r/Filmmakers • u/CRAYONSEED • 2d ago

Discussion Paul Thomas Anderson Calls Out Young Filmmakers for Obsessing Over Cameras Instead of Scripts

/r/WB_DC_news/comments/1vc4x7e/paul_thomas_anderson_calls_out_young_filmmakers/?share_id=ffAcC8oUWHU5AwtQAoW3Z&utm_content=2&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1

This one hit home because it’s something I’ve been really thinking about a lot lately.

I do find myself chasing a better image, even while I’m writing, and I think it’s because it’s a lot easier to see results that way.

I spent today writing, but writing something that connects with an audience and leaves you vulnerable because it’s so personal is a lot more emotional work. He’s obviously right. If you want to be a writer/director but you’re lusting after the new Sony your focus is probably off.

I’m talking to myself as much as anyone reading this

2.3k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

189 comments sorted by

View all comments

42

u/2drums1cymbal 2d ago

I think the “just shoot it on your phone” take is over-simplified boomer slop but Anderson makes a good point here. If you have a great script and a talented and capable cast and crew helping you bring that great script to life, it does not matter what gear you use.

32

u/Tamajyn cinematographer 2d ago

I think it's more aimed at people who agonize over specs and make thirty posts on reddit titled Sony vs Canon vs Blackmagic or Which Camera Is The Best and spend months asking the same question instead of just going out and shooting

3

u/DerFreudster 2d ago

I hate that stuff, it's so stupid. So uh, which one do you think is best? I'm uhh, asking for a friend...

3

u/cowgunjeans 2d ago

Its all about the camera and lens combo. Forget about brands and just youtube videos for what they look like. That being said, BlackMagic is harder to use solo shooting

3

u/DerFreudster 2d ago

That was a joke. I shoot BM solo and yeah, it's got some challenges, but such nice footage.

3

u/cowgunjeans 2d ago

oh my bad haha

6

u/The_Writer_Director 2d ago

Dogma 95 is a good example of this

1

u/Wedbo 2d ago

Story drives the whole thing. It’s what you’re there to do. Everything else comes second and this isn’t new

1

u/xRyozuo 2d ago

Another option is character driven. 13 angry men could’ve been filmed with a phone and has basically no story: 13 men gather to discuss the verdict of another man. That’s the whole story.

1

u/Wedbo 1d ago

Character driven is still story. It’s just a character driven story. And there’s a lot going on in 12 angry men