3D artist turned filmmaker and director, Colin Levy, shares advice on avoiding burnout and self-sabotage. He discusses cultivating a healthy relationship with success, the impact of neglecting it. They also talk about his start as a filmmaker, challenges with mental health, and the success of his viral short film 'Sky Watch'.
Create work that is meaningful to you and represents your truth.
Turning a short film into a larger-scale production requires perseverance and resilience.
Navigating the filmmaking industry involves balancing personal expression with audience expectations and overcoming challenges.
Prioritizing self-care and avoiding burnout are crucial for aspiring filmmakers.
Deep dives
Advice for Young Filmmakers
For young filmmakers, my advice is to make shit, to create relentlessly, and to prioritize the expression of your own unique perspective and experiences. Don't just copy what you see others doing or what you think will be popular. Focus on creating work that is meaningful to you and represents your truth. Utilize social media as a platform for sharing your work, but don't get caught up in comparison or seeking external validation. Strive to strike a balance between creating and consuming, and find ways to be intentional with your time and energy.
The Journey of Skywatch
Skywatch, a passion project for filmmaker Colin Levy, had a lengthy development process spanning several years. The short film was released in December 2019 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. However, the ultimate goal was to turn Skywatch into a feature film or a TV show. Levy and his team prepared a 20-minute pitch, a 90-page feature screenplay, and concept art to attract the interest of production companies and studios. After the online release of the short film on YouTube, private screener links were sent to various industry executives. Pitch meetings were held, but the response was mixed, and the timing of the holiday season may have affected the feedback. Despite some initial setbacks, the journey of Skywatch continues as the team works towards making it a larger-scale production.
Challenges in the Filmmaking Industry
The filmmaking industry presents various challenges for aspiring filmmakers. Striking a balance between personal expression and meeting audience expectations can be difficult. Social media, though a valuable tool for sharing work, can also be a double-edged sword, triggering feelings of inadequacy and distracting from the creative process. Another hurdle is navigating the industry itself, including finding funding, attracting the attention of production companies, and pitching projects. The path from a short film to a feature film or TV show involves perseverance and resilience, as responses from industry professionals can be unpredictable. Despite the challenges, aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to continue creating, focus on their unique perspectives, and embrace the journey with passion and determination.
Importance of Self-Care and Intentionality
In the midst of the demands and pressures of the filmmaking industry, it is crucial for young filmmakers to prioritize self-care and intentional living. Balancing work and personal life is essential for overall well-being. Avoid falling into the trap of constant comparison, seeking external validation, or overworking. Take breaks, set boundaries, and make time for activities that nourish and inspire you. Embrace your journey as a filmmaker, learn from experiences, and strive for a healthier relationship with yourself and your creative work.
The Power of Online Release and Buzz
The speaker discusses the success of their short film after releasing it online. They attribute the success to a combination of factors, including a short film premiere, Slashfilm coverage, and a viral video that generated buzz. The online release garnered 1.7 million views, which is highly unusual for a short film.
Navigating the Challenges of Pitching
The speaker shares their experience of pitching their film to various studios and networks. They highlight the importance of pitching to decision-makers and the value of having one person say 'yes' to get the ball rolling. They also discuss the difficulty of pitching to low-level executives and the need for enthusiasm and buzz to generate interest.
The Journey of a Passion Project
The speaker reflects on the journey of their passion project and the challenges they faced in getting it made. They discuss the success of selling the project, but acknowledge that it didn't get produced due to factors beyond their control. They express gratitude for the experience and continue to work on the project, pitching it to other studios and networks.
In this podcast episode, Colin Levy - a 3D artist turned filmmaker and director - gives advice for avoiding self-sabotage and burning out. Colin got his start directing 'Sintel' then later got a job at Pixar, then wrote and directed the viral short film "Skywatch" which was then successfully sold as a tv show. Colin shares why it's important to cultivate a healthy relationship with success, and why neglecting it can lead to burnout and self-sabotage.
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