"The best reason to make a film is that you feel passionately about it."

When you think about making a film, the driving force behind it should be your passion. This idea is simple but powerful: if you don’t care deeply about what you’re creating, it’s going to show. Your film won’t have the soul it needs to connect with people. It’s almost like cooking your favorite meal for someone special—you pour your heart into it, and that love makes it taste better.

This concept has been around for a long time. Filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese didn’t just make movies to make money or for the heck of it. They made films they were passionate about. Take "Pulp Fiction" by Quentin Tarantino, for instance. Tarantino had a vision and a burning desire to create something unique and gritty. He was so committed to his idea that he spent years working on the screenplay before it became the cult classic we know today. His passion is evident in every scene, every line of dialogue. It’s why the film resonates with so many people—it’s authentic.

Now, let’s take a real-life example. Think about Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird.” Gerwig grew up in Sacramento, and her personal experiences heavily influenced the story. She felt a deep connection to the character and the setting. It wasn’t just about making a film; it was about sharing a part of herself with the audience. That’s what makes “Lady Bird” so relatable and touching. You can feel Gerwig’s love and passion for the story, which is why it garnered so much critical acclaim and audience appreciation.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by asking yourself what you care about. What stories keep you up at night? What themes or ideas do you find yourself constantly coming back to? These are the seeds of your passion. Don’t chase trends or try to mimic the latest blockbuster if your heart’s not in it. Your audience can tell when something’s genuine and when it’s not. Do it because you believe in it, because it’s something you feel the world needs to see.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, talking to a friend about a film idea. You’re excited, practically bouncing in your seat as you describe the plot. Your friend’s eyes light up because they can see how much this story means to you. That’s the kind of energy you want to bring to your film.

Let me tell you a story about a friend of mine. Emma always wanted to make a documentary about her grandmother’s life. Her grandmother was a war survivor who had incredible stories of resilience and love. Emma didn’t have a big budget or fancy equipment, but she had a deep, burning desire to tell her grandmother’s story. She spent years interviewing her, piecing together old photographs, and learning basic editing skills. When she finally finished the documentary, it wasn’t just a film—it was a heartfelt tribute. It won several awards at local film festivals and even got picked up for a small distribution deal. But most importantly, it moved people. They could feel Emma’s passion and dedication, and that’s what made the film special.

So, think about what you’re passionate about. Let that be your guiding light. When you infuse your work with your true feelings and commitment, it’s like inviting your audience into your world. They’ll feel it, and they’ll appreciate it. And who knows? You might just create something truly unforgettable.