Why Make Films?
So I'll pick up in the middle...
Over the past few weeks I have been preparing (mostly mentally since I'm a real "last minute" type of guy) to shoot an archival documentary of an old war hero's annual journey to reunite with the men of his army regiment. Oddly enough Ken Burns beat me to it with The War on PBS.
The truth is that my documentary will most likely never be released to the public. Sure it would be nice to get some recognition and pats on the back from people that I don't know but that is not the point of this film. This is a personal piece. The hero is my grandfather. The story is for my family.
What's the point of blogging about this?... you ask.
Well, it made me think about why we make films and the vast number of reasons. But don't worry, this won't be one of those "Top 100 Reasons to be a Filmmaker" posts or anything like that.
Being a frequent consumer of online information and somewhat active on forums and other blogs, I come across many different styles of filmmaker and many more different personality types. The combination of the two is almost limitless.
So now, I am asking myself (again), "why do I make films?".
It is hard for me (and I'm sure many others as well) to completely wrap my mind around each and every reason but there are some obvious points that bubble up to the surface. Here are my initial thoughts:
- Purpose - A feeling of direction in life and the medium to conduct this direction seeking. What better way to convey your specific thoughts and messages than through an easily consumed media such as film or video. What do you find easier... reading a book or watching a movie?
- Escape - The realities of life can be a bit much at times and many people escape into movies or television on a daily basis. For the most part they are just watching and being entertained. When making films, one can escape into the process which can take you deeper and further away from reality than many other things.
- Recognition - This seems to be many peoples main reason though few will admit to it. I'll admit that I do enjoy the occasional praise and notice from other peeps. With that said, if recognition is your main reason then you are setting yourself up for a difficult journey into film making.
- Accomplishment - When a film (or miniDV in my case) is in the can there is no better feeling. No matter how small the project was, it would have been a significant amount of work and the feeling gained after completion can be quite euphoric at times. Personally, films are about the only thing I am good and completing ;) so this one is up there on the list.
- Fame and Fortune - Ummm... this shouldn't really be on any filmmakers list although we all fantasize about it. But if these are your main reasons for making films you will need to be a savant or film genius to succeed... and if you are and you do make the big-time, give me a call and hook me up.
Lately for me "Escape" tops my list of reasons but hopefully with this personal piece that I am doing, "Purpose" and "Accomplishment" with rise to the top of the list. In my opinion, filmmaking should be about personal fulfillment and nothing else (unless I get discovered then you can scratch all of that).
Just thought I'd share.
BTW... I'll try to post some of the b-roll if I get anything good.
