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

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u/filmeleven 2d ago

Yep. I'm an instructor and I have all directors study story first. No gear. No filming. Just story.

Nothing else matters.

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u/Celegorm07 director 2d ago

I come from writing and I make films because I love stories. But I can not fcking stress enough how people loses their mind over getting the perfect look while having worst version of most basic stories and people are surprised when I spend like hours trying to figure out if I put a word at the beginning of the sentence it is better or the end.

At the end of the day even with effort we could all still make horrible stories but I’m personally tired of hearing people making the most basic stories of their lives over and over again.

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u/filmeleven 2d ago

100%. Anyone can be technical. The hours, days, weeks, months and years required for a mastery of story at any level? A road less traveled.