I’m currently reading a book of collected interviews with Steven Spielberg. I am a huge fan, but I have not watched a lot of his movies or even watched too many behind the scenes etc. from his flicks in a several months. This book gets me jazzed because it ranged from his early twenties to his mid fifties and seeing what his mindset is like. [url=http://www.amazon.com/Horrors-War-Jon-Osbeck/dp/B000UTOKKM/ref=sr_1_24/102-7580935-5920942?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1192985262&sr=1-24][img]http://www.sonnyboo.com/images1/blog/nov07/spielberg2.jpg[/img][/url]
Some of my favorite quotes thus far….
“Anyone who has had as much responsibility as director as I have, HAS to be a business man. They can’t avoid it.”
This rings so true. If you want to work with money, you have to accept the business responsibilities as well. It’s amazing how few amatuers get this. Art and business collide in film more so than any other artform, even music. If you want to have the money, you have to comprehend the business end of the movie business. There is nothing wrong with movie masturbation abstract art-house crap, although I am obviously not a fan. Just don’t whine that the general public doesn’t give a rat’s ass or that for reasons that are apparent to everyone except the performance artists wannabes – nobody wants to invest (lose) money into that kind of movie. So stop whining like little school girls and make your movies and be content with your station in life. No one chose it, you did. Get a hanky, whipe your nose, and stop complaining that life isn’t easy.
and the quote I agree with the most…
“I’m still fighting so I can be good in my eyes. When I’m good in my eyes, I might even quit. I don’t see that happening for years. I haven’t satisfied myself with a film yet. I haven’t made a film that I think is great yet.”
This is something I can relate to. I am not in a race with other filmmakers, only myself. The only critic that truly matters to me is my own self reflection. It doesn’t hurt when other people criticize or bash a movie I’ve made. I already have my own ideas about what went wrong, and even right with my own movies.
The reason I stick with the filmmaking is because I have not mastered it or come close. I have not achieved my own self imposed goals, not even close. This will be a lifetime of heartache, struggle, poverty, and yet I could not be happier. I know what it is I’m here on Earth to do, and I’m doing it. I’m both perpetually striving to improve, and I am also completely content with the hardships that this entails. Every single disaster is just a challenge to overcome. I can’t imagine complaining about any aspect of my lifestyle. I chose this lifestyle. I chose to be a filmmaker. I chose not to complain about being somewhat poor (although my fortunes have changed in that arena recently), and I chose not to whine about whatever curveball life gives me. Recently I was robbed of several thousands of uninsured DVD’s, cameras, camcorders, and various other sundries. Our bathroom deteriorated and it will cost several thousands of dollars we don’t have to fix it. Even with all these personal tragedies, life is good. I’ve got an unconventional family that I love, that loves me. I am on the verge of a very productive year of filmmaking. My first feature film sits on shelves at Blockbuster Video across the country.
I’m a filmmaker. I chose this life. There’s no greater compensation than being able to put my movies out there to be seen. I cannot fathom complaining and crying about “woe is me! This is so hard!” Stop complaining and make do with that you’ve got, wimps.
[url=http://www.amazon.com/Horrors-War-Jon-Osbeck/dp/B000UTOKKM/ref=sr_1_24/102-7580935-5920942?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1192985262&sr=1-24][img]http://www.sonnyboo.com/images1/blog/nov07/spielberg3.jpg[/img][/url]
The book comes from the same series as my previously mentioned STANLEY KUBRICK INTERVIEWS. I also have Ridley Scott’s book waiting in the wings and Quentin Tarantino, George Lucas, and Francis Ford Coppola on order. All used and very cheap (average price $6 including shipping).
I feel like watching the original RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK soon. That film is damn near perfection as far as I’m concerned. I recently re-watched BACK TO THE FUTURE, and that too is continuity perfection.
Obviously, I’m gearing up, motivating myself for the next film adventures. I have several new stories to tell cinematically and this is the beginning of the process for me.
Peace acolytes.
PJR
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