Identifying a target audience is crucial for successful filmmaking.
Stories have the power to bring about societal change.
Incorporating fun and familiarity is essential for productive filmmaking.
Trusting and honoring one's unique filmmaking process leads to better art.
Deep dives
Importance of Identifying Target Audience
When discussing his feature film with distributors, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to identify a specific target audience. He explains that while many people want their film to appeal to everyone, that approach actually results in having no audience. By identifying the target audience, in this case parents who have children on the autism spectrum, the speaker was able to establish a clear audience for the film.
The Power of Storytelling in Revolutionizing Perspectives
The speaker highlights the significant role of stories in shaping beliefs, values, and principles. They assert that the best way to disguise a revolution is to tell a great story. By telling stories that connect with people's desires and fears, it is possible to bring about change in society. The speaker also expresses their desire to challenge the narrative around autism by telling a different type of story that celebrates the talents and achievements of individuals on the spectrum instead of perpetuating pity and shame.
The Importance of Fun and Familiarity in the Filmmaking Process
The speaker shares their experience of learning the significance of incorporating fun and familiarity in the filmmaking process. They recall how their early documentaries failed to meet their expectations due to the imposition of a process that didn't align with their own creative tendencies. They emphasize that fun and familiarity are crucial for creating a positive and productive environment on set, allowing for the best work to be produced.
Embracing and Honoring Personal Process
The speaker reflects on the importance of leaning into their personal process as a filmmaker. They note that embracing their own unique approach to filmmaking, even if it differs from others, leads to better art. They share their experience working on a commercial campaign where they felt their process was constrained and compromised, resulting in unsatisfactory work. They emphasize the need to trust and honor one's own process to produce the best possible outcome.
The Joy of Creativity and Managing a Group of Creatives
The podcast episode explores the joy and ambition that comes with creativity, highlighting individuals who volunteer and create without the constraints of a creative box. The speaker emphasizes the importance of providing tools and opportunities for creativity, rather than limiting it. They discuss how managing a group of creatives involves allowing them to run with their ideas and providing funding and opportunities for their creative pursuits.
Building an Online Community and the Power of Live Events
The podcast discusses the evolution of an online community for documentary filmmakers, sharing how a small course grew into a global community of over 6,000 filmmakers. They highlight the sense of connection and learning that comes from live events, and how it brings out the passion and liveliness in individuals. The speaker shares the success stories of filmmakers who have started from scratch and made their first films or achieved recognition through the community.
Teaching Documentary Filmmaking and Uncovering the Core of a Story
The podcast delves into the process of teaching documentary filmmaking and the importance of defining a compelling story. They emphasize the need for a character who desires something and how this desire drives the story. The speaker believes that topic alone is not enough and that a good story is about asking a question and exploring the depth of complexity. They also discuss the common mistakes filmmakers make, such as relying too heavily on interviews and aimless b-roll.
Balancing Passion and Responsibility in Creative Pursuits
The podcast addresses the challenge of balancing passion and responsibility in creative pursuits. The speakers highlight the importance of understanding one's tendency towards either passion or responsibility and identifying the need for checks and balances. They emphasize the need for ambition and creativity, while also recognizing the need for responsibility towards relationships and personal growth. They stress the importance of finding a balance and surrounding oneself with people who can provide guidance and support in both areas.
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On this episode of the Mind Shift Podcast, Erwin and Aaron McManus sit down with Mark Bone, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and commercial director.
Check out Mark's content below:
@markbone YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@markbone
@theartofdocumentary YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@theartofdocumentary
The Art of Documentary:
https://theartofdocumentary.com
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The Arena is live! Join now to be a part of the conversation:
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Preorder my new book “Mind Shift” today!
https://erwinmcmanus.com/mindshift
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Mind Shift Podcast / @MindShiftPodcast
https://www.instagram.com/MindShiftPo...
Erwin McManus / @ErwinMcManus
http://erwinmcmanus.com/
https://www.instagram.com/erwinmcmanus/
Aaron McManus / @AaronCMcManus
https://www.instagram.com/aaroncmcmanus
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