Lessons on Filmmaking - From Excuses to Execution

Dive into an extensive 92-minute interview with director James Kicklighter, exploring crucial aspects of filmmaking. Gain insights on working with professional actors, the importance of short films in launching feature careers, and why a $50,000 short film might be a mistake. Learn about the first steps a director takes on set, time management in production, and how to improve scripts before shooting. Discover advice for film school graduates, strategies for pitching to financiers, and the challenges of making a living in the industry. Explore comparisons between Bollywood and American filmmaking, and uncover the hardest lessons learned in the director's journey. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive discussion offers valuable perspectives on the art and business of cinema.

- Filmmakers Can Make Excuses About What They Don’t Have Or They Can Make A Movie
- Every Screenplay Is About Life And Death
- Money Has Nothing To Do With Making A ‘Real’ Movie
- When A Young Director Works With A Professional Actor For The First Time
- Advice To Filmmakers Who Are Having Trouble Getting Their First Movie Made
- Why A Filmmaker Shouldn’t Try To Sell Their First Movie
- How To Know If Someone Isn’t Cut Out To Be A Filmmaker
- How A Short Film Can Help A Filmmaker Get A Feature Made
- Two Questions A Filmmaker Should Ask Themselves Before Saying Yes To A Project
- Forget The 5 Minute Pitch, How About 18 Hours
- Comparing Bollywood To American Filmmaking
- For The Majority Of Filmmakers, A $50,000 Short Film Is A Mistake
- Advice To Film School Graduates On Making A Living As A Filmmaker
- Hardest Filmmaking Lesson That I’ve Learned
- Should A Filmmaker Ever Fire A Friend Off A Movie?
- First 5 Things A Director Does On A Film Set
- Biggest Time Waster On A Movie Set
- There Is No Wall Around Hollywood
- Should A Movie End With A Period Or Question Mark?
- 3 Things Every Filmmaker Must Watch Or Read
- The Stress Of Making A LIving As A Filmmaker
- A Filmmaker Doesn’t Have All The Time In The World
- Making A Movie About A Friend With Cancer
- Are Independent Filmmakers Getting Better As Business People?
- Best Ways For A Filmmaker To Sell Themselves To Film Financiers
- How A Director Can Improve A Script Before Production