A few years back at the Ottawa International Animation Festival. I heard Don Hertzfeldt talk about his animations. The auditorium was packed with swooning animation nerds, and when the Q&A time came the typical question came.
"Do you have any tips for me? I want to be an independent film maker like you!"
I forget Don's exact words, but he said something to the effect of, "I don't have much a social life, I animate. All I do is make films, I live a simple life, and purpose to do as much."*
Film-making is hard work. Mr. Hertzfieldt's comment encouraged this kid to take his personal work seriously. And most of all, work really, really, really hard. I need to remember sometimes that films don't make themselves, and if you want to make a great film you have to dedicate your whole existence to it. Then after you are done with the next Oscar winning animation. Take a rest.
And now excuse me while I take a big dose of my own medicine.
What advice have you learned through the years? Share it with me.
*P.S. Mr. Hertzfieldt, if you read this and feel you were miss represented, I'm sorry. I will gladly take credit for this little lesson and change your name to "Mr. Poopsfieldt" to avoid confusion.
I think you meant "propose" instead of "purpose." A good quote though.
ReplyDeleteThe reality is... once you've won your Oscar winning animation, you'll work harder than you EVER have. There is no rest.
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty accurate.
ReplyDelete