Here's how you can stay confident in the film industry despite criticism.

All advice, in one way or another, is helpful if you know how to navigate it. Whether it's constructive, unsolicited, or feels intense, everything can be broken down into new knowledge that you can then decide how you want to implement it, move on, or understand their perspective.

- Embrace criticism as a pathway to improvement, not a reflection of personal worth. - Actively listen to feedback, extracting valuable insights to refine your artistic vision. - Demonstrate professionalism by integrating constructive feedback into your work, showcasing growth and dedication to your craft.

Early in my career, I took criticism hard, especially from those I didn’t respect. Sometimes I'm still triggered today. However, everyone’s feedback, regardless of their level, has value. Even vague comments like a character being “passive” are based on genuine feelings. Art is about evoking emotions, so it’s crucial to understand the note behind the note. Instead of getting upset, I now take notes and delve deeper to improve my craft and show professionalism.

It's important to remember that the majority of criticism targeted at you isn't about you. Always distance yourself from the issue and, although it's tough, remember to not take it personally. I had a professor in HS (who's now a mentor of mine) that offered us unfiltered criticism. Early in the class, it was demoralizing. But with time and communication, my perception changed. My professor was sharp with his critique, true, but it came from a place of love. It was never to demean us; rather, to thicken our skin for the challenges of this industry (and how glad I am he did).

- Cultivate resilience to bounce back from setbacks and maintain confidence. - Understand that rejection and criticism are opportunities for growth, not personal failures. - Set realistic expectations and mentally prepare for the challenges inherent in the film industry to strengthen your resilience.

“Know thy self” is at the foundation of surviving the ups and downs of the film industry. Understanding your psychology, the painful wounds that will get triggered and acquiring tools for turning painful situations into opportunities for growth will serve you the most. Start by reading about emotional intelligence, and then go to work with a therapist or coach.

I’ve been in the industry for years, starting over in LA and struggling through the pandemic. Writing is tough; getting people to read takes time. Fame and fortune are slow to come by. Grit is essential. Without it, you might not make it. I’m committed despite hard times, treating it like a marriage. Rejection feels personal, but it isn’t. If you truly want it, you’ll keep going. It’s okay to leave if you don’t want it enough. Grit is key to surviving and thriving.

You've probably heard the saying "it's all about who you know" to succeed in this industry. Hell, this is all I could think of when I started and it's... not so helpful. Ask yourself this, "who knows you?" You could know a dozen people at an agency or studio, but how many of them know you? How many will return your calls? When approaching relationships, keep these two points in mind: - Instead of spreading yourself thin trying to know as many people as possible, invest time in cultivating deeper, more genuine relationships. - Building strong relationships often takes more time and effort than simply expanding your network. It involves ongoing communication and genuine interest in the other person -- making it mutually beneficial.

- Foster supportive relationships with peers, mentors, and collaborators who uplift and believe in your abilities. - Seek constructive feedback from trusted connections who genuinely want to see you succeed. - Utilize your network to access new opportunities and collaborations that can enhance your confidence and career progression in the film industry.

Choose wisely. You want people who are going to listen first, then describe their experience, then and only then ask if you’re open to advice.

You know, it's easy to get hyper-focused on work and lose sight of what personal growth truly means My friends and I have found that true personal growth comes when you make "me time." Read a book before bed that has nothing to do with work. Go on a hike for an hour or two. Learn a new activity. Volunteer in your community or for a cause you're passionate about. Taking time for yourself can lead to unexpected and wonderful growth

Continuous learning is key. Embrace new technologies like AI to enhance your craft. Stay updated on filmmaking techniques and read beyond the industry. Personal growth includes self-reflection and exploring life outside of film. Travel, read, and experience life to enrich your stories. Stepping away for a year helped me learn about myself and improve my storytelling. Grow both in film and in human capacity.

It’s challenging to maintain a positive mindset daily. Self-doubt and criticism are common, but focus on a positive outlook. Remember, people in worse situations have succeeded. Embrace good days and be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up—treat yourself as you would a friend. Positivity isn’t constant, but self-kindness helps you persevere.

Visualization is powerful. Imagine success not just long-term but in the next few days, weeks, or months. Visualize succeeding in each project, even weekly tasks. Focusing on near-term goals prevents feeling like a failure if long-term goals aren’t met yet. Visualizing success in every step keeps you motivated and confident.

The way you treat yourself will be mirrored back to you by the people in your life. So, self honoring choices must come first.