Vision's Virtuistic Value

As a Line Producer, I have seen countless first-time #filmmakers stumble and fall, their dreams of #cinematic glory crushed beneath the weight of their own confusion and lack of vision. To quote the late, great Hunter S. Thompson, "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." But in the #filmindustry, the weird turn amateur if they don't have a clear vision.

A strong, clear vision holds the power to transcend your current reality, bypassing the day-to-day challenges that might be keeping you stuck where you are.

~#DebbieFord

The importance of having a clear vision for a #film cannot be overstated. As my hero and #filmdirector, #MartinScorsese once said, "Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out." Without a clear understanding of what should be in the frame and what should be left out, a film can quickly become a muddled fucking mess.

Fellow filmmaker, #QuentinTarantino echoed this sentiment when he said, "I don't believe in elitism. I don't think the audience is this dumb person lower than me. I am the audience." In other words, a clear vision is important not only for the #filmmaker but also for the audience, who need to be able to understand and connect with the story being told. If you try making a film for everyone you will end up making a film for no one. A clear vision will come through in specificity.

Unfortunately, many first-time filmmakers are so eager to jump into the process that they forget to take the time to develop a #clearvision. As the legendary #OrsonWelles once said, "The enemy of art is the absence of limitations." Without a clear vision and a solid plan for execution, those limitations can quickly become overwhelming. But with a clear vision, it is easy to problem solve. #JonahHill discusses how Martin Scorcese is such a genius at filmmakining because his vision is so clear he can solve the most complex of problems quickly on the Howard Stern Show. Click Here.

This lack of vision can manifest in a number of ways, from confusing #plotlines to inconsistent tone to poorly executed cinematography. As director #DavidLynch famously said, "It's important to have your vision. You can't borrow someone else's vision, and you can't lend your vision to someone else." Each filmmaker must develop their own unique vision and commit to it fully.

In the end, a clear vision is what separates successful filmmakers from the ones who never make it. As the great #StanleyKubrick once said, "If you can talk brilliantly about a problem, it can create the consoling illusion that it has been mastered." But in #filmmaking, talk is cheap. A clear vision and the ability to execute that vision is what truly separates the masters from the amateurs.

So what does all this shit mean?

In conclusion, a clear vision is essential for success in the film industry. Without it, filmmakers risk creating confusing and uninspiring works that fail to connect with audiences. As filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Orson Welles, David Lynch, and Stanley Kubrick have all attested, having a clear vision is key to creating meaningful and memorable films. So, to all the aspiring filmmakers out there: take the time to develop your vision, and commit to it fully. It just may be the key to unlocking your true potential as a filmmaker.