The Rich Roll Podcast Filmmaker Max Joseph on Failure, Happiness, & Finding Your Creative Voice
56 snips
Jul 15, 2024 
In this engaging conversation, Max Joseph, a filmmaker and former MTV Catfish co-host, dives into his creative journey. He candidly shares lessons from directing a Hollywood film and the emotional aftermath of its failure. Max explores the balance between traditional and digital media, discussing the evolving landscape of filmmaking. He reflects on the neuroscience of happiness, emphasizing the importance of connection and personal growth. With insights from his experiences and a transformative moment with the Dalai Lama, it’s a compelling exploration of creativity and fulfillment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Web Filmmaking Beginnings
- Max Joseph initially aimed to be a traditional filmmaker but found himself drawn to the emerging world of web filmmaking.
- Early success with viral videos on platforms like YouTube fueled his desire to merge these new techniques with traditional cinema.
We Are Your Friends Failure
- Max Joseph directed "We Are Your Friends," starring Zac Efron, intending to revolutionize cinema by blending web filmmaking techniques with traditional methods.
- The film became a box office disappointment, leading Joseph into a period of self-doubt and questioning his filmmaking abilities.
Catfish Success
- Max Joseph advised his friends against turning their successful documentary "Catfish" into a reality show, believing it was a bad idea.
- Despite his initial reservations, he joined the project due to financial constraints and it became a long-running success, proving his initial assessment wrong.
