting techniques, unconventional editing styles, or unique storytelling methods, can lead to fresh and engaging content. The podcast emphasizes the need to push beyond comfort zones and embrace audacious creativity to stand out and tell captivating stories.
Investing in Personal Growth and Storytelling
The podcast episode encourages filmmakers to invest in their personal growth and storytelling abilities. The host stresses the importance of uncovering one's own story and finding fulfillment beyond just weddings. By exploring personal interests and passions, filmmakers can bring a unique perspective to their work and infuse it with more meaning. The episode suggests seeking experiences outside of weddings to find inspiration and rejuvenation. It also emphasizes the value of connecting with others, sharing knowledge, and building a sense of community. The host encourages listeners to take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and pursue a fulfilling life by continuously learning, improving their craft, and telling their own stories.
Embracing Failure and Turning it into Success
The speaker shares a personal experience of failure in their early days as a wedding filmmaker. Initially, they felt inadequate compared to other filmmakers who had better equipment and skills. However, instead of dwelling on their limitations, they decided to embrace their imperfect footage and lack of technical expertise. They turned these perceived failures into a unique style that set them apart from others in the industry, ultimately catapulting their career. This story highlights the importance of reframing failures as opportunities for growth and finding creative solutions within constraints.
Chasing Fulfillment and Setting Bold Goals
The speaker emphasizes the significance of pursuing personal fulfillment over societal expectations. They advocate for setting bold goals that reflect one's passion and use them as a driving force to shape a more fulfilling present. The speaker encourages individuals to embrace their own uniqueness and confidently incorporate it into their brand. They stress the power of being different, showing authenticity, and connecting with others on a personal level. By pursuing meaningful goals and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals, one can combat discontentment and create a positive impact in their chosen field.
In this episode, Stanton shares how to uncover the mystery of fulfillment. If your heart needs some motivation and encouragement today this is the episode you want to listen to.
We also cover: How to reignite your passion for filmmaking, How to not let the present slip away, The idolization of nostalgia, Leaning into courage and boldness... even as an introvert, Discovering rich stories in any circumstance, Why you need to fail more and how to do it well, and more!