Hey friend,
Got some fresh content coming your way over the next few weeks. We're talking new podcasts, a fun email series, and a new article or two. Can't wait to share it with you.
But for now, here's another zesty newsletter to tide you over. Enjoy!
P.S. As always, you can check out the (slowly) growing archive of old newsletters here.
The Unexpected Transformation of My First Feature Film
Sometimes you set out on a project, and somehow, through the process of making it, it transforms into something completely different than what you imagined when you started. That's exactly what happened to Matt Thornton, whose first feature morphed from traditional to experimental over the course of a couple years. Here's the story of how it happened, and why he's really happy with how it turned out, despite being completely different than the original vision. [Link]
The Four Agreements is one of a few books that if every single person on the planet read and implemented it, the world would be a far better and more peaceful place. But outside of that, each of the "agreements" can help you thrive in your relationships and career as a filmmaker. So here's the best summary I've found anywhere. This is like 95% of the value of the book in 1/10th the time. Enjoy!
Building a great life as a filmmaker is about playing the long game. It's the culmination of many small steps, stacked on top of each other and compounded over years. Yet it's far too easy to dismiss those small steps in favor of something with more immediate gratification. That's why we must develop an "investment mindset." We need to continuously invest in our skills, our relationships, and in creating films. Keep stacking those bricks, one at a time, and eventually you'll get where you want to be.
Though it's technically designed for radio/podcast storytellers, this super in-depth workbook can help all types of creative storytellers. Whether you do documentary or narrative or animation or experimental film, if you go through this workbook, you'll come out the other end with a ton of clarity about what you're making, who you're making it for, how you'll reach that audience, and how you'll get the project done.
An in-depth look at the (batshit crazy) production schedule that the SNL Film Unit goes through Every. Single. Week. in order to create the show's pre-taped segments. It'll give you some insight into working quickly, and loads of appreciation for what they're able to pull off. And if you're like me, you'll be happy that this isn't your job, because frankly it looks stressful as hell. ¯\(ツ)/¯