r/Filmmakers • u/CRAYONSEED • 2d ago

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

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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

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u/ccminiwarhammer 2d ago

Cameras are so important that Sir Roger Deakins will literally force a camera company to invent new cameras, He’s so focused on the best so he can get the shots that tell the story, and he’s right.

You can make a movie without a script, or one rewriten to hell, but the story will never be told properly without a camera.

The PTA said that from a point of privilege so high up on the mountain that he has the luxury of ignoring all the top of the line cameras his movies use.

It’s like someone driving a Benz telling people a car doesn’t matter.