Now a few words of warning before we jump into this topic. If you’re expecting an article about how many theater seats you have to fill or YouTube views you have to accumulate before you can start calling yourself great, you’re about to be sorely disappointed.

This article, like many of the ones I publish on this site, is about your mindset, your philosophy, and your spirit. It’s about introspection and individuality. It’s about finding your own path through the world of filmmaking and walking it proudly irrespective of what other filmmakers are doing.

I know that probably sounds a little "out there," like I’m advocating that we all live in a world where the cars are powered by unicorn farts and we sing kumbaya all day long. I swear I’m not. Just stick with me.

So let’s dive down the rabbit hole, shall we.

What does it even mean to be “good” or “great” as a filmmaker?

Before we get into this, I think it might be useful to clarify a couple of things.

First, this article isn’t about the technical, logistical, or craft aspects of filmmaking. It’s not about how good you are with a camera, your ability to raise funds, secure locations, and manage a set. It’s not about whether you’re a master at one aspect of the filmmaking process or a well-rounded jack of all trades.

Nor does it have anything to do with how mass audiences or critics feel about your films. That may seem counterintuitive. Many of us equate greatness with getting to Hollywood, making a string of popular and critically acclaimed blockbusters (or high-budget indies), and calling it a career.

But I think greatness goes much, much deeper than that. Let me explain.

So what’s the difference?