How I Built This with Guy Raz How I Built Resilience: M. Night Shyamalan
Feb 4, 2021
M. Night Shyamalan, the acclaimed filmmaker behind hits like 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Unbreakable,' shares his journey through self-doubt and resilience in filmmaking. He discusses the creative solitude necessary for innovation and how the pandemic reshaped his projects, including 'Servant' and 'Old.' Reflecting on his childhood, he emphasizes storytelling's emotional power and the importance of diverse voices. Despite past successes, he reveals the constant struggle to prove himself with each new venture, inspiring emerging artists to boldly share their narratives.
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Early Filmmaking
- M. Night Shyamalan developed a passion for filmmaking as a child, making 45 Super 8 films by age 17.
- Inspired by Star Wars, E.T., and Raiders, he initially mimicked them before finding his own original voice.
Mimicking vs. Creating
- Early attempts at filmmaking involved mimicking existing works, which lacked creative joy.
- True satisfaction came from developing original stories.
Embrace Iterations
- Embrace iterations and "safe failures" as essential steps in mastering any skill.
- View initial shortcomings not as deterrents but as opportunities for growth.